Why is this subject, “The Humor Habit,” important in the world?
For well over a decade, people have said to me, “We need humor more than ever right now with all that’s going on in the world!” I guess I’m waiting for the moment when people start saying, “Things are pretty good in the world. I think we’re all set on humor for now.” In all seriousness, stress, and burnout are at an all-time high, and your sense of humor is a resilience and productivity tool that’s built into the human psyche yet often overlooked.
According to Gallup research data of over 1.4 million people, our propensity to laugh nosedives once we hit age 23 (entering the workforce), and we don’t start gaining those laughs back until we’re nearly 80. That’s over 50 years of limiting our own access to this built-in mindfulness tool. There are plenty of mindfulness strategies that help enhance well-being, like breathwork, yoga, and meditation, but for some people, those aren’t enough, aren’t the right fit, or require too many essential oils.
What is the pressing issue right and how are you addressing it?
The problem is that there’s plenty written about why humor is important and how good it is for us and that we should just have a sense of humor about life, but nobody ever tells us how to do it. How do I develop my sense of humor? When am I supposed to just laugh things off? When I lock the keys of my rental car in the trunk before I’m supposed to return it to the airport? “Oh, look what I’ve done, LOL… I’m so silly!” Not realistic. Rather than simply providing the research that humor builds resilience, decreases stress, enhances leadership and team performance, and boosts overall well-being, I provide tangible strategies for how to develop your sense of humor and use it strategically in your personal and professional life.
Paul Osincup Biography
What is your background in this subject (humor)?
I call myself a “Humor Strategist,” but I mostly made that title up because it sounded more professional than “Humor Nerd.” I’ve been studying and speaking on the impact of applied humor on personal well-being and work performance for fifteen years. For years, I was living a double life as a serious university associate dean working with students with severe mental health and drug and alcohol issues while also performing stand-up and improv comedy. The comedian and the educator in me began to blend together as I noticed that humor can be used not only to entertain but to build trust, diffuse tension, decrease stress, boost productivity, and enhance overall well-being.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
When I was a kid, I was punched in the ribs… by a deer. It didn’t even run away. It just stood there mocking me. I ran away crying. Some say you should always stand up to your bullies, but those people have not been assaulted by a hoofed ruminant.
What are your passions outside of your career?
Fly-fishing. I mean, there are other things I like, but when you say “passion,” then I probably just need to list the one activity I’ve had to set limits and boundaries around, like I’m a pre-teen with an Instagram account.
Are there any social causes that you believe in and support?
There are many, but one that is most important to me is school violence prevention. I used to train and consult on behalf of a non-profit organization called Community Matters which goes into schools across the country and teaches kids not only how to notice the signs of bullying and mistreatment but also how to intervene before it gets out of control.
What is next for you?
I’ll be speaking at events and to organizations all over the world about The Humor Habit and how to use humor as a strategy to enhance well-being and improve productivity in business and in life.
The Humor Habit
Tell me about your book.
In The Humor Habit, I combine cutting-edge positive psychology and neuroscience research with timeless techniques from the world of comedy to help people rewire their brains to see the absurdity, fun, and humor in life more often. Along with numerous humor interventions to help with personal well-being and resilience, I provide a six-step L.A.F.T.E.R. model for how to bring more humor to work and leadership roles. I didn’t write this book from the perspective that life is all “puppy dogs and rainbows” and that you just need to look on the bright side of things. That’s not how comedy (or life) really works. I teach you how to mine your struggles for nuggets of humor by taking your pain and playing with it. Of course, research shows that people who use humor to cope with life’s struggles are more optimistic and positive, so the puppy dogs and rainbows could be a side effect of reading this book. (Ask your doctor if puppy dogs and rainbows are right for you).
Why Early Birds Have a Better Chance at Entrepreneurial Success(Opens in a new browser tab)
Where can people buy the book?
You can buy The Humor Habit anywhere you buy books! Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, etc.
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