When Did Everything Become So Serious?

A.I. Images from Adobe Stock

by Skip Cohen

It's the last Hump Day before the holidays, and time to start to loosen up a little!

​Parts of today's post are from my archives, but what prompted today's topic was a conversation with a reader recently that was simply too serious.  Lately, so many people have become over-focused on issues that just don't matter. I'm not saying you should take business challenges lightly, but too many people need to relax a little.

I have no idea how my brain works when it comes to my "archives," but the expression "that's so funny, I forgot to laugh" popped into my head. It sent me on a quest to YouTube looking for one of my favorite old SNL skits with Gilda Radner and Bill Murray, which I've shared below. The SNL channel on YouTube is jam-packed with the classics and well worth your time whenever you need a chuckle.

Here's my point today - a lot of you need to loosen up. In the photography world, we're coming down to the end of 2024's seasonality, and in the "real world," the major December holidays are a week away. It's time to start to kick back a little, or at least think about it.

Stop being so serious about life and your quest for success. Seriously, what good is working to become a great artist if you're not stopping to smell the roses along the way? What good is working this hard if you're missing time with family and friends? 

When I think of photographers I admire, Tony Corbell immediately comes to mind. You'll never see him without a smile. He deals with the same stress in his life we all do, but it's rare for anyone to hear him say "NO" to helping another photographer because he's too busy. He couldn't be more focused as an artist, but we love him because he's never let the craft overshadow his love for life.

So, lighten up! Focus on your business and your clients, but remember to focus on yourself, your family, and your friends too. Don't let your sense of humor get buried under the stress of business.

Here's a recipe for success: Laugh more than you worry. Don't lose sight of your goals. Recognize that success isn't just about the bottom line but being happy. Stay in touch with good friends. Accept that you're only one person and can only do so much. Know that everyone makes mistakes. And like Tim McGraw's lyrics of an old song, always stay humble and kind!

​Happy Hump Day! I hope Todd and Lisa make you smile as they did me this morning!

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