Character & Leadership
A Prank Good Enough for Life Behind Bars
A prank good enough for life behind bars – the benefits of a great sense of humor!
I struck up a great friendship with the president of the bank that was funding much of my debt. We started playing golf on Friday mornings, followed by lunch and a few beers—pretty much a perfect way to end every week.
Now, my buddy had a reputation of being quite an athlete and for being a prankster. True to form, he'd show up to our rounds of golf with all sorts of gadgets designed to "improve" his golf game—aka, cheat me out of a victory. But I was actually a better cheater.
One Friday morning, he called and left a voicemail saying he couldn’t make it for golf because he had some things to take care of.
Later that day, I decided to give him a call at the office to rib him a bit, but they told me he hadn’t come in. So, I called his house. His 17-year-old son answered, and that’s when inspiration struck, and I decided to prank him.
Disguising my voice, I said, "Hello, this is Mr. Wiggins from the IRS. I need to speak to your father about his back taxes. Be sure to tell him, if he doesn't immediately return my call, he could end up in jail." I left a number and hung up, then promptly forgot about it.
The next Friday, we met for golf, and he looked like he'd been through a war. He told me he’d had the worst week of his life. The FBI had been camped out at his house for days, convinced a gang of criminals who held family’s hostage was targeting him. They tapped his phone and lived in his house 24/7, waiting for a call that never came. He had to go to work every day with agents following behind him. He said he had been wired up like a Christmas tree in case the "criminals" approached him at the bank. His kids couldn’t go to school, and his family was in a complete state of panic.
You can imagine how bad I felt—and how hard it was not to laugh. As awful as it may sound, we had the kind of friendship where I found it hilarious while also feeling pretty guilty. I also started wondering if I might end up in jail.
We were at the first hole when I said, "Okay, I need to tell you something." I walked up to him and said, "I’m Mr. Wiggins." He looked at me with a puzzled face and said, "How do you know Wiggins?" I said, "No, I am him." He stared at me in disbelief and said, "I can’t believe it, you’re a criminal!" I replied, "No, dude, I was pretending to be Mr. Wiggins an IRS agent."
He stepped back and said, "I’m going to punch you in the mouth." I started laughing. He swung at me and then chased me around a few trees. Until eventually we were both laughing like maniacs, though it was clear he was seriously rattled.
In the end, we made up over a few beers, and he admitted it was one hell of a prank—albeit one that nearly gave him a heart attack. I might have felt a bit guilty, but hey, that’s what friends are for, right?
Seriously however there are significant Benefits to having a great sense of humor which can be incredibly enjoyable and uplifting for several reasons:
Stress Relief: Humor has the power to alleviate stress and tension. A good laugh triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Positive Atmosphere: People with a good sense of humor often create a positive and light-hearted atmosphere. They can turn mundane or challenging situations into moments of joy, making the environment more enjoyable for everyone.
Enhanced Social Bonds: Humor is a universal language that brings people together. Shared laughter fosters a sense of camaraderie and strengthens social bonds. It helps break down barriers and facilitates connection.
Perspective Shift: A good sense of humor allows individuals to see the lighter side of life. It encourages a more optimistic outlook and helps people navigate difficulties by reframing situations in a positive or amusing light.
Improved Communication: Humor is an effective communication tool. It can make interactions more engaging and memorable. People with a good sense of humor often excel at storytelling and expressing ideas in a way that resonates with others.
Creativity and Innovation: Humor is closely linked to creativity. Those with a good sense of humor tend to think outside the box, approach challenges with inventive solutions, and contribute to a more dynamic and innovative environment.
Increased Resilience: Humor can be a coping mechanism during tough times. Individuals with a good sense of humor often demonstrate resilience by finding ways to laugh and maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.
Charismatic Presence: People with a good sense of humor are often seen as more approachable and charismatic. They can lighten the mood in social settings, making interactions more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
Elevated Mood: Laughter is contagious. Being around someone who can make you laugh can instantly lift your mood and create a more enjoyable experience. It's a simple yet powerful way to enhance one's emotional well-being.
Enhanced Creativity: A good sense of humor is often linked to creativity. Playful and witty individuals can inspire new ideas and encourage others to think creatively. This can be particularly beneficial in brainstorming sessions and problem-solving
