Life is serious and taking it too seriously robs you of happiness, fun and productivity. A solemn outlook increases stress, squanders creativity and innovation, and stifles progress. If you’re reading this blog I hope these are not qualities you want in your life!
I was a terribly serious child, with a serious case of perfectionism. When other children played and laughed, I worried over problems that were out of my control. Even the smallest of issues needed to be carefully considered and intently studied. I focused so much on everything that was wrong that I lost sight of everything that was right, and I was deeply unhappy.
Learning to love life and myself was an amazing and challenging journey. Today my life is far from perfect, and yet I am happier, healthier, and more prosperous than ever before. A significant influence in creating this change was learning not to take life so seriously.
So let’s get on to the good stuff, here are some of my best ideas to adjust your perspective, have a little fun, and love the life you have today!
Be fun.
Smile. Laugh. Skip, hop, and run. Do something you truly love and have fun doing it!
Be entertained.
Read a comic. Tell an amusing anecdote. Share your most embarrassing story. Laugh at yourself, and with others.
Be unpredictable.
Give yourself a little room for spontaneity! Do something unexpected. Take a different route. Order a different drink. Do something unplanned.
Be flexible.
Write your to do list in pencil. Reassess your progress and adjust your goals halfway through the day. Embrace the unexpected.
Be responsible for and to yourself.
Don’t take on all the world’s problems because you can’t change them anyway. You can change yourself, and being the person you want to be, and being responsible for yourself, and to yourself, is the best way to affect progress.
Be positive.
Refrain from criticism, negativity and judgement. A positive attitude is contagious and freeing.
Be grateful.
A grateful attitude will help you celebrate the good things in life, and mitigate everything else.
Be human.
Unless you’re a hero in an epic tale, your actions rarely determine the fate of the world. You can make mistakes, fall down, and pick yourself up again. Mistakes are okay!
Be patient.
Everyone else is human, too. Give others a little room to learn and grow in their own time, and their own way.
Be yourself.
Embrace your quirks and foibles. Be perfectly imperfect. Accept and love yourself as you are in this moment!
I love your comments! What are your favorite tips to stop taking life too seriously?
Image courtesy of aleeed.