What Kids, Kittens, and Puppies Know About Productivity
“In short: Hard work works; smart work works better; smart play works best.” - Steven Kotler, p. 238, Gnar Country.
If you’ve crossed the Rubicon (age 50) like me, then you’re probably interested in healthspan vs. lifespan like me. In other words, how to live a healthy life in later years, not just a long one.
The human brain actually does get wiser and has a better perspective in later life, so you’re not doomed to rot and decay just because you’re in the second half of your four thousand weeks.
Not only that, but the things that help you stay active longer as you age also help you with productivity when you’re at work. How’s that for a tasty free lunch?
Play for adults who want to be more productive
Put away the “put away childish things” notion from the bible if that’s what’s preventing you from living a fuller and longer life. There’s a lot of nonsense in that book, so set that one aside.
And if you think play is only for children (and/or puppies and kittens), set aside that notion too. Yes, in American work culture you’re supposed to be serious about everything and put your nose to the grindstone, but that’s only for those who want to do nothing but work.
(Bear in mind that unless you die young you will have to retire at some point, and then what will you do when you don’t have work? That’s a discussion for another time.)
I will also point out that authoritarian rulers, and those who wish to be authoritarian rulers, try to quash creativity and play. It’s easier for them to take over when everyone is afraid and panicking. So if you’re unhappy with the would-be tyrant currently occupying the Oval Office, enjoying creativity and play is a way to take back control.
If you prefer to do things that you enjoy outside of work (even when you love what you do!), that’s where play comes in. Action sports, board games, improv games, music, card games, whatever you enjoy. Anything that doesn’t count as work and doesn’t pay but that you enjoy.
Yes, you are actually allowed to enjoy things and not try to monetize them! This also allows your play to be as sh*tty as you want and removes any pressure to be good at it. Because when that pressure comes, it might not feel like play anymore.
Play is good for your brain (and for productivity)
Play generates those feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain. And with the current sh*tshow happening in DC, I think everyone could use more happy thoughts.
Play lowers stress, which, again, I think pretty much everyone is feeling for one reason or another. Don’t forget that constant stress contributes to inflammation in the body, which is linked to diseases like obesity, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.
And especially when you’re older, play can help you learn new things faster than you might otherwise. The brain, like the rest of the body, is “use it or lose it”. Elderly people who are still sharp and active are that way because they stayed sharp and active as they aged.
Now, you’re probably thinking, Play sounds great, but I don’t have the time. (If you’re a business owner, click here to set up your free Laser Focus Acceleration Session to create a schedule that works for you and moves your business towards your goals.)
Back to the quote up top. Steven Kotler reached his skiing goals with plenty of play. But he also wrote the book Gnar Country, directed the Flow Research Collective, launched one book and edited another while skiing for hours pretty much on a daily basis. Each workday starts with three or four hours of nothing but writing.
He did get up at oh dark thirty (he’s clearly a lion sleep chronotype!) to do all of this and still get as much sleep as he needed. He trained himself to drop into a flow state very quickly, so he can get a lot done during work time. But along the way, he optimized his routine for the life he wants in addition to his work.
People tell me they don’t have time to work out, or play, or have a meal with a friend. But that’s not really true. It might be a side effect of the way they’re working now, but no one has to work like that forever. Or even for one more day.
You could have time for the things you want in life by optimizing your daily routine. You might not get the ideal one right away, but you could figure it out using basic principles of how the brain works. (Or take the easier way and have me help you with that.)
It can be done. You can fit play with your work and still have a thriving and growing business.
It’s your choice as to whether you want to work toward burnout or work toward a fulfilling life.
Recap (tl;dr):
Grow old and healthy by making time for play.
Can’t find time to play in your schedule? Click here to schedule your complimentary Laser Focus Session today.
Photo by Daniel Dan on Unsplash.