Story of the Week
Play is something we’re all familiar with. As children, it’s a natural and essential part of our lives. It’s how we learn about the world, develop critical thinking skills, and fuel our creativity. However, as we grow up, we often lose the opportunity to play — and with it, the chance to discover new and exciting possibilities.
In my business, I make a deliberate effort to incorporate play. For example, I regularly explore new tools. With new tools constantly emerging, not all may fit into my workflow. However, through this playful exploration, I occasionally stumble upon something transformative. For instance, when I first experimented with Descript, I discovered a tool that not only streamlined editing for my audio podcasts but also for my videos, saving me significant time.
Another great example is the creation of the SwitchPod. Before we had a clear concept, my partner Caleb and I just played around. We used cardboard to experiment with different designs, giving ourselves the freedom to try new things and have fun in the process. This experimentation was crucial — it kept us motivated, creative, and open to new ideas.
However, the most impactful play for me always happens when exploring new business ventures. Instead of starting with what’s not possible, I approach brainstorming new ideas with the belief that there are zero limits. I can always prune and trim ideas later, but I want to start big, bold, and fantastic.
Permitting myself to play without fear of failure or judgment always leads to incredible ideas I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. This playful thinking makes events like Card Party, which I host, unique and enjoyable for all attendees involved.
I believe play is incredibly important. Yet as adults, we often lose this vital aspect of our lives. By reintroducing play into our daily routines and work processes, we can unlock new levels of innovation and passion. This allows us to take risks without fear, innovate freely, and stay enthusiastic about what we do.
Here’s a simple three-step process to help you reintroduce play into your business:
- Schedule Play Time: Dedicate time each week to explore new ideas, tools, or projects without any pressure. Treat it like an important meeting that you cannot miss. For me, I do this on Fridays, carving out time at the end of the week I can look forward to. The beautiful part is — there is no such thing as failure when it comes to play!
- Experiment Freely: Use this time to experiment with different approaches or tools. Allow yourself to fail without judgment and learn from each experience. The key is to have fun and stay curious.
- Reflect and Iterate: After each play session, take a few moments to reflect on what you’ve learned. Note any interesting discoveries or ideas that emerged, and consider how you can integrate them into your work.
Next time you’re faced with a new project, I encourage you to play around with ideas. Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines and have some fun with it.
As a bonus, if you decide to capture this process on video or in a journal as it happens, it becomes amazing content for your audience.
Keep playing, keep learning, and here’s to your playful success!
