People are Often More Playful Than They Realize
If you're reading these emails, you probably identify as a pretty playful person. But it's not unreasonable to think that you know one or two (or fifty) people who don’t consider themselves playful. Did you know this could be because most people only consider one type of play when they think of the word "playful"?
Most people think of lighthearted playfulness—the carefree, spontaneous fun that brings joy and laughter. But there are actually three other types of play that are equally important and transformative:
Relational Playfulness: This involves using humor and play to connect with others, ease difficult situations, and cheer people up. It's all about relationships and social bonds.
Whimsical Playfulness: Do you enjoy unusual or extraordinary activities? Maybe you’re drawn to the quirky and eccentric. If that sounds like you, then whimsical play is your thing. It’s about finding joy in the unconventional and extraordinary.
Intellectual Playfulness: For those who love to play with ideas, solve problems creatively, and engage in deep thinking. Intellectual play involves a love for learning and a curiosity-driven approach to life.
Understanding these different play styles can help us appreciate how play manifests uniquely in each of us. It's not about fitting into a single mold but recognizing and embracing our unique ways of engaging with the world.
So, what’s your play style? Are you a lighthearted improviser, a relational connector, a whimsical explorer, or an intellectual thinker? Or maybe a mix of these? I’d love to hear what you think. If you’re still not sure, you can check out this mini self-assessment (it’s on sale!)
And if you’d like to bring this kind of work to your team, I’m available for workshops! Personal Play Identity workshops are great for teams of 4 to 40! (Eh, those numbers are kind of arbitrary, we can make it work for your team, no matter the size).
You already know that if we can incorporate more of our unique play styles into our work and daily lives, the benefits are numerous. Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for creativity, connection, and well-being.