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The Power of Scheduled Fun: Why High Performers Need Joy to Thrive

Writer's picture: Holly CulbrethHolly Culbreth

When Life Feels Hard, Fun Feels Impossible—AND It’s More Necessary Than Ever


My Fun February Five-Minute Nature Break
My Fun February Five-Minute Nature Break


I am struggling. My Life Feels HARD.


My Airbnb guests left, turning the heat off AND leaving the windows open—when it was 2 degrees outside. The radiators burst. My hardwood refinished floors, lovely upholstered swivel chairs, luxurious carpets, and bedding were splattered with oily, dirty water.


Plus, my business and community are still in flux with the Eaton Fire aftermath.


And yet…


I made a promise to myself to have more fun meaning less serious, driven outcome oriented living. More joy. More lightness. More ease.


Right now, fun feels far away. But I also know that when life feels the heaviest, that’s exactly when I need to create space for joy the most.


So here’s how I’m still moving in that direction—and I hope you will follow. In the fast-paced world of leadership, achievement, and constant growth, fun is often the first thing to get pushed aside. We tell ourselves that joy is something we’ll “get to” once we hit our next milestone. But what if fun wasn’t a reward for hard work. What is it is a critical key to sustaining it?


As a high performer, we know how to optimize, plan, and execute. What if we brought that same level of intention to joy?


I’ve made a commitment: fun is non-negotiable. Not just spontaneous moments of laughter, but scheduled, prioritized fun—because joy is not just a feeling; it’s a mindset that fuels clarity, creativity, and long-term success.


Here’s why it matters, and how we can integrate fun into life (without sacrificing ambition).


The Science of Fun: How Joy Fuels Success


Neuroscience backs this up—play activates the brain’s reward system, reducing stress and boosting creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. When we take breaks for enjoyable activities, we return to our work with fresh energy, sharper focus, and greater emotional intelligence.


But beyond the science, fun gives us something even deeper: a sense of presence.


Think about the last time you truly laughed—belly-laughed, lost-in-the-moment kind of fun. Chances are, in that moment, you weren’t overthinking your to-do list or worrying about the future. You were just there.


High performers spend so much time planning what’s next. Fun brings us back to what’s now.


Making Fun a Habit: The “5-Minute Joy Rule”


If we wait for fun to happen naturally, it won’t. Instead, we have to schedule it—just like meetings, workouts, or deadlines.


Here’s how to build fun into your routine with simple, intentional shifts:


1. Start Small: The 5-Minute Joy Rule


Every day, set aside 5 minutes for pure, intentional fun.

• A song that makes you dance.

• A short, silly voice memo to a friend.

• A page of a novel that has nothing to do with personal growth.

• A moment of doing nothing—and enjoying it.


The Breakthrough: A Five-Minute Reminder of What Fun Feels Like


One afternoon this week, in the middle of all the stress, I stepped outside. It was a beautifully mild February day—a gift in itself. I lay back on the grass, just for five minutes, looking up at the sky. That was it. No agenda. No productivity. Just me, the passing clouds, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the gentle sounds all around me.


And in that moment—pure bliss.


I felt the fun of the moment filling me up inside, a lightness spreading through me. I literally felt carefree, one with the nature surrounding me. No pressure, no expectations—just being.


That’s when it hit me: fun doesn’t always have to be planned or extravagant. Sometimes, it’s as simple as pausing long enough to enjoy the world around you.


So this year, I’m leaning into moments like this.


This isn’t a productivity hack. It’s a joy investment.


2. Schedule “Play Appointments”


If something isn’t scheduled, it often doesn’t happen. Add a weekly joy break to your calendar:

Creative Play: Paint, doodle, or try a new recipe—something just for fun.

Nature Breaks: A slow walk, cloud-watching, or sitting in the sun with no agenda.

Adventure Moments: Try something new—horseback riding, a dance class, or visiting a museum alone.


You don’t have to be “good” at it. The goal is joy, not mastery.


3. Redefine Achievement


Instead of just measuring success by what you accomplish, start asking: Did I experience joy today?


When fun becomes part of your success metric, you’ll naturally start prioritizing it.


Fun in Community: The Greener Thumbs Joy Movement


One of the fastest ways to amplify joy? Share it.


At Greener Thumbs, we believe in the power of small, daily moments of relaxation, mindfulness, and connection. This year, we’re introducing The Joy Challenge—a way for our community to:

✅ Take 5 minutes each day for something joyful.

✅ Share their moments of fun in our community.

✅ Create a ripple effect of ease, laughter, and relaxation.


It’s time to shift the way we approach success. Ambition and ease can coexist. Productivity and play can support each other. Joy isn’t a distraction—it’s a power source.


This year, let’s build success with joy, not in spite of it.


Are you in? Comment below: What’s one thing you’re doing for fun this week? 🎉

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