"Take What You Do Seriously; Yourself Lightly"--Dr. Ken Blanchard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever notice how the minute you take yourself too seriously, the universe conspires to hand you a spinach-in-your-teeth moment? Maybe you’re striding into a meeting like a business superhero, only to realize your shirt’s been inside out all morning. Or perhaps you spend hours crafting the perfect email—just to send it to the wrong “John.” Life has an uncanny knack for reminding us that, while our work deserves our dedication, we ourselves are delightfully imperfect.

Taking what you do seriously but yourself lightly does not necessarily mean learning to tell a good joke. It’s more about reconnecting with something you already have inside you—a sense of humor and playfulness. Human beings have the natural ability to see the funny or absurd side. We have the innate ability to be playful in a fun and kind way with others and ourselves. A wise person said, “he who can laugh at themselves will never cease to be entertained.” So true!

Taking things seriously and yourself lightly is a wise approach to both work and life: dedicate yourself fully and responsibly to your tasks, striving for excellence and integrity in all you do. At the same time, maintain a sense of humility and humor about yourself. Recognize your own limitations, laugh at your mistakes, and avoid letting ego get in the way. In other words, pour your energy into your actions, but don’t become self-important or overly rigid—embrace a lighthearted attitude toward your own quirks and imperfections to remain balanced and resilient.

Some people say you should take your job so seriously that even your stapler feels nervous in your presence. But let’s be honest: if you can’t laugh when you accidentally reply-all to the entire company or spill coffee on your “very important” spreadsheet, you might be missing half the fun. The trick is to channel your inner perfectionist for your craft—and your inner clown for yourself.

To truly thrive both professionally and personally, it’s wise to remember that gravitas belongs to your work, not to your ego. When you approach your responsibilities with genuine care, you not only earn the trust of those around you, but you also cultivate pride in accomplishments that are the result of diligence and perseverance. This seriousness is not about being stern or inflexible, but about holding yourself to a thoughtful standard: being present, attentive, and committed to the value of your contributions.

Yet, while you’re building, creating, and striving, it’s equally important to nurture an ability to step back and see yourself with a wry smile. The capacity to laugh at your own blunders or idiosyncrasies is more than just charming—it’s essential for long-term growth and well-being. Self-irony acts as a buffer against stress and perfectionism, freeing you from the weight of unrealistic expectations or the fear of failure. It opens the door to experimentation, learning from mistakes, and connecting with others on a more human level.

By taking your work seriously but yourself lightly, you create space for both ambition and joy; you become someone who can face challenges with resolve and setbacks with resilience. This approach helps prevent burnout and fosters a work environment where creativity and collaboration flourish—where excellence and laughter go hand in hand.

So go ahead—aim for excellence, embrace your quirks, and remember: if you ever accidentally email your grocery list to your boss, just smile and own the moment. After all, in the grand spreadsheet of life, a little laughter is the best formula for success.

"Angles can fly because they take themselves lightly." --author unknown

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT 

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Having worked with several companies throughout their growth cycle, we have valuable insights and strategies that would help any late stage startup, small or medium sized company achieve sustained growth and prosperity.