CONTEXT

I can’t stop thinking about this video:

Gabor Maté—renowned physician and thought leader—was asked what he'd do differently if he could live his life over. His answer wasn't about achieving more. It was about something he lost along the way: playfulness.

He described how the ending of Winnie the Pooh would bring tears to his eyes for years. Christopher Robin has to go to school, and tells his toy animal friends he won't be able to play with them anymore. The book closes with this line: “Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way—in that enchanted place on the top of the forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.”

Maté's confession hit hard: "People sacrifice their playfulness, their joyfulness, to justify their existence… I wish I hadn't worked so hard. When you're driven to work too hard, you actually ignore what matters."

Here's what I've learned: Adults don't stop playing because they get old. They get old because they stop playing.

This one simple habit could change everything:

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METHOD

The Tuesday Rule:

Step 1. Block one hour every week for something unproductive. Pick a consistent day and time. (I started with Tuesday evenings.)

Step 2. Protect it like you'd protect a client meeting. No scheduling over it.

Step 3. Plan an activity that doesn't involve your phone. One hour of "play."

• Make pancakes for dinner with your loved ones
• Read a few chapters of a fiction book
• Hit tennis balls at the park
• Host a dinner + board game night at your place
• Play catch with your kids
• Work on a jigsaw puzzle (Fun fact: Hugh Jackman loves puzzles)

What surprised me? My creativity and energy actually showed up at work the next day. Play isn’t a distraction—it’s a return. To creativity. To joy. To yourself. Funny how “unproductive” time ends up being the most restorative. Play resets the system.

Here’s my theory: Burnout doesn't come from working hard. It comes from not playing hard enough.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

We tell ourselves we'll play more "once we make it"—once we hit that revenue goal, land that promotion, finish that project. But there's always another goal. Another project. Another reason to postpone joy for later.

Gabor Maté worked relentlessly his entire career, and impacted so many. He’s 81 now. And when asked what he'd change? He wish he spent more time playing with his kids.

Don't wait until you're looking back with regret to realize what actually mattered.

Remember: You’re still in the Enchanted Forest. 🧸

All my love,

Jade

P.S. Creativity has become a strong source of ‘play’ for me. Nothing brings me more joy than writing and sharing the most interesting things I’ve come across. And honestly? I have a feeling it would bring you just as much joy. Our next Archimedes cohort starts December 1st. Are you in? Read all the reviews and apply here (it only takes 3 mins)

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