How adept and prolific are you at applying humor? Is your humor tool kit sufficient enough to weather the storms in your life? In recognition of the value of humor for our overall well-being, this simply serves as an indicator for you. After each statement, circle the number that most accurately depicts your level of mirth-ability. Be honest with yourself - nobody is watching!

5 almost always
4 frequently
3 sometimes
2 seldom
1 almost never


1. My family, friends and co-workers would say my sense of humor is one of my greatest assets.
5    4    3    2    1

2. I find time to take a “humor break” every day (e.g. read cartoons, watch comedy, play with kids/pets).
5    4    3    2    1

3. I laugh at myself easily.
5    4    3    2    1

4. I am comfortable laughing out loud with others.
5    4    3    2    1

5. I share humorous stories and insights with others.
5    4    3    2    1

6. I apply humor in my work environment.
5    4    3    2    1

7. I can enjoy an occasional ribbing from others.
5    4    3    2    1

8. I consciously look for humor during the course of each day.
5    4    3    2    1

9. People have difficulty staying angry at me because of my
humor.
5    4    3    2    1

10. I spontaneously laugh even when I am by myself.
5    4    3    2    1

11. I use humor to help others gain perspective on their problems.
5    4    3    2    1

12. I can find humor even in times of adversity.
5    4    3    2    1 
TOTAL SCORE:

60 POINTS: You’re kidding, or you flunked arithmetic
50 to 60: Life of the party
40 to 50: Good dinner companion
30 to 40: Minor attitude adjustment needed; do lunch with a comedian
20 to 30: Major attitude adjustment needed; wear a clown nose to your next board meeting
0 to 20: Severe case of CS (Chronic Seriousness); rent a gorilla suit and crash a wedding

Excerpt from "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Lighten Up!"

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