(Photo courtesy of Senjuti Kundu/unsplash.com)
Let’s talk about fun. I once had a client who was so serious. Sue would never crack a smile or laugh at anything. She knew it. She was bright and well-spoken, but wanted to meet a man and continue advancing in her work. Though more than a decent performer at her job, her dour demeanor was always broached in her performance appraisals. She had few friends, and though quite attractive, Sue seldom had a second date. Without doing into a lengthy dissertation on how we resolved her challenge, I do remember the two questions that I first opened one of our conversations with. First, I asked Sue, “What are you so afraid of? I followed that with “What’s the very worst that could happen if you let yourself open up and have fun?
That thing we all claim to love but sometimes treat like an optional extra—like dessert at a fancy dinner is fun. Many of us keep fun at arm’s length, as if having too much of it might unravel the fabric of the universe. But seriously, what are we so afraid of? What’s the absolute worst that could happen if we let ourselves indulge in fun? Let’s explore the terrifying possibilities.
First off: Your life will fall apart. Obviously. The second you start having fun, everything will spiral out of control. You’ll miss deadlines, laundry will pile up, and within days, your cat will be running the household. You’ll wake up in a house made entirely of Amazon boxes and frozen pizza crusts. Productivity? Gone. The ability to function as an adult? A distant memory.
Except… maybe not? What if (brace yourself) having fun actually makes you more productive? Hear me out. Studies show that play breaks boost creativity and focus. So, that terrifying game of laser tag you’ve been avoiding could actually help you tackle that looming work project. The real disaster might not be fun—it’s taking yourself too seriously.
Now, here’s another fear: If people see me having fun, they’ll think I’m a clown. I might embarrass myself. Your carefully crafted image of a “Serious Adult” will evaporate the moment someone spots you wearing a sombrero at Taco Tuesday or playing Twister at a party. You’ve worked too hard to be seen as a person who has it together. You can’t risk being known as “the guy who sings karaoke with too much enthusiasm.”
But here’s the thing—people might actually like you more if they see you having fun. I know, it’s shocking. Fun makes you more relatable, more human, and—get this—more likable. If you’re constantly scowling in the corner with a stack of spreadsheets, you’re giving off vibes like an off-season accountant. But join in on the office trivia night, and suddenly, you’re the person everyone wants to sit next to. You’ll go from “that guy with no social life” to “the surprisingly fun person who’s great at movie quotes.”
Now, what happens if we flip the script and—hold onto your hat—take fun seriously?
First, let’s talk creativity. When do your best ideas pop up? In the middle of an intense brainstorming session, or when you’re in the shower, singing like you’re headlining Coachella? Exactly. Fun gives your brain a chance to relax and roam. That’s when the magic happens. So next time you’re stuck on a problem, ditch the whiteboard and go bowling. You’ll come back with a solution (and maybe a cool pair of socks).
But wait, there’s more! Fun is also the world’s best networking tool. Forget awkward small talk over limp salads at professional mixers. Want to build real connections? Play charades. Go on a hike. Organize a pickleball tournament. Nothing bonds people faster than shared laughter and a little friendly competition. Plus, when you’re having fun, you’re naturally more yourself—and people gravitate toward “What’s the Worst That Could Happen? The Ridiculous Risks and Surprising Rewards of Taking Fun Seriously”
Let’s talk about fun. That thing we all claim to love but treat like an optional extra—like dessert at a fancy dinner or flossing. We keep fun at arm’s length, as if having too much of it might unravel the fabric of the universe. But seriously, what are we so afraid of? What’s the absolute worst that could happen if we let ourselves indulge in fun? Let’s explore the terrifying possibilities.
First off: Your life will fall apart. Obviously. The second you start having fun, everything will spiral out of control. You’ll miss deadlines, laundry will pile up, and within days, your cat will be running the household. You’ll wake up in a house made entirely of Amazon boxes and frozen pizza crusts. Productivity? Gone. The ability to function as an adult? A distant memory.
Except… maybe not? What if (brace yourself) having fun actually makes you more productive? Hear me out. Studies show that play breaks boost creativity and focus. So, that terrifying game of laser tag you’ve been avoiding could actually help you tackle that looming work project. The real disaster might not be fun—it’s taking yourself too seriously.
But wait, there’s more! Fun is also the world’s best networking tool. Forget awkward small talk over limp salads at professional mixers. Want to build real connections? Play charades. Go on a hike. Organize a cornhole tournament. Nothing bonds people faster than shared laughter and a little friendly competition. Plus, when you’re having fun, you’re naturally more yourself—and people gravitate toward authenticity. One minute you’re tossing bean bags; the next, you’re landing your dream collaboration.
And finally, the biggest reward of taking fun seriously: you’re just happier. I know, it’s a radical concept, but life is actually better when it’s fun. Imagine that. More laughter, more joy, and fewer moments of staring blankly at a screen wondering where the joy in life went.
So, what’s the worst that could happen if you let yourself have fun? You might, just might, become more creative, likable, and happy. Sure, you could also end up at a costume party in a ridiculous outfit. But hey, you’ll be the life of the party—and the risks are worth the rewards.
P.S. Sue’s issues happened to be fairly deep-seated, but when she started to ponder the illusion of her fears, she began to take little risks. A warm, inviting smile began to replace her foreboding scowl. Those little risks compounded into becoming the delightful person that was previously hiding behind her mask. It took some time, but people started to notice Sue. She, in turn, gained confidence. Today, she is happily married with two children and a V.P. for her company. Facing her vulnerabilities with authenticity, fun is no longer a challenge for her.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon. All proceeds from the book through 2025 will be donated to charity.
