Why can't you be more creative? well, maybe it's because we aren't having fun!. Play, according to Tim Brown, is a crucial part of fostering creativity, and in the following inspiring video he talks about "play", a topic he is obviously very passionate about.

 

From the TED website : At the 2008 Serious Play conference, designer Tim Brown talks about the powerful relationship between creative thinking and play -- with many examples you can try at home (and one that maybe you shouldn't).

It's not just about "play" it's about having fun.

Lets face it, through life you will probably spend more time at work than any other single activity except sleeping. Surely therefore you would want to enjoy your work, make a difference and have fun. You will spend more time with your colleagues than your spouse, so it's ironic that often a person will spend years searching for their perfect companion, and then just settle for a pay check and the guy in a cubical next door. Not me ... its hard to find the line between my work, my private life, my family, friends and colleagues ... my work is a crucial part of my life, it's a passion, it's a form of self expression and it is also my hobby. At Queensberry we do our best to have fun, there is "Project Life", a program promoting wellness and community participation, massages every so often, birthday leave, Kabab Friday, Our Cultural Day, a Mello Yellow Lunch, stress balls, celebrating successes, the netball team, Basket Brigade, and of course our Social Club and Chrismas Celebrations etc. I wouldn't however say we've perfected "safe" communication however. Although we aspire for it, and would put right any upset caused we've got a little way to go before I could look you in the eye and say everyone speaks their mind without fear of criticism. The idealist in me wants to tell you this happens already, but we have a very passionate environment, people are deeply and emotionally connected to the cause and care strongly about how things should be done ... that brings challenges. One of my favourite people to watch on TV is Gordon Ramsay. Once you get past the theatrics he's just a guy who cares passionately about his craft, about people and wants to help people reach their potential. It's different, but in a weird sort of way, what happens on his show is a bit like Queensberry, and fortunately that comes together as an awesome, creative team changing the world they life in.

To stay creative and passionate you need to ...

Have fun Here are a few resources to use in your company. What about boss tennis, or you could consider peoples wellbeing, and of course make sure you schedule it by putting fun days in your calender. Finally to keep it fun, maybe there needs to be some rules Be inspired On the TED website there is a group of presentations called "Design Like You Give A Damn", that contains marvellous videos of Designers talking about their passion and discovery of design. Like the winemakers we met this week that made us want to have a go, these people are so creatively passionate they inspire you to find your own passion. Be the best you can be

"Don't worry about winning, it's having fun that counts."

This is a lie, and out of context it robs our children of ambition and destines many of them to loose as they don't ever get taught to win. There is no shame in loosing, there is no shame in making mistakes, but there is certain disappointment if you are not the best you can be. I believe in thinking big, and like Jim Collins, I believe in aspiring to move from Good To Great Be effective Finally, if you are to be happy, if you are to influence, if you are to be creative, and especially if you want to have fun you need to be effective. You need to get things done. In Leo Babauta's book "Zen to Done", he reminds us of these quotes.

"Much of the stress that people feel doesn't come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they've started" ~ David Allen

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" ~ Leonardo DaVinci

Zen to Done is an awesome book, and Leo's bi-line is "The ultimate simple productivity system". I'm not sure how it compares to all other systems, so can't say it's the ultimate system, but it certainly is a powerful way of organising your life and I have started using it myself.

"Talk doesn't cook rice" ~ Chinese Proverb

The most important part of any journey, is the first step, the second is picking a direction, and finally the decision to travel enthusiastically.

To find out more about Zen to Done click here or possibly you might like to read the Zen Habits Handbook for Life