Fun & function

Is there any law that says we can't have fun while waiting at a traffic light for the signal to turn green so we can cross the street? Apparently, someone thought it would be fun to design such a signal. It combines fun and function. I found a YouTube video of it.

So some person created a traffic signal with a dancing figure that has lots of moves to show you while you wait for the light to turn green. Not only does the signal encourage people to dance on the sidewalk in sheer joy while they wait, but the signal has been shown to be more effective—81 percent more people stopped at the signal where this was tested. So, let's see: people happily dancing on the sidewalk and most likely spreading joy during the rest of their day OR people crabbily waiting for the signal to turn, or worse yet, dashing across the street in front of fast-moving cars? Hmm, that's a no-brainer.

So, are there ways we can make ordinary, everyday—and sometimes irritating—tasks more fun? We can combine fun and function. I know women who dance in their kitchens while they're preparing meals. Good exercise. Good fun. And the meals get done. They may even taste better because they're made with more love and more joy!

How can you add some fun into your daily tasks today? Go for it. There's nothing that says the mundane can't also be enjoyable.