Julien Smith challenged his readers this morning to add to his list of ways to train in becoming child-like. Here are two secrets I’ve learned in my twenties.
- Make friends
People with at least 3 close friends at work are 88% more likely to be satisfied with their lives. When we were kids it was easy to make friends. We actually put effort into it. It does take time – to ask someone out to dinner, go for a walk in the park, or hang out at your family’s cabin for the weekend. It might be uncomfortable at times as you adapt to their habits and re-learn social graces. But it will actually make your other relationships stronger – if you do not have friends at work, make friends outside of work to give you something to look forward to at the end of the day. Go beyond hanging out with your wife’s friends. You will make your relationship with your significant other better if you have mates to give you a new perspective on yourself and relationships in general. - Wear Chucks with dress pants
This works especially if you are young and work in a rather casual workplace. But what if you were an executive and wore them? Why not? I wear them all the time with black and khaki pants. They send the message that you are comfortable, approachable, and playful. Try it on a Friday and see what happens.