Feeling Stuck in Serious Mode? Here’s How to Flip the Script with Play
May 7, 2025
Ever feel like life is all work and no play? Discover how seriousness can become a rut that leads to burnout. The power of play isn't just about fun—it's where creativity thrives. Learn to embrace joy and free yourself from the grind. Dive into the idea that play fosters connection and adaptability in life's infinite games. Prioritizing play can transform your existence into a more fulfilling adventure. It’s time to loosen up, smile, and reclaim the joy that might have been lost!
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Rekindle Your Natural Play
Remember that play is a natural state you can return to anytime, even if you've forgotten how to play.
Make effort to rekindle play, as it can reawaken joy and curiosity deeply inside you.
insights INSIGHT
Seriousness Stifles Play
We become serious adults and lose touch with natural play because of routines and fear of mistakes.
Without joy and curiosity, life becomes a grind and we lose our way.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Inject Fun and Novelty
Embed novelty, fun, and unpredictability intentionally in your life to feel more exhilarated and fulfilled.
Play is essential for maintaining excitement and connection like in childhood.
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In 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,' Greg McKeown argues that by applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, individuals can regain control of their time and energy. The book is divided into sections such as Explore, Eliminate, and Execute, providing practical advice on distinguishing the vital few from the trivial many and eliminating non-essential activities. McKeown emphasizes the importance of clarity of focus, the ability to say 'no,' and living 'by design, not by default.' This approach helps readers achieve more by doing less and making the highest possible contribution in their personal and professional lives.
Never Play It Safe
A Practical Guide to Freedom, Creativity, and a Life You Love
Chase Jarvis
In 'Never Play It Safe,' Chase Jarvis argues that safety is an illusion that holds us back from true fulfillment and extraordinary success. The book is structured around seven core 'levers': attention, time, intuition, constraints, play, failure, and practice. Jarvis draws from his own transformative experiences and insights from top entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and performers to help readers break free from the comfort of playing it safe. He provides practical techniques to train attention, unlock potential, and achieve a life filled with freedom, creativity, and fulfillment.
Creative Calling
Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life
Chase Jarvis
In 'Creative Calling', Chase Jarvis emphasizes the importance of creativity as a habit available to everyone, regardless of their profession or background. The book introduces the 'IDEA' system: Imagine your big dream, Design a daily practice to support it, Execute on your plans, and Amplify your impact through a supportive community. Jarvis encourages readers to start small, making creativity a part of their daily lives, and argues that this practice can lead to greater direction, agency, and happiness in life.
Hey friends, Chase here.
Ever feel like you're taking life a little too seriously?
Wake up. Work. Hustle. Repeat. Somewhere along the way, we stopped playing—and started grinding through our days like machines.
Why We Get Stuck in Serious Mode
We were taught that being serious means being responsible. That fun is a distraction. That joy is something we earn.
But let’s be real—seriousness without joy just leads to burnout.
Play Isn’t the Opposite of Progress
Play is where creativity begins. It’s what makes challenges fun and failure less scary. It helps you breathe, think, connect, and feel again.
You Don’t Need Permission to Lighten Up
You already know how to play, you’ve just forgotten. But it’s still there, waiting.
So try it. Loosen the grip. Smile more. Make life a little less rigid and a lot more yours.
Until next time, stay curious, and stay in the game.
The Chase Jarvis LIVE Show 
