There are many ways to live life. Some people choose to focus on fun, freedom and fulfilment rather than fear. They do this in savvy way that helps them and others to stay sane in a sometimes challenging world.
Different people follow this approach for different reasons. Some are free spirits who have been encouraged to do what they enjoy. They do this in a way that encourages other people, however, rather than hurts people.
Some people reach a stage of life where they choose to take more control and do things they find fulfilling. Some may take this step in midlife, some may take it at an older age.
Some people choose to go the fulfilling route rather than give in to forces – such as institutions or fascists – that want them to live in fear. They focus on the things that give themselves and others fulfilment.
Different people follow this approach in different ways. Let’s explore how they translate this into action.
Fun
There are many definitions for the word fun. Here we are focusing on the things you enjoy. They may give positive energy, pleasure or involve following your passions.
What are the personal activities where you follow this approach? You may enjoy walking, being with your loved ones, playing music, cooking or doing other things where you feel alive.
What are the professional activities that you enjoy? You may do some kinds of work where you play to your strengths, set specific goals and achieve success.
Some professional athletes choose to refocus on the fun aspects of their sport rather than being concerned with fear. They focus on the pleasure rather than the so-called pressure.
Such people then often play their game with more freedom. They still aim prepare properly, be fully present and deliver high professional standards. They then do their best to achieve peak performance.
Looking ahead, how can you continue to do the activities that you find enjoyable and fun? What may be the benefits of doing these things – both for yourself and other people?
Freedom
People want to feel in control. They want to be true to themselves and work towards their life goals. They enjoy taking this approach whilst also recognising they may need to operate with certain parameters.
Such people find that the desire to feel in control is like oxygen. It also grows stronger as they get older. Some want to feel in control of their own death.
Many people believe they can choose their attitude in situations. They can choose to be positive or negative, take responsibility or avoid responsibility. They can choose to be creative or keep complaining.
Such people have what is called an internal locus of control rather than an external locus of control. This is a term coined by Julian Rotter in the 1950s. Let’s explore what this means.
People who have an internal locus of control are good at positive reframing. They aim to see the positive possibilities and solutions in situations.
Such people may manage their emotions by reframing things as projects. They may do this when tackling a challenge, embarking on a course of medical treatment or working to achieve a specific goal.
People want to feel in control of shaping their work. Daniel Pink highlighted this theme in his book Drive. Here is an introduction to his findings regarding what motivates people to do good work.
Autonomy – this is the desire to direct our own lives;
Mastery – this is the urge to get better and better at something that matters;
Purpose – this is the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves.
Great organisations recognise these themes. They therefore focus on managing by outcomes rather than by tasks. They also expect people to fulfil their part of the professional contract and contribute to achieving the organisation’s goals.
People who have an internal locus of control see themselves as professional freelancers. They recognise that the world of work has changed. There are fewer predictable career paths but there will always be projects.
Some individuals who work in organisations also take this approach. They may be full-time employees but they feel in charge of shaping their futures. One person expressed this approach in the following way.
“I aim to continue to do good work in my present organisation. That is my Plan A. I recognise that security is to have an alternative, however, so I also have a Plan B and Plan C.”
Fulfilment
People want a sense of fulfilment in their lives. They may aim to get this in their daily lives, relationships, work or other activities. Some get it by doing things where they enjoy the journey as much as reaching the goals.
What are the things you find fulfilling to do in your life? How can you continue to do these things? What will be the benefits – both for yourself and other people?
Different people follow different approaches to getting a sense of fulfilment. Here are some ways that you may follow. You may aim:
To build on your strengths, follow strategies that work and achieve success;
To do a specific activity where you can flow, focus, finish and, as a by-product, find fulfilment;
To focus a specific purpose, follow your principles and achieve your picture of success.
Many people want to feel they have done their best in life. They recognise that they will make mistakes, but they aim to grow kinder and wiser as they get older.
Some people then do the following kind of exercise. They focus on the positive things they want to give to people during their time on the planet.
People who take this approach may find that giving to others brings its own kind of fulfilment. Sometimes it leads to them enjoying a sense of peace.
As mentioned earlier, they are many ways to live life. Some people focus on fun, freedom and fulfilment rather than fear. This can help them and others to stay sane in a sometimes challenging world.
Imagine you want to follow elements of this approach. How can you do this in your own way? What may happen as a result of taking these steps?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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