Do you recall the last time you had fun as an adult? Somewhere along the way of adulting, I stopped having fun. Not in a dramatic, burnout-fueled way, but slowly and quietly. Like most adults do, without realising it. Growing up, I was the serious one. I liked certainty and clarity. I didn’t get jokes quickly, and when I tried to join in, it often felt forced. I wanted connection, but that desire sometimes came out as over-effort. I would push too hard, speak too much, and unknowingly create the opposite effect. Then came the roles: The eldest in the family. The manager. The one who holds it together. Each came with its own image to live up to. Be composed. Be responsible. Be in control. And over time, I took myself a little too seriously. Recently, I joined another improv workshop organised by Juliana Chan, PhD and Find Your Superpower 🚀 team. It was an impactful workshop with something unexpected that happened. I laughed fully. I spoke without overthinking. I responded without needing to be in any roles. There was no need to be right. There was no need to lead, just building on what was already there. What surprised me most was how my seriousness didn’t disappear. It found a new rhythm. I listened closely. I noticed connections. I made things easier for others to build on. Improv didn’t ask me to abandon who I was. It just invited me to be less serious. It wasn’t about being funny. It was about being present. And that’s when I learned something new about fun. Fun isn’t the opposite of responsibility. Fun is not the enemy of intelligence. In fact, the ability to play requires emotional flexibility, social awareness and creative courage. It allows one to explore without immediate outcomes, to respond without rigid scripts and to experiment without fear of failure. Fun, I came to realise, had become my discomfort zone. And maybe that’s precisely where more of my growth lives now. What part of yourself have you quietly buried in the name of becoming who you thought you had to be? And what might happen if you gave it space to return? #Leadership #Adulting #Creativity #Improv
You definitely came across as a jovial and fun chap to hang out with. It was lovely meeting you in person Alvin (my namesake). 😉
Fun is not shrinking from responsibilities. That I took time and probably the hard way to realize. Alvin Peh was nice to meet you at the session!
One of my recent reflections bro! Also got me to schedule in intentional play and rest time! So happy you're growing through all these varied experiences!
Alvin Peh I agree - life is about having fun regardless of age. Look at all the smiles in the picture. 😁 I wish I was there ....Juliana Chan, PhD any idea when's the next one? I shall factor it in my next return to Singapore!
It’s liberating when we are having fun!
Agree .. adult responsibilities got in the way of fun.. I told myself to be more intentional about having fun and was pleasantly surprised that I got my wish at the workshop!
Alvin, we’re happy to have together. I love that you shared, fun is not opposite of responsibility nor is the enemy of intelligence. Fun was always there and many of us silenced that. Who were the best learners? Children���� And they did those through games and FUN🙏 We already know the value of fun. So, let’s let loose and enjoy.
I think all of us had a lot of fun. Finally, a public speaking opportunity that we didn't need to prepare for, or memorise a script for 3-4 days hoping we didn't miss a word! Thank you for being such an active part of this workshop Alvin Peh
thats a great line, fun isnt the opposite of responsibilities! I learnt to have fun without feeling over burdened by responsibilities, and that is okay to live a little more
Accredited Board Director | Business Advisor | Executive Coach | Facilitator
1dAm still buzzing as I read the posts of the cadets this morning Alvin Peh Now I am expecting a repeat of a similar FUN from experience for us Juliana Chan, PhD 😁🙃