In today’s high-pressure work environment, burnout is becoming the norm rather than the exception. According to ISACA’s 2024 State of Cybersecurity report, 66% of digital trust professionals say their roles are more stressful than they were five years ago. But at last month’s ISACA Conference North America in Orlando, journalist and author Catherine Price offered a surprisingly simple antidote: have more fun.
In the closing keynote session, Price makes a compelling case that fun isn’t frivolous: it’s a necessity. “Fun isn’t the result of human thriving—it’s the cause,” she told attendees. And the benefits are far-reaching: fun boosts energy, resilience, creativity, and connection. It helps us learn, collaborate, and show up as our best selves at home, at work and in our communities.
What Is Fun, Really?
Before you can have more fun, you need to understand what it actually is. According to Price, fun isn’t just about amusement or entertainment. It’s a feeling that arises when three key elements come together:
- Playfulness: Letting go of perfectionism and not taking yourself too seriously
- Connection: Sharing experiences with others, even if you’re an introvert
- Flow: Being fully engaged and present in the moment
When all three are present, that’s when the magic happens.
Why Fun Matters at Work
Fun isn’t just good for your personal life—it’s a powerful tool for professional success. Teams that prioritize fun are more energized, collaborative and creative. They’re better equipped to handle stress and more likely to innovate. In short, fun isn’t a distraction from productivity; it’s a driver of it.
How to Invite More Fun Into Your Life
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life or your workplace to have more fun. Here are some practical ways to start:
- Don’t force it: Fun doesn’t respond well to pressure. Instead, focus on creating the conditions for it to happen naturally.
- Prioritize connection: Say yes to invitations. Try new things with friends, coworkers or your community. Even small social interactions can spark joy.
- Create space for flow: Reduce distractions—especially digital ones. Be intentional about how you spend your time and attention.
- Embrace playfulness: Laugh at yourself. Try things you’re not good at. Celebrate small wins. Share moments of delight with others.
Ask Yourself (and Your Team) These Questions
To get even more intentional about fun, Price suggests asking yourself and your teams the following three questions:
- What’s something you say you want to do but “don’t have time for”?
- What’s one of your most fun memories?
- What are your “fun magnets”—the people, places or activities that consistently bring you joy?
These questions can help you identify what truly lights you up and how to make more room for it.
Beware of “Fake Fun”
Not all activities that feel like fun in the moment actually have the long-term benefits of true fun. Scrolling through social media or binge-watching videos might offer a quick dopamine hit, but these activities often leave us feeling unfulfilled. If you find yourself regretting how you spent your time, it might be time to swap “fake fun” for the real thing.
Two Easy Ways to Have Fun with ISACA
Looking for a place to start? ISACA offers two built-in opportunities to connect, engage and have fun:
- Get involved with your local chapter: Many chapters host social events like summer gatherings and holiday parties. They also combine service with camaraderie on ISACA’s annual CommunITy Day in October.
- Attend an ISACA conference: From New York to Las Vegas and London to Dubai, ISACA conferences offer not just professional development, but also memorable experiences, meaningful connections and plenty of opportunity for a good time.
Fun isn’t a distraction from your goals; it’s a powerful way to reach them. So go ahead: say yes to that invitation, try something new, and always be on the lookout for delight.