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?

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.

The Shift: From blaming others to taking shared responsibility for co-creating the future. 

Practice: Notice when you feel the urge to blame. Pause. Breathe. Remind yourself of your shared humanity and common ground. Ask yourself: What conversation could move us forward together? Then, engage in an open-minded, curious conversation.

In our increasingly polarized world, it’s all too common to hear:

“They’re the problem.” “If only they would…” “It’s their fault.”

Blame is exhausting. It fractures trust, deepens division, and delays progress. Letting go of it can bring a sense of relief and liberation.

So much energy is spent identifying who’s wrong rather than asking:

What can we create—together?

In his book Community: The Structure of Belonging, Peter Block reminds us that real transformation comes not from assigning blame but from building shared commitment and collective accountability for the future we want.

This is the heart of the shift:

• From blaming others to co-creating with them.
• From opposition to possibility.
• From reactivity to responsibility. Taking responsibility empowers us to be the change we want to see.

For decades, I’ve supported leaders with the OASIS Conversations approach—a framework for moving beyond blame, managing reactions, and engaging in meaningful, constructive dialogue. This approach involves creating a safe space for open communication, fostering mutual understanding, and exploring solutions together. These conversations foster clarity, trust, and the conditions for collaboration.

This shift is not only important—it’s essential.

In our communities, our organizations, and our society at large, co-creation is the path to healing, innovation, and joy.

The Shift: Joy isn’t something “out there” to achieve; it’s cultivated from within.

Practice:  Move your body. Laugh with a friend. Put on music and dance—alone or with others.

Feel the aliveness that’s already in you.

For much of my life, I ran on what’s often called the hedonic treadmill, pursuing one achievement after another. I worked and saved to put myself through college, then earned a job, followed by a doctorate, and ultimately built a business. Each milestone mattered, and the journey has been meaningful.

But I’ve come to realize something vital:

Happiness tied to future accomplishments is fleeting.

Joy is available now—when we embody it.

In my coaching work, I’ve met many successful leaders who have everything—status, wealth, achievements—yet still feel an inner emptiness. Despite their outward success, they long for a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.

So what makes the difference?

Joy arises when we become present in our bodies and in the moment.

It’s a shift from striving to sensing. From “doing” to “being.”

One executive I worked with was stuck in relentless goal mode. Together, we explored small shifts. She began starting her day not with email but with music, just one joyful song. Sometimes, she danced. Sometimes, she simply swayed. Within weeks, her energy transformed. She smiled more, connected more deeply with her team, and found herself enjoying the journey again.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Research confirms what many of us feel instinctively:

Laughter, music, and movement, especially in community, reconnect us to our natural joy.

When was the last time you let yourself dance? Laugh out loud? Feel joy in your bones?

Yes, the world is filled with challenges. Joy doesn’t deny hardship—it accompanies it.

When we cultivate joy, we become more resilient, creative, and open to possibility.

So today, I invite you to pause.

Put on a song.

Move.

And feel the joy that’s already within you—waiting to be embodied.

The Shift: Presence often matters more than solutions

The Practice: When someone shares something with you, pause and listen—without rushing to solve.

In our results-driven world, it’s easy to default to fixing. Many of us pride ourselves on solving problems, analyzing data, and offering answers. I certainly did. As an organization development consultant, I spent years diagnosing complex systems, interviewing people, creating surveys, analyzing results, and delivering detailed strategies for change. I was good at it, and so much of the work was valuable.

But something shifted when I began to emphasize deep listening over quick solutions. It was a relief not to always have to provide answers.

Rather than rushing to diagnose or prescribe, I chose to simply be present with my clients. I let go of trying to “fix” things—even when that’s what they said they wanted. Instead, I created space for meaningful conversations. And something powerful happened: people opened up. They felt seen and heard. From this space of presence, authentic strategies emerged uniquely suited to the individuals, teams and organizations involved.

Rather than pushing forward with data-heavy reports and charts, we co-created new ways forward. The process became more human, more alive, and more effective. And it also became more joyful. The joy of seeing people come alive with their own solutions is unparalleled.

I’ve found the same is true in coaching. I don’t view my clients as problems to be solved. I see them as whole, capable, and resourceful. When I show up with presence, empathy, and curiosity, clients often uncover their own insights and take inspired action. This approach empowers them and builds their confidence. My job is not to fix, but to witness, support, and trust the unfolding.

