
As we grow older, we often forget how important it is to play. We get caught up in responsibilities, routines, and "adulting." But what if the secret to becoming a more creative, confident, and bold leader was to reconnect with the same childlike wonder and spontaneity we had when we were younger?
I recently wrote an article for Brainz Magazine where I explore just that, how embracing your inner child can lead to greater leadership, creativity, and joy. You can read the full article here.
In it, I delve into the power of play, imagination, and spontaneity. All qualities that we often forget to nurture as adults.
Why Play is Seriously Underrated
In the article I reflected on how often we as adults forget to play, but more importantly, how powerful play can be in unlocking creativity. When we were children, play was our job. Whether it was building a fortress out of couch cushions or making soup from mud and rainwater, play taught us to be spontaneous, creative, and adaptable. These qualities are essential for today's fast-paced world.
As adults, it’s easy to get caught up in practicality, to focus on productivity and "what’s realistic." However, the most successful leaders aren't the ones who always play by the book. They are the ones who still know how to play, trust their instincts, and take bold steps, even without a 12-step plan.
Spontaneity: The Unsung Hero of Creativity
Remember how, as a child, you didn’t need a business plan to build a spaceship out of a cardboard box? You just did it. There was no fear of failure. Today, leaders who embrace that same kind of spontaneous creativity are the ones who stand out. They take risks, trust their gut, and act without waiting for perfection.
Embracing spontaneity doesn't just fuel creativity; it allows us to pivot when things go off-script, something we need now more than ever.
Imagination Isn’t Just for Kids
Think back to your childhood. What did you dream of becoming? An astronaut, a superhero, or perhaps a princess? These wild, boundless dreams weren’t limited by what others thought was "possible." Kids think in full color, without boundaries. As we grow, we tend to shrink our dreams to fit "realistic" boxes.
The leaders who truly innovate are the ones who don’t let limits define their creativity. They dream big, approach the world with the wonder of a child, and make magic happen.
Failing Like a Pro: The Toddler Method
Here’s a powerful lesson from our childhood: watching a toddler learn to walk. They fall, they get back up, and they try again. There’s no shame in falling, no fear of failure. They embrace it as part of the process.
We could all learn something from that. As adults, we often treat failure like it’s the end of the world, but the most successful leaders treat failure as a lesson. They fall, they laugh, and then they get back up.
Reconnecting with Your Inner Child
So, how do you tap into your inner child when you're juggling all of life's responsibilities? Here are a few simple ways to get started:
Make Time for Play: Take time to do something just for fun, with no goals in mind. Whether it’s doodling, running through sprinklers, or building a metaphorical pillow fort, allow yourself to enjoy the process.
Trust Your Gut: Remember how confident you were as a kid? That intuition is still there. Start acting on your instincts and overthinking less.
Dream Without Limits: What would you do if you didn’t worry about what others thought? Let yourself dream big, wild, and without boundaries.
Fail Better: When you fail, laugh, dust yourself off, and try again. Failure is part of the adventure, not the end of the road.
If you want to dive deeper into how embracing your inner child can transform your approach to leadership and creativity, be sure to check out my full article in Brainz Magazine here.
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