As humans, we use language to tell ourselves stories based on fear — stories about how we have to control everything to be safe. This fear drives us to over-manage, over-plan, and under-play.

Play is not frivolous. Play is how we access the creative, solution-finding part of our brain that fear shuts down. When you’re stuck on a problem — in your business, in your life — go play. Take a walk. Paint something. Cook something new. Do something with your hands that has nothing to do with the problem. The answer often arrives when you stop forcing it. You are worth the time it takes to play. And your business will thank you for it.