Perception Isn't Always Reality
- By Paul Long
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- 31 Aug, 2017
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Fresh off what I would define as a successful trip to Des Moines, I found some time to reflect on my drive back to Kansas City. On Tuesday, August 29th, I spoke to the USDA in the morning and a group of 85 corporate meeting planners at the Midwest Speaker's Showcase in the afternoon. In both sessions I referenced the negative perception the word F.U.N. has in the workplace. For years, speakers bureaus, speakers and some corporate executives have been telling me that I should be cautious marketing F.U.N.
as the cornerstone of my service offering. The reason, they advised, was that many organizations saw F.U.N. as an impediment to productivity.
Despite this advice, I decided to move forward preaching the importance of connecting to life through F.U.N. Why? Because I could not disagree more with the philosophy that F.U.N. limits productivity! I know that there's not an organization, association or industry out there not currently looking for ways to improve employee engagement, reduce attrition or create the workplace where individuals actually desire to come to work. Businesses are looking to have more F.U.N. in the workplace. They just call it something different.
My first job fresh out of college was working in a call center for an insurance company. My colleagues called me "Tigger" as I was always bouncing about. One day before our shift a group of coworkers called me over to chat. One asked me, "Paul, are you always this upbeat and optimistic?" To which I responded, "this is me and the only way I've ever known so YES!" As I walked away I heard someone in the group say to the others, "give it time, this place will get to him." I couldn't believe it! My whole life up to this point I was told that I could accomplish anything, inspire the masses or even change the world. However, here I was in my first job in the real world hearing that my optimism was short lived and that this environment would alter my state of mind.
For years I believe many individuals have allowed their environments to shape their emotions. Why? Wouldn't it make more sense to envision the emotion we want to FEEL and allow that emotion to help shape the environment in which we live? Life is all about perspective. F.U.N. can be had in the workplace and in life, if done with purpose. I'm not talking about being silly, telling jokes and playing games all day. When I reference F.U.N. I'm talking about gravitating towards the things that give you strength, accepting who you are or "foundation" as an individual, taking the time to "understand others" and identifying "next steps" in promoting the environment you seek.
Moving forward, I'd like to challenge all of you reading this to find ways to have more F.U.N. in life, including in the workplace. Lead an uplifting meeting, share a kind word to a stranger, find time to watch a funny movie, tell a customer what you appreciate about them or anything else you feel would lift you up! You'd be amazed at the difference altering your perspective could make in creating the environment in which you desire to live. And if you or your organization need a little help finding ways to have more F.U.N. with purpose? Well you know where to find me!
Despite this advice, I decided to move forward preaching the importance of connecting to life through F.U.N. Why? Because I could not disagree more with the philosophy that F.U.N. limits productivity! I know that there's not an organization, association or industry out there not currently looking for ways to improve employee engagement, reduce attrition or create the workplace where individuals actually desire to come to work. Businesses are looking to have more F.U.N. in the workplace. They just call it something different.
My first job fresh out of college was working in a call center for an insurance company. My colleagues called me "Tigger" as I was always bouncing about. One day before our shift a group of coworkers called me over to chat. One asked me, "Paul, are you always this upbeat and optimistic?" To which I responded, "this is me and the only way I've ever known so YES!" As I walked away I heard someone in the group say to the others, "give it time, this place will get to him." I couldn't believe it! My whole life up to this point I was told that I could accomplish anything, inspire the masses or even change the world. However, here I was in my first job in the real world hearing that my optimism was short lived and that this environment would alter my state of mind.
For years I believe many individuals have allowed their environments to shape their emotions. Why? Wouldn't it make more sense to envision the emotion we want to FEEL and allow that emotion to help shape the environment in which we live? Life is all about perspective. F.U.N. can be had in the workplace and in life, if done with purpose. I'm not talking about being silly, telling jokes and playing games all day. When I reference F.U.N. I'm talking about gravitating towards the things that give you strength, accepting who you are or "foundation" as an individual, taking the time to "understand others" and identifying "next steps" in promoting the environment you seek.
Moving forward, I'd like to challenge all of you reading this to find ways to have more F.U.N. in life, including in the workplace. Lead an uplifting meeting, share a kind word to a stranger, find time to watch a funny movie, tell a customer what you appreciate about them or anything else you feel would lift you up! You'd be amazed at the difference altering your perspective could make in creating the environment in which you desire to live. And if you or your organization need a little help finding ways to have more F.U.N. with purpose? Well you know where to find me!
The water's warm. Jump in! When is the last time you took on something that seemed daunting on the surface and maybe even had doubts that it could be accomplished? In this episode, Larry and Paul discuss Volley Llama, public speaking, and the euphoric feeling when you find success doing things you thought couldn't be done.
Fresh off of her Queer Eye debut, ten-year-old, Lucy Stoner, opens up about life. We've known about her sass for years and now the world is getting exposed to her awesomeness. In this episode, Lucy and host, Paul J Long, talk ice skating, Michelle Kwan, how to get through difficult times, a big move, roasting roommates and more!
Eleven. Have you ever observed something showing up so much in your life that you feel that the universe is telling you something? In this episode, Ruby Jean's Juicery founder Chris Goode, discusses energy, doubters, authenticity, leading with love, soul food and more! Big things are in store for this community leader and his passion is capable of igniting something inside of you. Bear down and prepare yourself to ride this wave of energy!
How do you deal with challenging moments in life? Keep it moving! In this episode, teacher and health coach, Kim Vater addresses the correlation between mental and physical health. The decisions you're making in life are impacting you more than you know. Tune it to find out how!
What was the first album you ever owned? What memories do you have that are connected through song? In this solocast, Paul J Long discusses the power music has in moving us past heartache and giving us strength. If horrible singing is your jam, this is your episode because Paul goes HAM reciting and singing song lyrics that have meaning to him. What are song lyrics that speak to you? Find us on social media and let us know!
What do you want most in life? What power do you have in creating that outcome? In this episode, one of our most popular guests, Larry Perez, joins us again to discuss energy and experience. Masterful in the art of self-discovery and provoking thought, Larry is a FUN listen and will certainly get you looking inward for the answers you seek.
What was your darkest day? How did that moment shape your life and perspective? In this episode, Twin Cities and Fox 9 meteorologist, Ian Leonard, discusses the scariest moment in his life, parenthood, the power of laughter and everything in between. In hands down one of our most powerful episodes to date, you'll laugh, cry and think about what really matters in life.
Outside of family, for what are you most passionate? How could that passion manifest itself in a work environment? In this episode, international speaker, Matt Havens, discusses those topics, his perceived lack of executive presence, the scary leap to entrepreneurship, generational gaps in the workforce and more!
Are you unhappy with your work situation but don't see yourself as the entrepreneur type? You have other options. In this episode, CC Brown discusses his approach to stress and how he minimizes its role in life. Sure to bring all the laughs you need in one day, The Universe Will Move It is a can't miss.
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Want more FUN in your life? Check out Paul J Long's bestselling book, Connecting to Life Through F.U.N. on Amazon. A portion of proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research and the book guaranteed to bring more fun, joy and fulfillment to your life!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JX7FTYM
