The Hidden Problem

If you're reading this, I know something about you. You are not as healthy as you want to be. You yearn for some combination of greater physical, mental, social, spiritual and financial health and fitness. You are not alone; we all share these yearnings.

I have two pieces of great news for you! After more than thirty years of helping people and organizations become healthier, from individual patients to Fortune 500 companies, I can identify exactly why you are not as healthy as you want to be. And, better yet, I can tell you exactly how to remedy that!

Your failure to achieve your greatest health and success is caused by a simple hidden problem. You were not born with this problem - you developed it. Your problem is malignant and deadly. Its appetite is voracious. It is part of a current epidemic.

What is your deadly hidden problem? Seriousness.

Seriousness cripples you. You have learned to take yourself too seriously! You've relegated fun and lightness to your "down time" and your hours "off the clock." Whenever you have responsibilities on your plate, you've developed the unfortunate and unhealthy habit of getting serious.

Why is seriousness deadly and malignant? Below is a partial list of the symptoms of seriousness. As you read it, ask yourself if you have experienced any of them recently:

•  Increased stress, anxiety, and irritability

•  Fatigue

•  Lapses in concentration or inattentiveness

•  Repeating a mistake

•  Difficulty focusing

•  Resisting change

•  Fear

Of course you've experienced these symptoms of seriousness. We all have. Please understand, however, that seriousness is a progressive problem, as well as a malignant one. It will never abate or diminish voluntarily. Unless you treat your crippling problem, you will only suffer more!

The great news is there is a remedy for seriousness and all its crippling effects!

What's more, you already have the antidote in your possession. You were born with it. All you need is help in remembering how to call on it, and some sharpening of your skills for putting it into action.

I'm talking about your inherent humor nature, or as you might call it, your sense of humor. I prefer the term humor nature because that reflects just how basic and essential it is for good health. Your humor nature instinctively knows what you need in every situation, and it will help you take your responsibilities seriously, while taking yourself lightly. You could be focused and flexible at the same time.

How do you put this antidote to work? The challenge is to unleash your humor nature. After all, you wouldn't buy a guard dog, and then keep it tied up. That would limit the animal's ability to protect you. By the same token, you cannot keep your humor nature on a leash and expect to reap its full benefits. You must unleash it by taking these three important steps:

•  Recognize the difference between funny and fun, and then focus exclusively upon fun. Funny is a behavior; fun is an attitude.

•  Adopt three strategies that will set your humor nature free:

•  Always go the extra smile -if necessary, fake it.

•  Laugh with yourself - not at yourself

•  Celebrate everything - look for the pony in every pile of manure.

•  Practice three tactics for positive change:

•  Accept every premise as is; acceptance is not approval.

•  Say "Yes, and" instead of "Yes, but;" keep the energy flowing.

•  Take action promptly; life is not a spectator sport.

Elaboration on these, as well as additional strategies and tactics, may be obtained from my web site, www.humorbeing.com or by contacting me at Laugh Doctor Enterprises, Inc., 2550 Webb Road, Simpsonville, Kentucky 40067 (phone: 502-722-8732). I also highly recommend my free email newsletter, The Fun Times , to accelerate your transition to a healthy, successful humor being. Subscribe by sending an email to Laughdrjr@aol.com.

Dr. Clifford Kuhn is both a psychiatrist and a comedian. He is professor of psychiatry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. His book, The Fun Factor: Unleashing the Power of Humor at Home and on the Job , is available in bookstores and on his website. A professional member of the National Speakers Association, he offers entertaining workshops and presentations on humor skills and is available to anyone interested in enhancing performance, productivity and health by creating an atmosphere of fun. Results are guaranteed . Dr. Kuhn may be reached by phone (502-722-8732), e-mail (laffdr@aol.com) or by visiting his website (www.humorbeing.com).