It’s easy to find joy when everything is going smoothly.
But what about those moments when life feels heavy? When you’re caught in the grind, or things just aren’t going your way? That’s when the real magic happens. The ability to find fun in unfun situations – turning a tough moment into something lighter and more manageable – is a superpower that can transform not only how we feel but also how we lead, work, and connect with others.
I’ve learned this firsthand, especially in my work around strategic design and leadership. Helping organizations scale, adapt, and thrive during tough times has shown me one thing: it’s not the challenges themselves that define us, but how we respond to them. And the best way to respond? With a bit of humor and creativity. When you can inject even a little playfulness into an otherwise stressful moment, everything changes.
When I think about it: some of the best leaders I’ve encountered over the years are the ones who can keep the atmosphere light, even in intense situations. They don’t brush off the difficulty; they just know how to handle it differently. They’re the ones who crack a joke when the pressure is on or turn a challenging meeting into a chance for everyone to bond. They bring people together by reminding them that it’s not all doom and gloom – that even in hard times, there’s room for growth, innovation, and yes, a little fun.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t some magical trait that a few lucky people are born with. It’s a skill you can cultivate, like any other. It’s about being able to reframe a situation, to see beyond the immediate challenge and find a way to laugh or be creative within it. I’ve had to practice this myself, especially when working on complex projects or in high-pressure environments. It’s so easy to get bogged down by the weight of it all, but the minute you choose to find the humor or the light in the situation, everything shifts.
When I work with organizations on strategic design, I always emphasize the importance of adaptability – how crucial it is to embrace change, face challenges head-on, and find the path forward. But adaptability isn’t just about adjusting plans or making quick decisions – it’s about staying grounded and positive when things get tough. If you can’t find joy in the journey, even when it’s hard, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.
And that’s where humor comes in.
I’ve seen it time and time again – when leaders or teams let themselves find humor in the struggle, they not only build resilience, they also deepen relationships. There’s a unique bond that forms when people can laugh together during a tough time. It turns stress into shared experience, making people feel more connected, more human. And that’s the kind of culture I always aim to build – one where challenges aren’t something to fear, but something to tackle with creativity, laughter, and teamwork.
But how do you develop this ability?
First, you have to be curious. Ask yourself: what else is happening in this moment? What can I learn from it, or better yet, what’s the potential for something new? When you approach life with that kind of curiosity – wondering what could be – you unlock creativity. And from creativity comes the ability to lighten the mood, make the best of things, and turn even a seemingly “unfun” situation into something enjoyable.
In my own experience, I’ve found that even in high-stress situations – whether it’s working with a client on a tight deadline or navigating a personal challenge – I have a choice. I can choose to get frustrated, or I can step back and ask myself, “How can I make this more enjoyable? How can I bring some fun into the mix?” The answer isn’t always obvious, and it doesn’t mean ignoring the real difficulty at hand. It just means choosing to shift your perspective, even if just for a moment.
It’s also important to remember that this skill isn’t just about finding humor in the moment – it’s about being present. It’s easy to get caught up in what comes next or dwell on what went wrong. But when you can stay in the moment, embrace what’s happening right now, and find joy or creativity in it, that’s when the magic happens.
The ability to extract fun from unfun situations isn’t just about making light of things. It’s about owning the experience, taking control of your emotions, and learning to adapt with grace. It’s about building resilience – not just by surviving, but by thriving in even the most difficult times. And when you can do that, you not only make life more enjoyable for yourself, but you inspire others to do the same.
So, next time life throws you a curveball, don’t wait for the perfect conditions to have fun. Find joy in the struggle. Make the most of what you’ve got.
Laugh, be creative, and remember: it’s not the difficulty that defines us, but how we navigate it.