This is a guest post by Mars Dorian, @marsdorian.

Have you recently looked into the eyes of a child ?

There’s a shimmer that doesn’t come from this world. A sparkle of pure potential.

It’s magic, and it can only be experienced.

But as we grow older, we tend to lose it. Why ?

I’m not really sure – maybe it’s social conditioning, maybe your emotional dependence on the outside, heck, it doesn’t really matter.

What matters is how we can bring back the spark, because we need it.

A world without playfulness is bland, dull and boring. It’s an artless world.

Mavericks like Steve Jobs, Lady Gaga or Seth Godin make art, because they know how to play. Why not join them ?

The benefits of being playful

From my experience, there are only advantages in becoming playful. Everything changes – the world becomes fresh and exciting again.

This is what I personally noticed:

Interactions become more alive and fulfilling. I don’t know about your area, but where I live people don’t really have passion when they talk. They lower the voice and swallow words – conversations feel like a drag. When I enter this scenario, I bring back the fire. I talk with lots of energy and ask exciting questions. Watch it – people light up, things get vibrant again. The interaction turns into a game that everyone loves to play.

Work becomes play. I hope you enjoy your work already, but having a childlike mind makes it even more rewarding. You are curious and try more things. You don’t kick yourself when you screw up, because screwing up becomes joyful learning. Your ideas become more edgy and creativity tends to flow longer. Seriously, work becomes play, except the tax part 😉

People luv to be or work with you. When I’m playful, I’m shiny. My aura emits a certain positive energy that captivates people like a tractor beam. People crave positivity, and if they can sense it in you, they’ll follow you. Just like flies – they go where the light is.

Life becomes way easier. Boy, isn’t that what we all want ? The meteors of life will still hit you, but they’ll land much softer. A playful approach makes you more carefree – you accept most things as they are. You don’t get crazy-mad anymore, because you know there are lots of events you can’t control. A smile guides you through your day: The sun is shining, the rain is falling. It doesn’t matter – you’re just doing your thing.

How to become more playful

Now you know why it’s awesome to have a playful attitude. But how can you get it ?

The older you are, the harder the work. You have to get rid of social conditioning, and that can be a daunting challenge. The following steps have helped me bring the magic back into my life. I’m pretty sure they can help you too 😉

Make a promise to smile more. Not only does it feel good, but it will also “beautify” the effect you have on other people. Do you know the kind of person that lights up the room ? Why not become that person ?

Practicing your smile takes time, and it does feel a bit fake in the beginning. But the more you smile, the easier it gets. Soon, it will become a part of your personality.

Always think in terms of potential. I remember this phrase from a beloved fairy tale: You should always think of 6 impossible things before breakfast.

Isn’t that a grrreat way to start a morning ? If you think “impossible” thoughts on daily basis, you will drastically expand your consciousness. Soon, you will drop a “It won’t work” for a “What If ?”

Become a yes (wo)man. I missed a lot of great opportunities in my life, because I said “no” too many times. No to this, no to that. Man, how I missed out. Well, not anymore. When faced with a new opportunity, even (or especially) if it gives me the shivers, I just say yes. Yes to this, and yes to that. The result ? Pure adventure.

Give yourself that gift. Say yes, and leap into the unknown.

Essence

Life isn’t always easy, but it can be exciting. Get yourself that playful attitude, and embrace the new freshness of life.

Remember the sparkle ? It will return to your eyes.

Author bio: Mars Dorian is a digital entrepreneur who wants to change the online world through personal branding and creative marketing. Join him on Twitter and grab his feed.