First of all, a big thank-you to everyone who attended our very first Social Media Conference at Samford University on Friday. Based on the evaluations and the enthusiastic interaction between the speakers and the audience, the conference was a huge success. People told us they thought it was enjoyable, thought provoking and a good value. One person described it as both “informative and fun.”

Speaking of fun, my Point this week is about just that. And so I ask you: Are you having any fun? This past Saturday, of course, was Halloween. It wasn’t just fun for kids. Halloween-related retail sales actually were up this year. Even with most other sales stagnant, Americans spent about six billion dollars on decorations and costumes (most popular: Michael Jackson and Balloon Boy).

Halloween has become more of a season and less of a one-night event. (Walmart had Halloween candy on the shelves in early September; in Birmingham alone there were three pop-up versions of the seasonal Spirit Halloween store.)

I think people are really longing for some lighthearted fun. Our Rainmakers & Leaders Program even got in the spirit recently. This twice-monthly public speaking, leadership and time-management program enjoyed a Halloween theme last Tuesday; people dressed up in their scary best, and our speakers shared Halloween-related stories they remembered from when they were kids.

I say, let’s lose the witch hats but keep the fun.

Yes, the economy is still frightening, and some would say there’s no time to focus on fun, but I think fun is exactly what most people need right now to reduce stress levels, lower overall anxiety and find our way through this.

So, did you use Halloween as an excuse to have some fun? Did you “act your age” dressed in that old leisure suit, silky shirt and white patent-leather shoes that you wore to the senior prom in the 1970s? Did you throw a party (or at the very least go to one)? Sadly, a great many people didn’t even think about playing in that sandbox. And that was a missed opportunity.


We’re going to take some time over the next several weeks and review my 7F’s of True Success model. Just to refresh: I’m talking about work Fundamentals, sound Finances, Family, Faith, Fitness, Fun and the Fusion of all this. These topics are detailed in my first book, which is available at www.corsini.com. Today, of course, I skipped ahead. That’s because I think it’s vitally important to have some fun in your life every day—especially in this economic climate. You owe it to yourself and to those you care about.