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When someone says the word progress, fun usually isn't the top word we associate with it.
While it's true, progress isn't always pretty. Neither is it something we associate with being easy. The concept of progress can sometimes push us towards hard truths and places beyond our comfort zones. However, that doesn't mean we can't add joy or fun to the process. Perhaps it's why we should intentionally add a little color to our progress beyond the black-and-white we associate with our journey.
Let's break it down.
Fun ≠ excess
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Fun isn't always a priority when we think of progress. The reason: we associate it too much with excess. For us, having fun is a monumental activity— a reward only to be given when we've done this and that. How often do we hear ourselves saying, "If I do this first (and then the list continues,) I can have fun after," or "This will be more fun if I had this"?
While these feelings are valid, it's a sign that we've associated fun too much with excess when it should play an active role in our progress. When we tap quality fun, our brains process this in feel-good hormones (hello, happy hormones!) that make us feel better throughout our journey and even take it up a notch. Here's how:
A source of happiness. Having genuine fun gets perceived by the brain and releases hormones that give us that warm, cheery glow.
Wakes the creative spirit. Whenever we engage in fun, it could trigger our imagination and building blocks for creativity.
It develops focus. Fun might look like play, but it also increases motor and social skills that all require a level of focus— from being present-minded to getting our bodies engaged.
The love of connection. When pursuing fun, we open doors to connect with friends, people with similar interests, and ourselves.
Intentional wandering. We might get skills and traits from fun, but intentionally pursuing fun allows us to foster the beauty of just being. You can have fun without having an ulterior motive. It's okay, and you'll find the beauty of that too.
In search for quality fun
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While it's true that there's a strong association between fun to activities, research also suggests it could be a state of mind or thinking. Because the concept of fun is never linear, uniform, or has a standard, Catherine Price wants us to become strict with how we define it.
In her podcast, she suggests that the optimal definition of fun harnesses connection, flow, and playfulness. Fun should feel fulfilling, not strict. It allows us to move without judgment or criticism. It allows you to find solace in being. Fun means being in a focused, present state— even when your ultimate goal for fun is to unwind. It energizes and gives you a zest for life. You'll find yourself more connected to who you are, like-minded people, and the world.
Making fun a habit
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With all the benefits of having quality fun, the next challenge becomes how we could be more intentional in having fun regularly. For this, try out these prompts:
What brings me joy?
The most fun I've had in a while is when…
If I stripped it down, what did I find fun about it?
Once you've nailed those three questions down, you'll find a little more clarity in how to insert fun and joy into your life. It could look like dancing to your favorite music, going on unique experiences with your favorites, or trying something completely new every week. There's no one absolute way to do it, but with practice and intention, you'll find how to incorporate it and make it a staple for your progress. You'll feel the difference, too.
It’s time to break the thinking that fun is only something we should reward ourselves, and make it an integral part of the recipe for fulfilling progress. It won’t be easy to do at first as we feel like society hardwired us to do things to constantly chase the next big thing but by being intentional, practicing it, and making it a habit, we’ll slowly see & feel the life-changing differences of having fun on our journey— not just the end goal— will be.