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In business, we talk a lot about strategy. We talk about profitability, scalability, and operational excellence. We talk about consistency, quality, and performance metrics. All of those things matter deeply.
But we don’t talk nearly enough about something incredibly simple and profoundly powerful: have fun.
Because without fun, passion fades.
At ADDO, one of our core values is Passion. We define it as approaching our work with energy and enthusiasm. But here’s the truth: you can’t sustain passion without fun.
If work becomes drudgery, just a series of tasks to check off or numbers to chase, you may grind for a season, but you’ll never unlock the fullest version of what you have to offer.
Steve Jobs famously said that people with passion can change the world. He recognized that the only way to do great work is to love what you do, because if you don’t, you’ll give up before you get great at it.
Consider these leaders who loved what they did:
Truett Cathy, Founder of Chick-fil-A, understood that joy didn’t compete with effectiveness; it fueled it. He believed business should leave people better than it found them. And you can’t uplift others if you’re not energized yourself.
Todd Graves, Founder of Raising Cane’s, tells the story of how people laughed when he said he wanted to build a business around one thing: chicken fingers. But he loved chicken fingers. He believed in the concept, he enjoyed the simplicity, and that genuine enjoyment became the heart of the brand. You don’t build a national phenomenon around something unless you have real affection for it.
These leaders succeeded not in spite of having fun, but because of it.
Personality Is Powerful
We are deeply moved by people who put personality into their service.
The server who jokes with you.
The barista who remembers your order.
The salesperson who treats you like a person, not a transaction.
Authentic personality comes from people who actually enjoy what they’re doing.
When people have fun, they’re not just performing a job, they’re creating an experience.
And customers feel that difference immediately.
Let me be clear:
I’m not naive.
I know profit matters.
I know delivering consistent quality is essential.
I know organizations don’t run on sunshine and good vibes.
But I am suggesting something important:
If you’re not having fun… what’s the point?
Business should amplify joy, not replace it.
Somewhere along the way, a lie slipped into our culture: that going into business means leaving behind joy, play, or the sense of wonder that got us started.
But here’s the truth:
If you do it right, business shouldn’t drain your joy. It should allow you to get paid for what brings you joy.
Work doesn’t have to be the opposite of play.
It can be the expression of it.
Fun isn’t a distraction, it’s a competitive advantage.
When you genuinely enjoy your work, it shows.
It spills into how you show up, how you solve problems, how you serve customers, and how you support your team.
When you’re having fun:
- You bring more energy.
- You collaborate more naturally.
- You create better ideas.
- You build better relationships.
- And customers can feel it.
I firmly believe this:
If you love what you do and you have fun doing it, it translates to your customers.
People want to be around people who are energized. People want to buy from people who love what they do.
So here’s the takeaway:
Work hard.
Be profitable.
Deliver excellence.
Strive for consistency.
But above all, have fun.
Because fun fuels passion. And passion fuels success.
