When was the last time you had a real belly laugh? When I need a laugh, I watch a segment of Impractical Jokers. My favorite? The one about the roommates from hell.
If you took a break to watch that video, I'm glad you are back. I hope you laughed as much as I did.
The ingredient of success that I want to talk about today is "not taking yourself too seriously". If you did watch the video, I think you will agree that Joe, Sal, Q, and Murr can't take themselves too seriously when taking on a challenge from the other guys.
It is so important to find joy in your work. If your job doesn't bring you joy, then you need to take a breath and take a long look at where you are and where you really want to be.
I have a good friend whose husband left a high paying sales job to be a teacher and football coach. He makes WAY less than he used to, but he is so happy and he is perfect in his role. They planned for the change. They were fortunate to be able to invest in real estate to have recurring monthly revenue that made up for his reduced salary. So smart! Then recently he got promoted to be the athletic director of the school and within one month, he realized that he was out of his element and that to be a teacher and coach, even though seen by outsiders as a "step back", was really the right move. He remembered why he wanted to teach and coach. It is about the kids. He got his joy back.
Life is too short to be miserable and stressed all of the time. True success comes from loving what you do. And being able to laugh at yourself will get you through the tough times or times when you make a mistake. Life will go on. Learn from the mistake and move on.
If you haven't laughed in awhile, go see a funny movie or watch a segment or two of the irreverent Impractical Jokers. Then go and make a plan to integrate fun and laughter into your work life.
Bottom line? Laugh often, laugh loudly, laugh with others, laugh at yourself.
Stay tuned. Tomorrow's blog will be about the next success factor - having a Manifesto.
---------------------------
