
07/05/2025
I'm not exactly sure when I learned this.
But it's true.
You are not going to love every single thing you do every single day.
However, you need to pay attention to how often you say "yes" to this question. (Ryan Leak calls it the "fun" question.)
Am I enjoying it?
Here's why.
Enjoying some of what you're doing... some of the time, matters.
It bleeds over into other parts of your life.
Ryan suggests that being able to answer this well will help you live and lead at a higher level.
Who knew fun and enjoyment could be that important?
Isn't that just for kids?
Apparently not.
A little research revealed that FUN:
-is a feeling (not an activity)
-produces a visceral sense of radiance (in people having it)
-involves playfulness, a sense of connection, and a state of flow
That was super encouraging to me.
And... it reminded me.
One place I worked the small team I was on got moved into a tiny office space with no windows.
Definitely NOT fun.
On a dull, quiet afternoon my boss started throwing small wads of paper over the cube wall that separated our desks.
Clearly NOT what I expected.
And for the next several minutes we pelted each other back and forth.
Definitely FUN.
Simple.
Unexpected.
Playful.
That was decades ago, and I still remember it.
She created something we could enjoy.
She could have just as easily complained about our situation.
Complaining comes pretty naturally to most people.
Think about how often you hear someone complain about their:
- job
-health
-relationship
-dislike of the weather
Those folks don't seem to enjoy much of anything.
And because they're not... everyone around them senses that.
Ever given much thought to where you are on the complaining-enjoyment continuum in life?
Might be worth it.
“Complaining robs you of energy you could be using to contribute. And you need to protect your energy because whatever you put energy towards gets the most wins.” -Ryan Leak
I'll quickly add...life comes with plenty of "not fun" challenges.
But.
Just because something is challenging doesn't mean you need to complain about it.
Another option?
Give yourself permission to enjoy the journey.
Celebrate who you can become because you're willing to engage in it!
Easy to do?
Nope.
Worth it?
All day long.
“If your current situation is
-stretching your capacity
-helping you grow
-and causing you to think about what’s possible in your life…
Be grateful for that opportunity. Your growth hinges on your perspective of what’s difficult.” ~ Ryan Leak
Complaining less and enjoying more WILL uplevel your life (and your leadership).
And... a rising tide lifts all boats!
(For more tips on fun check out episode #115 for the Growth Mindset Matters Podcast on Apple, Spotify or at amybarg.com/podcast)