Laugh Until It Hurts – Cartoon

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

I’m a big believer in creativity at work. We need to expand outside our comfort zones to reach the good stuff. That’s why I draw. It forces me to find new angles on my career. How do you find new angles?

laugh-until-it-hurts-whn-2

I was at SXSW interactive (blogger heaven) the past few days and my head, heart, and feet are about to explode. So many thought leaders pushing me outside my comfort zone that I am more focused than ever.

I hung out with some big time bloggers. I’m not going to drop any names because that’s not what this post is about.

I noticed that I was more likely to laugh at an average joke from a big time blogger than usual. I wanted them to feel loved. I was glad to provide this service to them. It actually made me feel good. Once I got laughing, the laughing got easier. I encouraged more laughter out of myself than I have in a long time. It actually hurt. My cheeks went numb.

Building connections with important people was just what the doctor ordered.

Now I’m ready for some sleep. I’m having trouble keeping this post coherent.

Who have you connected with recently that pushed you outside your comfort zone?

If you haven’t connected with anyone who pushed you outside your comfort zone… why not?

* It’s Spread-the-Love Day, when I encourage you to spread the word about Work Happy Now. You might:

- Forward the link to someone you think would be interested
-  Link to a post on Twitter (follow me @workhappynow)
- Sign up for my FREE 10 Week E-Course and join over 450 people who have already improved their happiness at work. You will also receive a bi-monthly newsletter that gives you great tips and ideas on how to improve your career.
- Put a link to the blog in your Facebook status update
Thanks! I really appreciate any help. Word of mouth is the BEST.

* Tess of The Bold Life wrote a thought provoking piece called Life Is Good, Don’t Miss It. Fits with how I felt after sxsw.

If you enjoyed this post then you will probably like this one too:

- I Can Solve Your Problems – Cartoon

- How to Find Meaning in Tedious Work

3 Responses to “Laugh Until It Hurts – Cartoon”

  1. Hi Karl,
    Love the cartoon. Good for you and the SXSW! That stuff is inspiring and I can’t wait to see how else you are motivated by what you learned.

    Did you see the car dancing video? Now if you would have told me you were wearing your green shirt I could’ve worn mine;) And we could’ve found each other easier! I had to look twice for you.

    Again thanks for the love…I love people who walk their talk. You are one of the true world leaders!

  2. Simon Hay says:

    I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. There was some resistance, but I motivated myself. Creativity is like taking a break, or walking along the beach. It’s like being a child again, but with purpose. Behind the fun new ideas evolve and motivation is energised.

  3. Karl,

    Good point. Most people are friends who people who are like them or agree with their viewpoints vs people who push them out of their comfort zone. It’s exactly this kind of push we can use to grow and expand our mindsets.