Bringing Playfulness into Life
As Shakespeare once said, life is a stage where we all play our parts. Yet, as we grow older, we often forget the joy that comes with playfulness. The seriousness of adult life tends to overshadow the light-heartedness of our childhood. We can rekindle our playful spirit by being childlike again.
Incorporating playfulness into our daily lives is not just about having fun - it’s about cultivating a mindset of curiosity and creativity. Playfulness is a powerful tool that adults can use to enhance their well-being and sense of fulfilment. When we allow ourselves to play, we break free from the constraints of rigid thinking. We become more adaptable to think outside the box and see every hurdle as a part of the game. Moreover, we can find joy in the simple moments of life.
For example, consider how Shakespeare used playfulness in his works. His plays were not just stories; they were games of wit, layered with irony, humor, and unexpected twists. By viewing life through the lens of a storyteller, we can shed the mask and embrace the chance to be humane rather than perfect. We can learn to laugh at our mistakes and to find humor in the most unlikely situations.
Similarly, we can make routine work engaging and enjoyable through gamification. Gamification is the process of applying game-design elements to non-game contexts. This can be a powerful way to bring more joy into our lives. By setting goals, earning rewards, and creating challenges for us, we can make even the most routine tasks more exciting.
For instance, by turning your daily exercise routine into a game where you earn points for each workout and receive rewards for reaching milestones. Or consider gamifying your work by setting small challenges throughout the day, turning tasks into quests that you can complete with a sense of accomplishment. The key is to make life into a game of treasure hunt, where we search for new clues that lead to the next adventure.
I believe life is like a mystery novel, which has suspense, drama and action and an array of characters and situations that challenge the mindset. To make playfulness a way of life, I embark on different travels or try new projects or learn skills. An adventurous attitude keeps me refreshed, curious and creative. I remember, I would look for all the possible combinations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on car number plates. Gamifying math made the subject spontaneous and interestingly, this skill of connecting dots has helped me in life extensively.
Embracing playfulness and gamification is not about avoiding responsibilities or living in a fantasy world. It is a simple, yet powerful way of taking charge of our mindset by adding layers of joy and creativity to everyday experiences. So, why not start today and turn your life into a game, and let the play begin!
