Consequently, small habits can operationalize Cervantes’ advice. Treat obstacles as design puzzles and rename them with a wink—“the windmill problem”—to trigger creative rather than defensive thinking. Use an ‘and yet’ reframe: “This plan failed, and yet here’s one thing I can try next.” Borrow from improv’s “Yes, and” to keep dialogue—and projects—moving. When morale dips, share a brief, clean joke or a self-deprecating anecdote; affiliative humor invites collaboration. Finally, pair levity with a concrete next step—send the email, sketch the prototype, walk the first block—so laughter points to motion, not escape. [...]
