Thought For The Week 500

It all began a decade ago when, on 18 April 1999, I read this sentence in the middle of an article in the “Observer Business Section”: “There appears to be a positive correlation between an atmosphere of ‘human playfulness’ (otherwise known as humour) in the workplace and the improvement of ‘innovative activity and creativity’.”
At the time, I was Head of Research at the Communication Workers Union and responsible for 12 staff. I thought that the quote reflected how I was trying to run the Department so, next day, I sent the quote round to my colleagues in an e-mail and playfully I titled the e-mail “Thought For The Week”.
As the week went on, I thought that it would be fun to send out one or two more thoughts each Monday and started to number them. Other colleagues in the building heard about the idea and asked to be included on the circulation list. Over the years, I continued the practice, sending out the e-mail each Sunday so that it was in people’s ‘In’ box on Monday to set them up for the week ahead.
Ten years later, today I have issued my 500th such thought: “The three components of happiness are something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to.” The source is the book “Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart” by Gordon Livingston MD (2004). You can check out all 500 thoughts here.
As you will see from this section of my web site: “Underlying these thoughts are my personal values and my personal philosophy which encompass difference and diversity, fun and friendship, optimism and openness, trust, tolerance and teamwork, creativity, learning and growth, a commitment to reason and critical thinking, an interest in other countries and cultures, and a willingness to embrace change and new experiences.”
Over the years, the circulation list for Thought For The Week has grown to over 1,400 people living all around the world. If you don’t already receive it, now may be the time to join the circulation. If you already receive it, perhaps you would like to help me celebrate reaching No 500 by suggesting a friend or colleague who would welcome receiving these thoughts. In either case, just e-mail me.
It’s great way for me to keep in touch with friends and colleagues. Just click on the ‘Reply’ button and tell me how you’re doing. Your life may never be the same …


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