Whenever I come across professionals who are grousing around, I’m known to ask if they like what they do. Of course, they go through their litany of reasons why they shouldn’t, but will eventually acknowledge that they do. In the moment, they just forgot and allow the grind to overtake them.

Liking what you do should be fun. Otherwise, you just have a job that makes it hard to get out of bed and quitting time can’t come soon enough. Here are three things you need to know about having fun.

First, fun doesn’t mean play. Fun doesn’t mean frivolous. Fun doesn’t mean unimportant. It DOES mean that the activity is important enough that you’re going to bring a perspective of fun to it. Otherwise, why bother?

Second, you need to know what the research says. Having fun:

reduces stress and tension so you can think more creatively and analytically

reminds you that your work is meaningful and worth the effort

puts you in a good mood

makes you more productive

Third, you need to know that fun doesn’t just happen. If you wait for your work to be magically entertaining, it’s no wonder you don’t enjoy what you’re doing. Fun isn’t a residue of your work; it’s how you approach your work. You have to put yourself in a proper frame of mind FIRST, not wait until something happens to jar you into experiencing fun.

You can’t blame your misery on your schedule, the volume of work, your clients, colleagues or technology. Instead of reminding yourself of all the reasons why you shouldn’t be having fun, remember that what you do really matters to others, that they appreciate the value you bring, and that you enjoy serving—ALL FUN!

If you remember to have fun, you WILL have a Great Week. So smile, enjoy and serve!