Workshop: How to be Happy as an Imperfectionist, with Humour and Resilience

We live in a world of contradictory messages. On the one hand we are told to learn by making mistakes, on the other hand there are constant demands on us - at school, in our work, in social media - to be perfect.

However, the human being is imperfect. We cannot always fulfil other peoples’ expectations. We make mistakes. At times we are lazy, or cowardly, or unreliable…“I am not good enough” is a mantra which often plays in our heads and can lead to stress or anxiety.

In this seminar we will explore methods with which we can come to terms with our imperfections. We will learn to use them as a lever for inspiration and creativity. We will especially use humour to boost our work, relationships and day-to-day encounters.

Humour allows us to make mistakes without becoming ashamed or stressed. In this sense, it is an important contribution to reducing the pressure to be perfect. It can help us to tolerate imperfections - our own and those of our colleagues.

This interactive workshop will give participants the opportunity to discover, share and apply the tools of humour in minimizing stress and enhancing “flow” in their working lives. It will also be fun!

Note: This course will be held in English, whereby it is not necessary to be perfect in that language. A good understanding and the ability to take part in discussions is sufficient.

Goals

• To attain new perspectives, especially in challenging situations
• To develop and maintain humour and reduce stress
• To strengthen resilience
• To recognize personal potential and use it creatively
• To discover and implement new options for behaviour

Content

• Humour as a shift of perspective: How we can learn to view things in different ways and develop new solutions.
• Humour as a motivational force and a binding tool in communication
• The difference between “Professionalism” and “Perfectionism”
• Flexibility, spontaneity and enjoyment; "Improvisation in everyday life”
• Humour as support for a culture in which one is allowed to make mistakes.
• To find the humour in challenging situations and use this to reduce physical and emotional tension

Method

Inputs will be theoretical and practical. Participants will have the chance to discuss the various aspects of humour and the possibilities as well as the challenges of including humour in their working life. In numerous examples and exercises they will explore various methods of humorous interventions and how they can use them.

In cooperation with Wohlbefinden@WU

• Reducing the pressure to be perfect.
• Humour as a shift of perspective: attain new perspectives, especially in challenging situations
• Humour as a motivational force and a binding tool in communication
• Recognize personal potential and use it creatively