Lessons from a 4-year old and 57-year old: How to live life as a playground
I’ve been wearing two wrist watches for six months. One watch was given to me 12 years ago by my brother—it’s my very nice dressy watch. The other is an electronic GPS golf watch, which I later discovered also keeps track of activity and sleep so it now serves as my health monitor.
Over the last six months only two people have noticed I’ve been wearing two watches—at least only two have mentioned it to me. The first is one of my best friends, Derek—he’s the 57 year old, who happens to be celebrating his birthday very very very close to the day this post is published. The other is our 4-year old grandson Max, who asked, “Bump, why are you wearing two watches?”
No question for Max—life is a playground for him. As for Derek, he is one of the most professional people I know but he never takes himself too seriously, has a quick wit and brings a playful nature to everything he sets his mind to. Like anyone, his life has its share of challenges yet he exemplifies what it means to live life as a playground.
I’ve met thousands of people over the last six months and can’t help but wonder what we can learn from these two who noticed. I believe from what we find, we’ll get some insight into how you can feel like you’re living life on a playground. There’s no science in this analysis but here are five striking commonalities shared between Derek and Max:
They speak their minds (appropriately of course) - They don’t walk around with unsaid thoughts that consume mental energy that translate into a negative emotional state
They are curious - Max always asks why and is looking for answers. If he doesn’t already know the answer (and given the chance, we think he’d be a Jeopardy champion), Derek finds the answer.
They are perceptive - Obviously they both noticed the two watches and to do this must be present to their surroundings and attentive to those in their presence. There are fewer gifts greater than giving someone your undivided attention.
They are grateful - They each have a strong sense of gratitude based on their respective levels cognitive development.
They bring out the best in me - I’m grateful to have them in my life because they help me feel like I’m living in a playground. And that’s what Grateful Leaders do—they don’t hoard the playground for themselves, they openly welcome others to join them.
I’m interested in what helps you spend your life in the playground and away from the battleground—please share in the comments.
