Summer Play
As we are hitting the height of summer here in Michigan, I want to give you a different kind of professional “boost” today.
Let’s talk about play.
Often our most creative work ideas come when we aren’t actually working.
We think about problems through a different lens.
Or our mind works on them when distracted by something else.
This week, I saw this clip on the Today Show highlighting a summer trend.
Whimsy-Maxxing.
The trend is defined as this:
Intentionally injecting playfulness, imagination, and childlike joy into your everyday routine. The concept encourages combating adult monotony by surrounding yourself with vibrant colors, kitschy statement pieces, and fun hobbies.
A quick Google search gave me all kinds of ideas and in the AI result it asked me this:
If you want to try whimsy-maxxing yourself, tell me:
What are your favorite colors or hobbies? Are you looking to whimsy-max your wardrobe or your living space?
I added my favorite color and hobbies and said I wanted to whimsy-max both. The ideas it served me up were great! If you are interested, I definitely recommend trying this chat.
My other realization is that I must have whimsy on my mind this year. A quick blog search highlighted posts writing in both February and May on the topic. Yesterday, I also had a related topic with a post titled, Catching Fireflies. Whether you call them fireflies or lightening bugs, this is the time of year they put on a show. The post reminds us to slow down and enjoy the magic…plus I included links to 5 or 6 firefly songs. I soundtrack to enjoy during this evening’s show.
Finally, five or six years ago, I read the book Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee. The book perfectly fits the idea of whimsy. I loved it and would highly recommend if you are looking for a summer read on the science of joy…and whimsy.
Posts This Week
Personal Development Journey. This post highlights the journey I started 12 years ago that has led to my coaching frameworks and outlook on my career and life. I invite you to consider what the journey could mean to you and your growth.
Professional Photo Tips. Many of us dread getting professional photos taken. However, they are an important part of our personal branding. This post provides 3 tips to consider.
Emotions vs. State of Mind. We all have emotions that shift from day to day. However, what is the difference between emotions and our overall state of mind. This post provides an analogy to recognize the difference.
The Emotional Side of Job Loss. This post builds on the emotions vs. state of mind from the prior post but looks specifically through the lens of job loss and what you might be feeling.
Podcasts That Caught My Attention
This week the podcasts align with the theme of play and how to bring a lighter energy to our summer months. The last two on the list are focused on interviews with Ingrid Fetell Lee discussing her book and 10 principles for bringing more joy into your life.
Summer Fun that Doesn’t Break the Budget. 12 minutes. Life Kit. This episode provide ideas on how to add a little creativity for inexpensive summer activities including going on a “penny date”, throwing a movie marathon party, or swapping houses with a friend.
How to Take Effective Mindful Breaks at Work. 9 minutes. Optimal Work Daily. An hour-by-hour approach to weaving mindfulness into the workday, helping prevent stress from escalating into overwhelm while improving focus, emotional awareness, and well-being.
Magic Happens in the Mushy Middle. 5 minutes. Before Breakfast. Every project has a mushy middle. This podcast covers how this is where the magic happens. Maybe adding some play and strategic breaks in this time will stimulate the magic.
The Science of Joy: Why You Need It and How to Get It with Ingrid Fetell Lee. 61 minutes. 10% Happier with Dan Harris (2023). In this interview they discuss the hidden influence that your surroundings can have on your happiness. And how to tweak things in subtle but powerful ways.
Finding Joy Again. 55 minutes. The Goop Podcast (2019). Ingrid Fetell Lee sits down with Elise Loehnen to explore how different sensory experiences can help us tap into our joy again. They talk about why we, as a society, tend to devalue sensory experiences and label anything that is bright and colorful as frivolous.
What Do You Think?
How might you add a bit of whimsy into your summer? What about in your work?
Have you considered the difference between emotions and states of mind?
What ideas did the posts & podcasts spark that you could implement in the week ahead?
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