The Shift: Let joy be both your compass and your contribution. When you live in joy, you naturally inspire others.
Practice: Reflect: “What did I experience today that felt meaningful?” Then, ask: “Who might benefit from me sharing this joy?”
For much of my life, I measured my days by what I had accomplished. Like many driven individuals, I was motivated by goals, productivity, and the sense of progress that came from crossing off tasks. I still value getting things done, but over time, I’ve discovered that focusing solely on achievement can narrow our field of vision and crowd out something even more essential: joy.
The JOYBeing shift from “What can I achieve?” to “What can I experience and share?” invites a deeper orientation to life. Rather than chasing milestones, we tune into moments. Rather than striving for impact, we radiate it—by simply being present and allowing our joy to overflow.
A Moment that Changed My Perspective
Years ago, I had a conversation with a leader who was recovering from a serious illness. She shared that her brush with mortality had changed her perspective on success. Before, she had lived for results, always planning the next big thing. But during her recovery, what stayed with her most were the small, joyful experiences—watching birds outside her window, hearing her daughter’s laughter, or a kind note from a friend. These simple, everyday joys are often overlooked, but they are the ones that truly enrich our lives.
“I used to ask, ‘What can I get done today?'” she told me. “Now I ask, ‘What can I feel today? What can I offer others from my experience?'”
Her presence was radiant. Simply being with her made me and others slow down and smile. She wasn’t pushing joy. She was embodying it—and in doing so, she was making a profound difference in my life and that of others.
Try This Practice
At the end of your day, pause and ask:
- “What did I experience today that felt meaningful, alive, or joyful?”
- “Who might benefit from me sharing this—through a story, a conversation, or just my way of being?”
You might recall the warmth of genuine interaction, the beauty of nature, or the satisfaction of doing something aligned with your values. Let that experience shape how you show up, not by doing more but by sharing the energy of what truly matters.
Achievement has its place, but joy is what makes life worth sharing. When we lead from joy, we lead with presence, openness, and authenticity. We become a ripple of possibility in a world hungry for meaning.
What joyful experience will you notice and share today?