Finding Joy Now: A Lesson from the DMV (and Life)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where time seems to stand still, and frustration starts to creep in? That's exactly where I found myself recently – at the DMV. But this experience taught me a valuable lesson about finding joy in unexpected places. Let me share my story and insights with you.

The DMV Saga: A Test of Patience

Picture this: 3.5 hours at the DMV, surrounded by fellow citizens, all of us waiting for our numbers to be called. Despite being the responsible American I am, scheduling an appointment well in advance and arriving early, I still found myself in this disappointing situation. Waiting. And waiting some more.

Expectation vs. Reality

Like many of us, I foolishly thought I'd be in and out in an hour. The man at the desk even assured me it would "only be about 30 minutes to an hour." Oh, how wrong we both were! As time ticked by, I found myself contemplating whether to DoorDash some food to combat the growing hangry monster within.

The Choice We Face: Chasing Joy vs. Choosing Joy

This experience made me realize something profound about life. We essentially have two choices:

1. Chasing Joy
2. Choosing Joy

It's a simple concept, but one that's often overlooked. For years, I found myself chasing something that was already available: joy and peace.

The Trap of 'Never Enough'

We live in a world that constantly tells us we lack something:

• We're too fat, too short, too tall, or too skinny
• We don't have enough money
• Our house is too small
• Our business isn't growing fast enough
• Even our yacht (for those lucky few) is somehow inadequate

Sound familiar? This pervasive message of 'lack' creates anxiety and a perceived gap in our lives.

Breaking Free from the 'Arrival Fallacy'

As entrepreneurs, we're particularly susceptible to what I call the 'Arrival Fallacy.' It's the belief that the next achievement or milestone will finally make us feel great about ourselves. Spoiler alert: it won't.

The Elusive 'It'

Here's the truth: You will never arrive at that magical destination where everything feels perfect. Instead, finding joy is a choice we must make daily.

Choosing Abundance and Overflow Now

So, how do we break free from this cycle of dissatisfaction? It's all about perspective. When we view life through a lens of lack, that's exactly what we'll feel. But if we choose to see the beautiful things present in our lives right now – in our businesses, families, and personal growth – we open ourselves up to a world of abundance.

Operating from Overflow, Not Lack

This shift in perspective doesn't mean we stop growing or pushing for bigger things. Instead, it's about changing the place from which we operate. Are we driven by a sense of lack, or are we motivated by the joy of using our gifts to serve others?

The Secret to Peace: Contentment in Any Situation

As the New Testament scholar Paul said, we should strive to be "content in all situations." This contentment is the key to finding peace, but it's not an excuse for complacency. It's about finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

Conclusion: A Call to Choose Joy

Next time you find yourself in a frustrating situation – be it at the DMV or in your business – remember that joy is a choice. It's not about chasing the next big thing, but about appreciating the abundance that's already present in your life.

Are you ready to shift your perspective and choose joy today? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Share them with me, and let's continue this conversation.

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