Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously)

Bree Groff has written a must-read for anyone designing their life from the ground up. It’s incredibly refreshing to see someone finally admit that our brains work just as well in stretchy pants as they do in stiff suits. Her honest storytelling and wit made me rethink my entire approach to the 9-to-5 grind. I especially loved the 'thinking exercises' scattered throughout—they felt practical rather than performative. The way she frames work not as a punishment for a paycheck but as a vehicle for human flourishing really shifted my mindset. We spend so much of our lives at work; why shouldn't most days be fun? This isn't just about corporate perks. It's about reclaimed joy and finding deep, meaningful connection with the people you’re 'shoveling' alongside every day. My perspective on productivity is forever changed.

Wow, I didn't think a book about work could be this much fun to read, but Bree Groff managed it. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to make work fun every day. I’ve been in that 'up and not crying' slump before, where you just feel your soul slowly dying at your desk. This book was the perfect antidote. It focuses on the 'job I hire my job to do for me,' which for me is about growth and connection. The advice about choosing your 'co-shovelers' carefully is genius. I’d much rather do a boring task with people I love than a 'prestigious' project with people who drain me. Frankly, this should be required reading for every CEO who thinks productivity comes from grinding 80 hours a week. It's time we prioritize human flourishing.

Finally got around to reading this and I can’t stop recommending the 'Do Nothing Day' concept to my coworkers. It sounds counterintuitive, but taking that space to reflect is exactly how you avoid the trap of mindless busyness. Groff's writing is incredibly engaging; it feels like getting advice from a very smart, very honest friend. I loved the focus on the body being the most important tool for work. We treat our laptops better than we treat our own sleep and nutrition! This book is a delightful reminder that work is just one part of a big, beautiful life. If you’re a workaholic who has forgotten how to laugh, buy this immediately. It’s a game-changer for your mental health and your career.

Ever wonder why we act like busyness is a personality trait? Groff's critique of modern productivity culture is sharp, funny, and deeply necessary. She expands your perspective on work by challenging the idea that exhaustion equals success. I found her focus on 'brilliant work' versus just 'busy work' to be the most impactful part. The book is filled with honest storytelling that doesn't shy away from the author's own mistakes. It’s rare to find a business book that feels this human. I finished it feeling energized instead of guilty, which is a massive win. It’s not just about making work fun; it’s about making work *matter* by removing the rituals that strip away our joy. Truly a breath of fresh air in a crowded genre.

After hearing a lot of buzz on LinkedIn, I picked this up to see if it lived up to the hype. Bree Groff offers a really delightful expansion on how we view our professional roles. I’m a big fan of her 'portfolio life' concept. It’s a helpful reminder that we aren't just our job titles. Not every single chapter was a hit—some of the anecdotes about Tuscany felt a bit privileged—but the core message is solid. The practical advice on protecting 'date nights' and personal health as fiercely as client meetings is something every middle manager needs to hear. The writing style is very conversational and easy to digest. It’s the kind of book you can finish in a weekend but think about for months afterward. Not gonna lie, I'm already looking for more comfy work clothes.

As someone who has been feeling the weight of corporate bureaucracy, this was the wake-up call I needed. The truth is, we spend so much time worrying about looking 'professional' that we forget to actually do brilliant work. Groff’s critique of pointless meetings and rigid hierarchies is spot on. I really appreciated the specific tips on how to improve relationships at work, like the mood check-ins. It sounds a little 'out there' at first, but it makes a huge difference in how a team functions. My only real gripe is that it feels very geared toward 'knowledge workers' in tech or creative fields. If you work in retail or a factory, a lot of this advice simply won't apply to your situation. Still, the underlying message of reclaiming your humanity is universal and powerful.

Not what I expected from a business book, but in the best way possible. Instead of dry strategies, you get a warm, witty guide to surviving the modern workplace. I particularly resonated with the section on 'shoveling shit' with people you actually like. It’s a realistic take—not every task is going to be a blast, but the people around you make it bearable. The advice on being the 'defender of date nights' is something I’ve already started implementing. To be fair, the tone can be a little 'quirky' for some, but if you can look past the cat pictures, there is some profound wisdom here. It’s a practical guide for anyone who wants to stop napping through their life and start actually living it.

This book is essentially two different experiences wrapped in one cover. The first half felt a bit like a fever dream of millennial startup tropes—very quirky, very focused on aesthetics and being 'human' in a way that feels performative. I almost put it down when she started talking about the cat picture incident. However, I'm glad I pushed through. In my experience, the second half is where the real value lies. She dives into some heavy, insightful topics regarding burnout, the physical toll of stress, and how to actually foster brilliance by doing less. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, and I don't think every leader will buy into the 'stretchy pants' philosophy. Gotta say, it's worth a skim if you can ignore the fluff.

Look, the perspective here is interesting, but it feels like it was written from a very comfortable, white-collar ivory tower. Not everyone can just decide to work in stretchy pants or take a 'Do Nothing Day' without getting fired. If you're living paycheck-to-paycheck, the stories about Tuscany and being a CEO feel a bit alienating. That being said, I did find some of the thinking exercises useful for my personal life. The idea of not delaying fun until retirement is a good one, regardless of your income. Personally, I think the book is well-written and witty, but you have to take the advice with a grain of salt. It’s a nice dream of what work *should* be, but I’m not sure it’s the world most of us actually inhabit right now.

I struggled to get through this because the author’s persona felt like Jessica Day from New Girl trying to run a Fortune 500 company. The quirkiness was dialed up to an eleven. At one point, she tells a story about thanking a coworker for covering a Zoom call so she could take a 'cute picture of her cat.' That just isn't the reality for 99% of workers. To be fair, the second half of the book is significantly more grounded, touching on actual work-life balance and deep focus. However, the first half is filled with idealistic 'shoulds' that feel totally out of touch with anything outside of a niche startup environment. If you want to hear about what it’s like to work at a 'rainbow factory,' this is for you. Otherwise, it's hard to take seriously.