40. Keep Things Fun.

Remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Stuff happens. Keep perspective. Don’t take things personally or take yourself too seriously. Laugh every day and enjoy the journey we’re on together.

Marc's Message:

I read once that children smile on average 400 times per day, but adults only 15. That really struck me because those are the same people, only older. What is it about life that gets in the way of exploration, curiosity, laughter, and having fun? It could be the responsibilities of adulthood like mortgages, rent, raising kids, and health or family situations. These issues may cause anxiety and stress and are real world examples which can be stumbling blocks to uninhibited fun and laughter … if we allow that to happen.

I’ve heard that laughter is actually healthy. People who laugh more and enjoy life are happier and live longer. I can see how that would be true.

Think about the people you surround yourself with 24 / 7, whether it’s at work with your peers, at home with your family, or during your personal time with friends and in your community. Are they positive or negative people and experiences? I would bet that we all smile and laugh a lot more with our positive interactions.

When I reflect on why I feel good, happy and content, one of the main reasons is that I get to smile a lot (whether it’s inside or out) and laugh often because of the people I am so lucky to be surrounded by each day. I get to smile and laugh at home with Sherri, Brian, Kevin and our dog Malibu. I get to smile and laugh when I’m out with my extended family and an incredible close circle of friends in our community. And lastly, but not least, I get to smile and laugh with our associates at work and in business groups that I see on a regular basis, including customers and suppliers.

I’ve always prescribed to the notion that our most valuable asset is our time. We choose where to spend it and how. So for hypothetical reasons, let’s say my career lasts 40 years. And let’s say for example I spent (just at work) an extra 60 minutes per week laughing. This could include listening to funny stories and getting on tangents and laughing in meetings. If you do the math, that is (12 minutes per day x 5 days = 60 minutes per week x 52 weeks x 40 years = 2,080 hours) or ONE FULL WORKING YEAR OUT OF MY CAREER. Now some people (CEO’s, etc.) would say that’s a waste of time and not productive. I completely disagree. I think it’s not only a good (and fun) use of time, but that’s what life is all about.

As an example, when you hear the laughter coming out of our boardroom during our weekly management meetings, we aren’t wasting time. We are building comradery, trust, teamwork, enthusiasm and friendship. And guess what? It energizes us so we have an extra hop in our step when we leave the room and it actually enhances our workday. The end result is that we get more done because it creates passion and energy. It’s a result of our laughter and fun, not in spite of it.

So in closing, let’s continue to smile, have fun and enjoy each other and our blessings. I appreciate our Famous Family and the genuine smiles you bring to everyone.

And I truly appreciate my immediate family, very dear friends (who are truly like family) and others I get to be with, as your positive energy and fun creates amazing feelings and for that I am grateful!

It’s hard to believe that we have already focused on 40 fundamentals since the beginning of the year. As you may recall, next week we start back at the beginning with Fundamental #1, “Do the Right Thing, Always” and with this renewed emphasis, our Executive Leadership Team will share in the responsibility to communicate their weekly message with all of you. Therefore, next Sunday you will receive the message from Kevin Blaushild, the following week from John Palermo, and after that from others as well. In addition, my original message will be below theirs, and you will still be able to click and read the archives to see all that we have produced. Thank you again for being so engaged in the behaviors that make our culture Famous. Your actions make us fundamentally different and we appreciate your being such an integral part of living our 40 Fundamentals the FAMOUS Way.

Keep smiling!