The Fun Factor
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| Chapter One |
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| MAKING YOURSELF A HUMOR BEING |
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| A middle-aged CEO sat dejectedly in my consulting room.
It was only mid-morning, but he had the look of a weary m an who had already put in a full day’s work. His clothing reflected expensive tastes and the wealth to indulge them.
He spoke haltingly. “I thought that when I got to this point in life I’d be happy. I’m making more m oney than I ever im agined. I’ve got three homes, a beautiful wife, great kids and expensive toys I can’t even find the time to play with.”
He went on. “I’m a successful man. I should be free to do anything I want. But I can’t get free. I have no time to enjoy any of it. It feels like I’m on a treadmill and I can’t get off. I’m trapped by my success and it doesn’t make me happy.”
I thought I saw tears welling in his eyes. Embarrassed by this, he looked furtively around for a tissue.
“Where the hell are your tissues?” he grumbled. “You’re a shrink for God’s sake. Surely you have a tissue.”
“Do you want a new one or a used one?” I replied.
He looked at me sharply.
“The new ones cost extra,” I added, keeping a straight face.
He looked confused. Then he burst into laughter. It lasted for much longer than my silly joke warranted. When he caught his breath, he had a different kind of tear in his eye.
“That’s the first good laugh I’ve had in a week,” he said. “I |
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used to laugh all the time. That’s what’s m issing!”
“Sounds like you’re not having any fun,” I ventured.
“Damn right! That’s why I’m here. You’re the Laugh Doctor.
So make me laugh.”
We got to work.
