Freelance Fun on Fridays: Time for Play

There’s nothing like a little play to unleash your creative side, and nothing like tapping your inner child to get you there.

Do you remember what it was like to sit outside in your sandbox and build sand castles? What about the smell from a box of 64 Crayola crayons, and afternoons you spent coloring in a new coloring book? Or all the buildings you used to build with Legos and Lincoln Logs—remember those?

Just thinking about these things conjures up so many fond memories of my childhood. What about you?

By now, I bet you’re wondering what all this has to do with freelancing and life as an independent contractor, right? And you’re probably wondering why I’m focusing on something like tapping into your inner child on Bizzia.com—after all, it is a business channel.

Well, let me explain. I think sometimes that we get so locked into our adult responsibilities and lives that we forget how to play. I’m not suggesting that you go out and buy an adult-sized sandbox or that you take Friday afternoon off so you can build a mansion out of Legos. But I am suggesting that you invite the spirit of play into your life and your work is a key component of the creative process. When you’re playing or experimenting, it usually means you’re having fun. And if you’re having fun while you’re working, it’ll come through in the final product.

So today’s Freelance Fun on Friday activity is to wrap up your workday a little early and take time out for play. Do something that you haven’t done in years—maybe even since grade school. Here are a few suggestions:

• Do you miss coloring? Go buy a box of Crayolas, a great coloring book, and color between (or outside) the lines for a while.
• What was your favorite childhood book, and when was the last time you read it? Do you own a copy? Go find one and take a walk down memory lane.
• When was the last time you played on playground equipment or sat in a swing? Go find a playground and let your inner child out to play.
• What was your favorite childhood movie, and when was the last time you watched it? Go rent the movie and watch it again.
• Do you have any toys left over from your childhood? When was the last time you took them out of the box? Go grab that box and take out some relics from your past.

I’m betting that some of you might feel like this exercise is a waste of time. But in the spirit of open-mindedness and experimentation (both good traits to have as a business owner), suspend your disbelief if you have any and take some time out for play this afternoon.

Drop me a line and tell me what happens! Did you learn anything during playtime that will help you in your business?

Photo credit: John-Morgan (Flickr)