We have good news for you.
When it comes to developing your humor six-pack - no steel is required, here. Funny can be soft, squishy, and comfy - which is a lot easier and inviting than abs of steel.
We like to call these your six-pack (H)abs - as in habits.
Like any good habit, it may take some time, but we are here to help develop some humor habits that are fun, doable, and sustainable.
Watch what you consume (and consume what you watch).
You can’t create a humor habit if you’re taking in negativity all day and more than you can find your way to washboard abs by munching down an entire bag of tortilla chips every noon (hypothetically speaking, of course). Take in some fun – a video, essay, or meme and let the habit begin!
Master your core.
Do you want to try and use humor to break through a team challenge, mitigate a difficult period for your team, or sponsor a session using a humor technique to problem solve monthly?
Write it down, draw it with markers, create a meme, tattoo it on your forearm - but have it visibly present so you don't forget!
Create your core statement that anchors your goal:
I will _____(habit)__________________ to ____(goal)__________________ on a _____(frequency)__________ basis.
Vary those crunches.
The "duh" factor - make it fun - for you! Make sure it doesn't feel like a chore. Go with your natural humor style and pull on the many things that make you laugh. If it's a joke - use that. If it's reading a comic strip - go for that! Do you like silly songs and parodies? Let it roll! The more fun it is for you, the more it will work for others. Tina Fey isn't going to deliver like Chris Rock - but they're both funny and they both work to their natural styles. (And no, you don't have to be a stand-up to stand out!)
Develop a routine.
Respond, adapt, repeat. You're going to need to do a little "crowd" work in the beginning. As you develop your humor habit, some things may seem more natural than others. Some things may stick or resonate with your team more than others. That's cool. Work with what works. Scrap the rest.
Get a buddy.
Find your H-gang - like any good habit, you will succeed when you have a community (or even just 1 or 2 people) in your corner that can keep you motivated, and let you know how it's going. Unlike 20 minutes of planks, this should be fun! Simply follow up with a couple of trusted advisors and ask for some feedback and revel in those sculpted Habs!
The VITAL5 ROUNDUP– The Path to Six Pack H(abs)
1. Watch what you consume and consume what you watch – funny in equals funny out.
2. Master the core – keep your humor goal simple and manageable
3. Vary those crunches – use the wide range of humor “weights” that work you like
4. Develop a routine – keep what works, scrap the rest, and then repeat
5. Get a buddy – talk funny, not weather - even just for a few minutes
VitalConex is a connect-and-create company. To learn more about the "peanut butter cup" of successful teams, check us out at www.vitalconex.com