What would your world look like if the new business model is play? What if, like my first private party karaoke host gig, you got paid great money for having loads of fun?

It might sound crazy or even unobtainable, but I am a firm believer in attitude. How we approach the things we do is very important. If you see your work as a joy, something that you are privileged to do, like an interesting puzzle that needs to be solved, or a dance that you have the distinct honor to jam out to, doesn’t everyone benefit?

If building your business is drudgery, a life sentence of misery and pain, what good does that do anyone? Not only does worry and negativity close off creativity but it makes you a grouch. Who wants to hang around a grouch? Oh, maybe you can brag that you are some kind of holier than thou entrepreneur, choosing your hours, “in control”, but who cares if no one ever wants to be with you? I can promise you that no matter how financially successful you get, if you don’t have friends and family, you are doomed.

And the children….what example are we giving our children if work is no better than slavery? Dilbert may be funny, but usually only in an uncomfortable, self-deprecating, fatalistic way. Most people laugh at Dilbert cartoons because they cut. And don’t even kid yourself that your children don’t notice. They notice everything. Is a legacy of dreaded 9-5 the example we want to leave them?

So, I’m throwing down a play challenge. Approach your work like play this week and see what happens. Maybe it won’t make you feel better or more creative. Maybe it will. How are you going to know until you try it? Play at your work like you would climbing a tree – remember how that felt? The decision, the challenge, the determined effort, the puzzle of which way to go, the triumph and exhilaration once you reach the highest branch? And, call out to me when you’ve reached the highest branch you can reach and I will cheer you on for your deed. Do it for the children, ok?