Mike Rucker, Ph.D. is a self-described fun expert who helps people have more fun and be more productive as a result. But he certainly didn’t start his career going down that path.
Mike’s first job, so to speak, was creating a fanzine for skateboarders in the seventh grade. And his willingness to put himself out there, coupled with a bit of ingenuity, got him the opportunity to interview some big musicians.
He went on to study Communications and Filmmaking at college, and his first professional job was at Universal Studios. While he loved the work, watching his colleagues get in at 7 am, not leave till 8 am, and miss out on having significant relationships outside of work didn't appeal to him.
He pivoted into creating advertisements and websites, making a name for himself in the technology sector. Here’s where things went too good for Mike, or so he believes. Because Mike thinks entrepreneurs that get too many wins too early can get too cocky for their own good.
So, full of confidence, Mike decided to do something he knew nothing about — open a taco stand at Manhattan Beach near LAX. He spent all of the money that he made from his last tech exit, and then he lost it all.
So he pivoted, again, going back to university to get a Ph.D. in Psychology. His research centered on the importance of fun and play, and that’s what Mike continues to focus on today.
Mike’s top tips for fun and productivity are:
-Stop using social media to wind down
-Create a time log for your week and be honest about the activities that aren’t moving you forward
-Replace unproductive time with opportunities for fun, delight, wonder, and play
-Use lunch hours and weekends as actual breaks from work
-Dedicate big chunks of time to particular tasks rather than trying to grab a few minutes here and there
-Avoid multitasking, especially when you’re with your children and other loved ones
He says, “If you’re multitasking while you're also supposed to be spending time with the ones that you love, they feel that, and there's just no way to skirt around that.”
Don’t be a podcast junkie…
Resources:
michaelrucker.comTwitter: @performbetterInstagram: @thewonderoffunEp. 75 - Lean Into a Purpose-Driven Life
Ep. 74 - How Entrepreneurs Can Thrive Together & Make Money Matter - with Cole Hatter
Ep. 73 - The Origins of Saddleback Leather: Saying Yes & Giving with Purpose - with Dave Munson
Ep. 72 - Living Life Curious, Fulfilled, & with Purpose - with Marie Forleo
Ep. 71 - Mastering Behavior Change: Tap into Your Purpose & Potential - with John Berardi
Ep. 70 - Giving, Purpose, and Fulfillment - with Dr. John Berardi
Ep. 69 - Why Peak Performers are Driven by Purpose - with Brad Stulberg
Ep. 68 - Let’s Get Back in the Game
Ep. 67 - Red Fish, Bluefish: Perfection is in the Imperfection - with Steve Sims
Ep. 66 - Understanding is Half the Battle - with Ken Kannappan
Ep. 65 - A School of Champions - with Todd Stottlemyre
Ep. 64 - Getting Motivated at Halftime - with Coach Lou Holtz
Ep. 63 - Rise From The Ashes
Ep. 62 - What Are You Doing to Better Yourself Today? - with Adam Eidson
Ep. 61 - Give Back to Comeback - with Cindi Busenhart
Ep. 60 - The Game of Adversity - with Nick DiNardo
Ep. 59 - Why We Love the Comeback Story (and How You Can Leverage That) - with Geoff Woods
Ep. 58 - Happiness, Fulfillment, & You
Ep. 57 - Annihilating Adultitis - with Jason Kotecki
Ep. 56 - Rethink Happiness & Live a Life of Authentic Joy - with Doug Kisgen
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Meaningful Life with Andrew G. Marshall
Heal, Survive & Thrive!
A Voice In The Darkness
BPLUS بیپلاس پادکست فارسی خلاصه کتاب
The Jordan Harbinger Show