Is There Joy in Your Life? And in Your Work?
If you haven’t paused to ask yourself what truly brings you joy, now might be the time. Are you just clocking in hours for a paycheck to enjoy your life only during vacations? Or can you, be attentive to discovering joy in every day?
Joy is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s an inherent state. It’s waking up each morning, recognizing the challenges ahead, yet choosing to find gratitude in the small things.
As leaders, our inner joy ripples outward, setting the tone for our teams. It’s not just about doing a job; it’s about finding fulfillment that feeds your soul, not just your bank account. Unlike happiness which often depends on external circumstances, joy is much bigger. It’s a state to inhabit.
When we embrace joy as a state of being, we also open ourselves to experiencing all emotions in their fullness. Joy doesn’t shield us from difficult emotions; in fact, living in a state of true joy means we are equally receptive to pain. Our culture often celebrates happiness while leaving little room for grief, leading many to experience sadness and sorrow in solitude. However, when we connect with genuine joy from the core of our hearts, we must also accept that hurtful feelings are part of the journey. There is no shortcut to avoiding pain, but this is the adventure of being human. Just as we might tire of a single type of food if we have it too often, we need the full range of our emotions to truly experience life. However, truly immersing in the feeling of joy when we have it gives us the resilience and the grace to survive the difficult emotions when they arrive.
Feeling inner joy is also related to the extent of purpose one feels in one’s life. Research shows that those who find purpose in their work live healthier, more joyful lives. Positive psychology founder Martin Seligman encourages us to focus on building positive emotions, character strengths, and establishing meaning. Leaders can shape how they respond to situations, and the pursuit of joy should be part of that focus.
Joy is our essential nature. It’s who we are at our best. Cultivating and nurturing joy within ourselves can inspire others to do the same. When we lead from a place of joy, we create environments where teams collaborate more effectively, feel motivated, and innovate with ease.
In today’s fast-paced world, where information overload and daily tasks create fatigue, joy should be of paramount importance. The newer generations in the workforce thrive in environments that encourage warmth and ease over stoicism. While joyful leadership doesn’t mean a lack of seriousness at work rather it’s about creating a space where people feel valued, seen, motivated, and connected.
An emotionally intelligent leader can read the room and know when to infuse a little light heartedness to overcome an obstacle.
We are in a time where work and life are increasingly intertwined. Showing up with a more humane, joyful attitude to work makes the environment welcoming for everyone. Whether we accept it or not, work culture has changed, and in order to be part of this new environment it is essential that we do the right self reflection, cultivate the self awareness and do the work that connects us to our inner joy.
Let’s dispel the myth that joy has no place in leadership. Let’s lead with heart, passion and empathy. This is not just beneficial, it’s necessary.