How much fun are you having these days? It’s likely that you started your business with expectations of enjoying your work and having fun along the way, but if you’re missing this now, here are some ideas on how to make work feel a bit more like play while still achieving your business goals.
1. Get some perspective. When was the last time you took a proper break? It can really help to see things more clearly if you put some distance between yourself and the things which are making you feel down. Getting away from it all can often be enough to refresh your mind, recharge your batteries, and reignite those feelings of fun and enjoyment in your professional and personal life.
2. Make fun your sandwich. Everyone has parts of their job role which they enjoy and parts they wish they didn’t have to do. Try mixing up your day so you get your fix of the fun stuff to dilute the not-so-fun stuff. For example, if the mere thought of preparing your books for your accountant each month fills you with dread, sandwich it between tasks you really love doing so you’re on a high before you start and you have something to look forward to when you finish.
3. Be spontaneous with your team. It sounds obvious but it’s so easy to miss. Unplanned activities are often the most fun. If the sun is shining, treat your team to a picnic lunch in the park. Switch on the radio. Turn up to a meeting with a box of donuts. Bring your pets to work for the day! Anything that rocks your boat and will give you all a break from the norm. You’ll find that your team will be buzzing about whatever you do for days and it will make memories for the future.
4. Get some inspiration. I get a real boost from looking back at great customer reviews, it makes me feel proud of the work my team and I have delivered. We put these reviews in pride of place on our website and social media as testimonials for future clients. They are a great inspiration to us all and they give us the drive to deliver the same great experience to everyone who works with us.
5. Finally, don’t force it! Who wants to be told to enjoy themselves? The same goes for you as for your employees. Having fun is as much about perception as reality, so if you’re really not feeling it there’s no point pretending. This is the time to talk to someone who can empathise. Find a colleague, a friend or partner, a mentor or business coach who will listen and help you find the same fun in your business which was there when you started.
