Coaching is not all about business. In fact, the importance of the pursuit of pleasure is a fundamental concept that is inherent to all forms of professional coaching. To this end, I insist that making time for fun becomes a priority for every client I serve.
Pleasure is not optional in life. It is air and food for the soul. Without joy, life is just a struggle against overwhelming odds that results in death after a painful torment lasting 70 years or so. Is this what kind of existence you want? Of course not.
The definition of fun is a highly personal criterion. What works for you might not work for all. Therefore, you must discover the sources of joy that will truly enact positive life effects each day. Fun can not be neglected chronically or the body and mind will suffer terrible consequences.
I try not to be invasive in my recommendations, but I must insist that the chosen practices and pursuits are not negative in any way and do not compromise physical, mental or emotional wellness. This eliminates anything that is damaging to yourself or others, so let’s focus on realistic and constructive pastimes for the remainder of this essay.
Fun might consist of eating your favorite food or watching your favorite television program. Fun might be defined as reading or exercising outdoors on a beautiful day. Fun is easily found in the wonderful company of family, friends and pets. Fun can be a hobby, a pastime or a simple hour of relaxation in a serene environment to contemplate the joys of life and the promises of a terrific future. Fun might involve helping others to accomplish for themselves. Fun, in its purest form, is just embracing the frivolity of life and practicing being silly.
You must find your own personal definition of fun. This is not an optional step of my coaching program. In fact, I work diligently with clients to be sure they can maximize their enjoyment of life, in spite of their pain or illness. After all, fun is fundamental to life satisfaction. So many chronic pain and illness patients have lost all joy in life. They have become so fixated on pain, suffering and hopelessness that they truly have forgotten how to have fun.
Start by smiling. It feels nice. Look in the mirror. You will smile more when you see yourself looking back at you with a happy face. It is vital to focus on things you want to do, rather than things you feel you must do. Do not concentrate on your limits or on activities that are currently out of reach. Instead, get back to the most basic instincts to enjoy life, even in the simplest and most humble of ways.
Having fun should not be a burden. It should be: FUN. Let’s keep it that way. In my coaching programs, I have designed expert assessments to assist clients find the things that will add joy to their lives. Once they learn to enjoy life again, they are always amazed at how much better they feel. Better yet, they begin to balance their individual equation from one leaning drastically towards suffering, to one that is now headed towards gratitude and satisfaction.
Do you really want to feel this happy all the time? Then get to work.
Find fun. Do it now. I would love to help you to achieve this worthwhile goal.
