Finding Your Joy

Reassess, Reinvigorate, Rest – FIND YOUR JOY!

I recently did a Fishbowl Live on Joy and wanted to share with my LinkedIn world! After experiencing a recent jolt of insecurity and frustration—an unusual state for me—I needed to remind myself of what is important and how to find MY JOY again. Tony Robbins, a strong motivational speaker, inspires much of my mantra, my focus in life, and what is important to me!

LET GO OF THE PAST

As Tony Robbins famously says, "The past does not equal the future unless you live there." Dwelling on past failures can hinder our ability to find joy in the present. If you've lost a loved one, ended a relationship, or faced financial struggles, it's valid to feel down. Allow yourself to feel sad or lonely, but never hopeless. Learn from your experiences and emotions, then let go of the past. You deserve to feel joy again.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Moving on from the past and finding joy starts with practicing gratitude. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can train your brain to feel joy more often. The more you practice gratitude, the more positive emotions you'll experience. One of my colleagues, Howard, begins his meetings with a moment of gratitude, bringing joy and positivity to everyone.

CREATE POSITIVE DAILY RITUALS

Your daily routine has a powerful effect on your state of mind. Exercise, for instance, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that even a 15-minute run or an hour-long walk can improve mood (Addicted 2 Success). Engaging in meditation and mindfulness practices can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression (Sean Croxton). My friend Ben says, “Perhaps meditation enables me to find joy in experiences where I otherwise may not have found joy, but it isn't as though I meditate, and then I am joyful.”

BE PRESENT

In our fast-paced world, we're often glued to our phones and social media, constantly reminded of what we're missing. Excessive use of social media is linked to increased feelings of anxiety and depression . Unplug and focus on the present moment. Mindfulness practices can ground us and enhance our sense of joy. By savoring the present, we can find true happiness. Remember to: Relax, Rejuvenate, Refresh! (some of my colleagues will recognize that phrase). And Hazzah! (for my past colleagues).

USE THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

The more positivity you feel, the more you will attract positivity in your life—that’s the essence of the law of attraction. This principle suggests that our thoughts can influence our reality. Prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith have spoken about how the law of attraction has helped them achieve their dreams . Studies have shown that positive emotions enhance our well-being and create a ripple effect, improving the moods and lives of those around us .

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

Surrounding yourself with positive people is crucial for every area of your life. Positive people lift your spirits and help you find the good in any situation. Having supportive friends is associated with greater overall well-being . Letting go of toxic relationships is essential, as negative social interactions can increase stress and negatively impact mental health . By spending time with positive, supportive people, you create an environment where joy and positivity can flourish.

GIVE BACK

As Tony Robbins says, “The Secret to living is giving.” Making a difference in the lives of others brings meaning to our own lives and reminds us of all that we have. Helping others improves health and happiness. Be kind, be helpful, be a mentor, and give back.

FIND YOUR PURPOSE

When you've set yourself up for success through gratitude, empowering daily rituals, and mindfulness, you're ready to find your purpose. Your purpose goes beyond your career or short-term goals; it gives your life meaning. Research suggests that having a sense of purpose can significantly impact your overall well-being . Engaging in practices such as gratitude and mindfulness helps you identify what truly matters to you . Finding your purpose is an introspective process that requires reflection and self-awareness.

FIND YOUR PURPOSE IN YOUR WORK

Finding purpose in your job is essential for overall well-being. Align your purpose, passion, values, and gifts with your work. Individuals with a high sense of work purpose are ten times more likely to experience good overall well-being . Evaluate your workplace for genuine diversity initiatives and opportunities to give back. Participating in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can enhance your sense of purpose and fulfillment. Finding joy in a boring job requires a shift in perspective. Research indicates that focusing on small, positive aspects of your job can improve job satisfaction . Taking on more responsibility and challenging yourself can also increase engagement and satisfaction .

Practical Tips:

1. Align Your Values: Make sure your job aligns with your personal values and passions.
2. Engage in ERGs: Join Employee Resource Groups that focus on causes you care about.
3. Find Positive Aspects: Identify and appreciate the good elements in your job.
4. Take on Challenges: Embrace new responsibilities and challenges.

How Can You Find Joy in Work?

Take short breaks throughout your workday to boost your mood and productivity . Consider a music break—play your favorite songs and have a dance party. Dancing like no one is watching can lift your spirits and increase your energy levels . Being social at work can also contribute to your happiness. Start a culture club, organize a recipe exchange, or find other activities that bring joy and foster connections . Investing in personal growth by taking training courses can make you happier and more engaged . Transform your workspace into a happy place by adding personal touches .

Practical Tips:

1. Take Micro-Breaks: Step outside or move around to refresh your mind and body.
2. Music and Dance: Incorporate music breaks into your day to boost your mood.
3. Be Social: Create social opportunities like culture clubs or recipe exchanges.
4. Continuous Learning: Engage in training and skill development.
5. Personalize Your Workspace: Add personal touches to your workspace.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more joyful and fulfilling work experience, ultimately benefiting both your personal well-being and professional success.

CALL TO ACTION

This is a good time to look at your job and life from a new perspective! Objectively contemplate your job and life—colleagues and company—to explore how they align with your values, beliefs, and purpose. Pause, make space to reset, reassess, and reinvigorate your career. Creating a joyful world for yourself that supports you is vital for your well-being AND FOR YOUR JOY!

References

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