MADE FOR PLAYING
Made for Playing
Think about it—right from the start, we're built to play. As kids, we learn by falling down, dusting ourselves off, and trying again. This isn't just about scraped knees or the sweet triumph of those first wobbly steps; it's about our fundamental approach to life. Play isn’t just a childhood pastime; it’s how we figure out the world, even as adults.
Yet, as we grow up, we often get boxed into thinking there's only one right way to do things—make a mistake, and it feels like the sky is falling. We end up berating ourselves, passing judgment on others, and spiraling into a vortex where self-esteem, energy and creativity goes to die. It doesn't have to be this way.
To break out of this rut, we need to sprinkle a little P.L.A.Y. (Passion, Learning, Adaptability, Yes!) into our daily routine. This isn’t about reverting to childhood, but rather rediscovering that fearless, experimental spirit. It's about letting ourselves test ideas, learn from our failures, collaborate freely, and ultimately, succeed without burning out.
The Process of Learning: From Babies to Adults
Let’s take a moment to watch a baby learning to walk. There’s so much happening in this seemingly simple process:
Exploration: Babies don’t just start walking out of the blue. They watch, they wiggle, they reach out and see what the world holds.
Testing and Failing: Then come those shaky first steps. They’re all over the place, and yes, there are lots of falls. But each tumble? It’s a little lesson.
Collaboration: Every cheer from a parent, every hand held—it all builds confidence.
Learning and Adapting: With each try, babies tweak their approach, learning what works until finally, they’re off and toddling.
As grown-ups, we tend to forget this natural cycle of learning. We fear failure, we resist the unfamiliar, and we lose that spark of play. But imagine what could happen if we brought this playful learning back into our professional lives.
The Science Behind Play
Dr. Stuart Brown, a pioneer in play research, tells us that play isn't just fun; it's vital. It shapes our brains, helps us empathize, and boosts our capacity for creativity. Here’s why:
Neuroplasticity: Play doesn’t just help kids learn—it literally builds their brains, wiring us to adapt and overcome.
Dopamine Release: This is the feel-good chemical that lights up our brains when we play, driving us to explore and discover.
Stress Reduction: High stakes and high stress can choke creativity. Play loosens the grip of stress, giving our creative brains a chance to breathe.
Applying P.L.A.Y. in Professional Life
Passion: Stir up excitement. A team that loves what they do will bring energy and enthusiasm that’s infectious.
Learning: Never stop being curious. Embrace every chance to learn; it’ll open doors you never knew were there.
Adaptability: Things change, plans fail. Flexible teams can pivot without missing a beat.
Yes!: This is about affirmation, about building on ideas, about saying 'yes' and then 'and...' to take things one or 10 steps further.
We were absolutely made for playing. It’s in our DNA, from our first steps to our latest projects. By weaving play into the fabric of our professional lives, we can shatter the shackles of rigid thinking and spark a workplace revolution.
Like a baby learning to walk, we can explore, test, fail, adapt, and ultimately succeed. So why just work when you can play your way to success?
Now, get out there and trying something new!
