When I tackle my work with a sense of play — voluntarily, because I’m inherently attracted to it — my creativity and optimism soar. I fall in love with the process. My playful energy becomes contagious, and I’m able to create unique art with the people around me.

So I made a commitment at that time that I still hold to this day, which is this: relax and find the fun. I remind myself before each call that if I’m coming from a place of service, then I’m willing to be fired in any given session. Sure, getting fired may suck, but playing it safe is a far bigger threat to my business in the long term.

The purpose of describing, say, your professional life or your family traditions as a game is twofold. You instantly shift the context from one of survival to one of opportunity for growth. You also have the choice of imagining other games you might prefer to play in these realms. Naming your activities as a game breaks their hold on you and puts y

The essential characteristic of human play is not that the emotions are spurious, but that they are regulated. This is revealed when sanctions are imposed on an illegitimate emotional display. Play may be grimly serious, or even fatally serious, but the social sanctions are serious only if the rules are broken. Pastimes and games are substitutes fo