| “So, what do you do?” This is a phrase you've likely not only heard but also asked a million times. It's the standard for small talk, but it's always rubbed me the wrong way. Admittedly, the question itself isn’t the problem. I personally love hearing what people are up to, but the assumption behind the question—“What do you do to make a living?”—often won’t get you to the real stories. For me, I’d rather hear about how people feed their passions than how they pay their bills. Even if we can’t recall the last time we devoted our time to anything resembling a hobby, we can likely recall our parents or grandparents at their pastimes—cooking, creating, tinkering. If you’re like me, it’s a primary framework for the many memories you carry of them. You can picture them involved in that activity—maybe even teaching you something about it. Their tools and creations filled the house or garage, whether it was the best barbecued meats or expert clock repair. The inclination toward creative pastimes has been ingrained in us from the very beginning, and while we may not have the considerable hours of leisure our Grok families did, a good Primal lifestyle still includes play and hobby work. In fact, the best leaders I’ve worked with have, not surprisingly, been the most well-rounded. I find people who have outside interests to be more engaging communicators and more relaxed, self-possessed people. However, I understand prioritizing play and leisure time isn't always easy. Between family commitments and work obligations it's no surprise it falls to the bottom of most people's lists. But I still believe it's worth pursuing. Just remember the following. - Put on the shoes: I don't mean literally, unless you're talking about Primal Law #3: Move Frequently. I mean don't be afraid to start. Putting on your shoes is always going to be the first step. Don't let it intimidate you.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: What would it mean to take up the banjo? To go back to painting? To try your hand at sailing? Embrace your Primal sense of adventure, and see what happens.
- Carve out the time: A large part of the Primal lifestyle is taking responsibility for your own happiness. This doesn't just mean your diet and exercise, but also your ability to play. You create it. You customize it. You make it happen.
There used to be a time when we would ask each other what do you like to do instead of what do you do. This is the question I’d argue we need to continue asking ourselves. Let's make it happen. | 
