Sometimes I think I'm superheroic. Sometimes I'm just slow. It probably shouldn't have taken 41 years to have a realization that I recently had, but better late than never, right? I'm going to share it in the hopes that it might be a useful revelation for you as well: Just because you come across a good idea doesn’t mean you have to add it to your to-do list. Let me explain. Many opportunities cross my path on a regular basis. Things to try, people to meet, organizations to join, books to read, and invitations to consider. What I normally do is run it through a quick filter in my …
Karyn Buxman, October 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
An Adultitis Fighter is someone who rallies against rules that don't exist and engages in ruthless, senseless acts of silliness that undermine Adultitis and its unadventurous version of adulthood. Once a month, we shine a light upon the most remarkable among us, holding them up as a dazzling example of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy. Karyn Buxman is a professional Adultitis Fighter. Seriously. She makes a living helping companies and organizations find the power in humor. Her mission is to improve global health, business, and peace through laughter …
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The Post-It Noted Desk
Once upon a time, a woman named Janie went to a professional development conference for her job. After being out of the office for several days, she returned to work to find her desk had been vandalized. More specifically, it was aggressively "post-it noted" by two "fun, funny, and amazing co-workers." (Her words.) She reported, "It was so great to see and read what they wrote, I felt this lift like you can't imagine." In a related story, Adultitis was heard nearby weeping silently in a restroom stall. It's no secret that the workplace is one of Adultitis' favorite breeding …
Purple Goats
One my favorite books is "Purple Cow" by Seth Godin. Sounds a little like a children's book, but the premise of this marketing classic is that brown cows are not very interesting. Purple cows, on the other hand, are remarkable. They get people talking. Godin suggests that in order to stand out in business, you need to become a "purple cow." I saw this in action during a recent vacation in Door County, Wisconsin. We were at the famous Al Johnson's restaurant, where they have goats hanging out on the grass-covered roof. We happened to be seated near a window where we could watch passersby …
The Cherry On Top
"Cherry On Top" by Jason Kotecki. Oil on canvas. Original is sold. Prints available here. I'm really not a fan of how often I base my happiness on what I haven't accomplished, or what inconvenience just popped up. The truth is, life really is amazing. Unfortunately, Adultitis would have us think differently. Your washing machine goes kaput. You're in the middle of dinner and realize you don't have a crucial ingredient. You don’t get the promotion. That nagging cold won’t go away. Your goals are taking longer to achieve than expected. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds, …
Get Your 2018 Celebrate Everything Calendar!
Too many people treat the calendar as the utmost authority on what constitutes a good reason to celebrate. If a holiday is written in fine print on a particular day in the calendar, we assume it’s safe to throw a party. But the truth is that every single day is a holiday; it’s just that most days, what to celebrate is up to you. If a reason seems good enough to you, well then, it’s good enough. The Celebrate Everything calendar was created for those times when you’re just not sure what to celebrate, as well as for those people who need permission first. Of course, disregarding a …
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One Way To Keep Your Team Energized During Football Season
"Jump Around" by Jason Kotecki. Acrylic on canvas. Original available here. This painting was inspired by a tradition that Badger fans have at University of Wisconsin football games. Between the third and fourth quarters, the song “Jump Around” is boomed through the loudspeakers and all of the red-clad fans do exactly that. It reminded me of those old electronic football games in which tiny plastic athletes buzzed around on an green metal field. Readers of a certain age will know exactly what I’m talking about, and this painting will bring back all sorts of memories. For the of you …
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The Art of Making People Happy
This painting was inspired by the lyric of a catchy tune from the 80s by a band named Modern English. Most listeners may not realize that this seemingly simple upbeat love song is actually about the end of the world. Lead singer Robbie Grey, who wrote the song with his four bandmates explained, “I don’t think many people realized it was about a couple making love as the bomb dropped. As they made love, they become one and melt together.” Alllllrighty then. On to another fun fact: This was the very first canvas I painted live during the first-ever Madison Night Market. It was also the …
Jim Kramer, September 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
An Adultitis Fighter is someone who rallies against rules that don't exist and engages in ruthless, senseless acts of silliness that undermine Adultitis and its unadventurous version of adulthood. Once a month, we shine a light upon the most remarkable among us, holding them up as a dazzling example of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy. It's obvious that Jim Kramer is committed to living an Adultitis-free life, and those in his life (especially his students and fellow colleagues) are blessed by this commitment. He leads the way by example, spreading …
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A Practical Guide to Mixing Business and Pleasure
"Monkey Business" by Jason Kotecki. Oil on canvas. Original is sold. Prints available here. "He’s all business.” “Let’s get down to business.” “It’s not personal, it’s just business.” Business is usually regarded as serious stuff. Too bad, because it doesn’t have to be. Some people seem to think that when it comes to business, you can’t have fun and be successful at the same time. Which is the dumbest thing ever. Leaders who see the power in bringing fun to the workplace are smart enough to understand that having a little fun in no way diminishes the seriousness in which one …
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