Work and Play

We all want to enjoy work.

Who wants to dwell in tedious tasks or daily drama?

So, if we all want it, why is enjoyment so often elusive?

The common reasons are: our boss, coworkers, overload, low pay, lack of challenge, and so on.

Yet, if we look a little deeper we might notice something else.

We might notice that we often view work and play as different activities.

We view work as all work and play as all play.

Yet, experience tells us life is more fluid.

Playing with a toddler, for example, could be a tremendous amount of work.

Likewise, working through a gnarly problem can feel like play.

It’s more accurate to view work and play as different attitudes, not different activities.

Recognizing this gives us more control of our workday.

With greater control, enjoyment follows.
 

Turn This Minute into a Moment

Our beliefs about work and play can shape how much we enjoy our workday. Viewing work and play as different attitudes rather than different activities give us an always accessible source of control. Next time work is bearing down, ask yourself: could someone view this as game-like? How? (Note: if the work conditions are dangerous or exploitative this may not be possible.)

Bring mindfulness and productivity to your life.

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