As I coach my adult clients, I realize that we look to children’s behaviors as a model for increasing joy and fulfillment. Here are a few qualities and behaviors that may increase yours.
I encourage you to get on the playground of life and try them.
- Curiosity Kids are naturally curious. They like to explore without judgment. What if we were more curious, seeking to understand vs. trying to be right?
- Playfulness Kids do not need to be taught or reminded to play. They do not feel guilty having fun or taking time from work. What if we brought play to work or took downtime to recharge?
- Honesty Kids are honest (okay, sometimes to an extreme). However, what if we were more direct and straight forward? What if we held people accountable and they knew where they/we stood.
- Take a compliment Kids not only agree when you give them a compliment, they often elaborate and embellish it. What if we could graciously accept a compliment or say thank you without minimizing what has been said?
- Fearlessness Kids are fearless and willing to take chances. What if we could be more courageous and take greater risks? What if we were brave enough to pursue what we really wanted?
Practicing these concepts can be a challenge. As adults, we condition ourselves and forget some of our essential nature. What if we incorporated a few of these lessons into our lives? This is important work, not just child’s play.