Find Your
Play Nature?
Identify your play nature backed by research, developed with play.
Spot Your Play Nature
By looking at what we’ve found playful in the past, we can develop a sense of our playful nature, the types of activities or situations that engage us and are deeply satisfying, i.e., playful.
The questions below will help you understand what your unique play nature is and how it has manifested itself as you have matured. Next, start to identify what you could do in your current life that might let you re-create those playful feelings.
Let's Find Your Play Nature
1.
Free-Choice Moments
When you’re free to choose how to spend your time, what do you actually do?
Describe a recent moment that felt light, energizing, or genuinely you.
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Where were you?
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Who (if anyone) was with you?
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What made it feel easy or joyful?
2.
Memory Lane: Your “Best Self” Snapshots
Think of times you’ve felt your absolute best, confident, present, and alive. What was happening?
Capture two or three memories that still make you smile.
Look for
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What you were doing (the activity)
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The setting (place, pace, vibe)
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The feeling (calm, competitive, silly, curious, etc.)
3.
Family & Familiar Spaces Check-In
Do you feel free to be yourself when you’re “playing” with family or in familiar groups?
If not, that’s a clue, your play might live somewhere else. Note what environments help you feel light and unfiltered.
4.
Childhood Clues
(Pre-Age 8)
Pull up a photo or memory from your early years. What sparked laughs or pure joy back then?
Any clues about the kinds of play, or “play personality”, that still light you up today?
5.
Flow Finders
Recall a time you got so absorbed that you lost track of time (hello, flow). What were the ingredients, tools, space, people, and soundtrack?
These are prime play signals and often point to natural strengths.
6.
Magnetic Pulls
List activities, objects, places, or people you’re naturally drawn to (genres of music or books, a craft bench, a walking route, a pet, a colleague).
What do you seek out when you want a satisfying reset?
Skim the classic “Types of Play” and “Play Personalities,” then circle anything that feels like you.
Don’t overthink it, go with your gut associations.
Tip: You don’t need every answer; even one strong clue can unlock your play state.
Pick two small ways to invite play into your week—at work and at home.
Examples
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10-minute “Curiosity Lap” (walk + one photo of something delightful)
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15-minute “Build Break” (LEGO, doodles, button-maker, or crafting station)
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“One Song Reset” (solo or team playlist—press play, breathe, reset)
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“Show & Tell Friday” (team shares a tiny win or quirky find)
Block time for your micro-moments. Treat it like a meeting with your future creative self.
Share one play clue with your team:
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“I get into flow when…”
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“My favourite quick reset is…”
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“If we had a 10-minute play ritual, I’d vote for…”
Use this to co-design lightweight rituals your team actually enjoys (and repeats).
Wrap-Up
Your “play nature” is personal and practical. When we design days that fit our play patterns, we get better ideas, calmer nervous systems, and stronger teams.
Ready to prototype your first ritual? Let’s build it.
I learned something new; I got to know my teammates better; I felt creative; I left feeling lighter or recharged
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Testimonials
The Nice Things People Are Saying
I am sold on the Pop CoLab experience, both for our professional team and now I'm thinking "my family would love to spend some time here". For our team there was the genius of moving back and forth between work-based concerns and goals to just plain fun, and I saw the result of that technique come out in the final brainstorm that produced some really great things for our team projects.
James Kornelsen
Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
I wanted to let you know that everyone absolutely loved the session – they said the drinks were awesome, they had a ton of fun making the mocktails and appreciated doing something new and exciting. I’m sure we’ll be reaching out for future sessions.
Myckella McElroy
Richardson International Limited
Working with Pop Colab was such a great experience! Donavan went above and beyond to bring our vision to life. We just told him what we wanted, and he took care of everything, from finding the right team to delivering amazing programming, all within our budget. It saved us so much time and hassle. Pop Colab is definitely on our list for next year!
Mercy Oluwafemi
The Winnipeg Foundation
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