Daily writing prompt

Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?

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As an anthropologist, my work is my playtime – professional activities energize and engage me like others might experience with games or hobbies.

My curiosity is the driving force behind my work, leading me to constantly explore and understand human culture through reading and observation. When studying different perspectives, historical contexts, and cultural expressions, the rigorous analysis becomes pure enjoyment.

Like a child absorbed in play, I lose track of time while building understanding and making connections. The distinction between work and play blurs entirely when your academic or entrepreneurial pursuit aligns with your natural fascination with how humans create meaning and structure their worlds.

When work becomes play, it transforms your whole relationship with time and productivity.

Think of a child deeply absorbed in building with blocks or creating art – they’re learning and developing skills while being completely immersed in the joy of the activity.

That’s how it feels when your work aligns with your natural interests and talents.

The key difference is that traditional “play” is often seen as an escape from obligations, while this kind of work-play integration means you’re creating value while in a state of flow.

You might spend hours refining a project or solving a complex problem, and instead of feeling drained, you feel energized. This sense of value creation in the state of flow not only makes you feel productive but also efficient in your work.

Like a musician practising their instrument or an athlete training – what might look like “work” to others is actually a form of self-expression and personal growth.

The satisfaction comes from both the process and the outcomes. The sense of accomplishment in the outcomes of my academic pursuit is not just satisfying, but also deeply fulfilling.

Irena Phaedra