I'm getting a presentation together for a conference in April, and I am not talking with myself nicely about it in my head. I'm presenting with a friend and colleague who, "I'm sure is much more polished than I am." I'm second guessing myself..."does my topic even fit with what the audience is expecting?!" "Will I be able to make this cohesive by April?" The ridiculous part about it is that the presentation deals with play, humor, and connecting with joy after loss. And I'm taking a distinctly un-playful approach.
So I started thinking about people who convey a sense of play and joy...the first person who came to mind for me was Jimmy Fallon. Here's a link to his top 10 most viral clips: http://uproxx.com/tv/2014/02/10-viral-clips-late-night-jimmy-fallon/ . He is so awesome because he conveys a genuine sense that he loves what he is doing. He laughs with his guests, he laughs at himself, and he seems really spontaneous.
I know I'm going old school, but one of the other people who came to mind quickly was Mary Lou Retton. I think most people who read my blog are old enough to remember her - the Olympic gymnast from the 1984. If you go back and watch any clips of her competing, she is much more noticeably joyful compared to not only her competitors then, but to any gymnasts now. People loved her because she conveyed an enthusiasm and joy in her immense talent.
And what about the Kid President - pure joy!
I think playfulness and joy must indicate some level of confidence. And if not confidence in the very thing we are doing, confidence that even if we 'mess up', we'll figure out a way to get back on track. I also think that play and joy indicate generosity - 'I have a gift, talent, or idea and I want to share it with you!'
I know people who are joyful coaches of their kids' sports teams, playful nurses, exuberant artists, and delighted skiers.
Where and how do you spend your time in ways that bring you joy? When are you able to convey a sense of playfulness and spontaneity? Can you find a way to do that thing more?
And what about the things we have to do? Things that aren't intrinsically playful? Housework is the first thing I think of. Sometimes I feel like folding the laundry and the dishes will never end. And indeed, they won't. Unless I become super rich and can hire people to do that for me. So given that I spend probably an hour a day doing dishes and folding laundry or other housework, is it possible for me to choose a joyful approach? I have nothing to lose by trying.
For me, it's not only a conscious shift in mental attitude but it's bringing an element of play into the task - for me that means listening to a podcast that interests me or music that makes me happy. This is the grown up version of my own Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. If you haven't read these kids' books from the 1950s, you should. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle lives in an upside down house, smells like cookies and was once married to a pirate and she plays with all the neighborhood kids and uses games, make believe and mischief to 'cure' them of all their childish ills like not taking a bath or not cleaning their rooms.
Really this post is a reminder to myself and maybe a nudge for you at the right time...if we find ourselves procrastinating or approaching a task with less than enthusiasm, take a few minute to suss out your obstacles. For me and my presentation, it's this great unknown - where to start? It's a little insecurity - will I be as good as I want to be? But now that I'm aware of the obstacles, I also have the power to make a shift. I have the choice not to take this (or any other task), quite so seriously. That's why I need to tap into my inner Jimmy Fallon and Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and put CCR on the ipod. If you take this approach too, I recommend a little Bad Moon Rising.
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