The Shift: Rather than waiting for joy until the work is done or things are completed, connect with joy in small, quiet moments to build emotional resilience. 

Practice: Stay connected to what brings you meaning, presence, and delight, especially in the face of uncertainty. Ask yourself: What would bring more joy in this moment?

A few years ago, I was working with a leader who was navigating a major organizational crisis. Her team was burned out, the stakes were high, and she felt the weight of every decision. She was doing everything she could—strategizing, supporting others, staying strong. But she was running on empty. It was in this moment that the transformative power of joy became evident.

But she was running on empty.

During one of our coaching sessions, I asked her gently,

• “When was the last time you felt even a spark of joy?”

She paused. Then she laughed a little and said,

• “Probably when I danced around the kitchen with my daughter last weekend.”

We explored that moment not to distract from the challenge she was facing but to reconnect her with what was sustaining.

That simple act —music, laughter, and connection — recharged her in a way that spreadsheets and strategy never could. It reminded her of what she was fighting for, not just what she was fighting against. This recharging and refocusing, this rejuvenation, is the power of joy in leadership.

From then on, she committed to infusing tiny moments of joy into each day. Not to escape the hardship—but to help her stay grounded and whole through it. This is the essence of resilience, and joy is a key component in achieving it.

And what she noticed was powerful: she felt clearer, more creative, and more connected to her team. Her resilience didn’t come from toughing it out; it came from staying connected to what made life meaningful.

That’s what we mean by JOYBeing: it’s the practice of consciously choosing joy in the midst of challenges, and using it as a source of strength and resilience.

So, I encourage you to start your own JOYBeing journey. Remember, joy isn’t the opposite of struggle—it’s the light we carry with us through it.

What would bring more joy in this moment? Start there, and see how it can fuel your resilience.