Try This Practice

Notice your tendency to jump in with advice or solutions. Instead, pause when someone shares something with you—at work or in life.

• Breathe.
• Listen.
• Be fully present.
• Let silence do some of the work.
• Ask yourself: “What if my presence is more powerful than my ideas?”
• When we shift from fixing to listening, we invite trust, clarity, and connection.
• We create space for wisdom, ours and theirs, to emerge.

This is JOYBeing: presence over pressure, connection over control, curiosity over correction.

The Shift: From problem-finding to possibility-seeing

The Practice: When faced with a challenge, ask: “What else is possible here?”

It’s human nature to focus on what’s wrong. Our ancestors depended on it. Vigilance helped them survive. Today, that same wiring often keeps us alert but anxious. We scan for problems, real or imagined, and in doing so, can become stuck in a loop of worry, frustration, and limitation.

You may have noticed how your energy shifts when you’re around people constantly complaining or dwelling on everything going wrong. While there’s no denying that the world faces serious challenges, staying locked into a “what’s wrong” mindset makes it hard to access the creativity, courage, and clarity needed to move forward.

As a long-time worrier myself, I know this pattern intimately. I used to think that if I could just anticipate every possible issue, I’d somehow stay safe. Over time—and through practice—I came to accept that much is outside my control. That realization was surprisingly freeing and releasing my grip on what’s wrong made me feel lighter, more open, and playful. What began as an effort gradually became a habit of seeing possibilities.

Recently, I was with a group that felt defeated and disheartened. Their energy was low, and the conversation focused on everything that wasn’t working. But with a gentle shift, from a closed, critical stance to an open and curious one, something changed. We began exploring what could be done. We left the conversation uplifted, more connected, and empowered to act.

A client I was coaching, a job seeker, came in feeling hopeless. “There’s nothing out there for someone like me,” she said. We began with empathy, acknowledging the real frustration she felt. Then, with a small shift in perspective, the conversation opened up. She began to see the current market not as a dead end, but as an opportunity to explore new paths. Within minutes, her energy lifted. Possibilities she hadn’t considered came into view.

That’s the power of shifting from “what’s wrong?” to “what’s possible?”

Try This Practice

The next time you face a challenge, pause and ask:

• “What else is possible here?”
• “What haven’t I considered?”
• “What might I notice if I were open to a new path?”

You don’t have to do it alone. Find trusted colleagues, friends, or a coach to support you in shifting perspective. Together, we can tap into collective wisdom, resilience, and yes—joy.

Be a source of energy and possibility in your circles, as your mindset doesn’t just shape your experience, it influences others. When you shift, you help others shift, too, making you a responsible and influential force in your circles.

The Shift: Instead of powering through your work, find moments to slow down and enjoy the process. Let being fully present in the moment, not the pressure to complete a task, guide your pace.

Practice: Choose one activity, such as eating a meal, taking a walk, or even doing the dishes, to do more slowly and mindfully today.

Savor the making, the connecting, the creating. Let it be enough.

In a world that glorifies hustle, it’s easy to fall into the habit of pushing through—checking boxes, finishing tasks, and rushing to the next thing. But something beautiful happens when I allow myself to slow down and fully experience the process. Cooking a meal with my partner becomes more than a task—it becomes a moment of connection. I feel the rhythm of chopping vegetables, notice the colors and aromas, and feel present in a way that quiets my mind and lifts my heart.

Savoring brings us back to life. It enhances our appreciation for the present moment, deepens our connections, and fosters a sense of gratitude. Whether enjoying the textures and flavors of a shared meal or taking time to appreciate the quiet magic of writing, the experience becomes a source of joy—not just the end result.

As a writer, I delight in the creative process when I’m not rushing to finish. Surprising insights emerge. Background music stirs inspiration. I become a part of the unfolding, not just the outcome.

For leaders and coaches, this shift invites a powerful practice: bring presence into your doing. Savor the conversation, the decision-making, the act of listening. When we’re fully present, even work becomes art.

Commit yourself to savor more. Let life surprise you.

The Shift: Rather than only tracking accomplishments, notice how aligned you feel with your values, joy, and presence.

Practice: Each week, reflect on this question: “Did I show up as who I want to be?”

Celebrate the moments—especially the small ones—when the answer is yes.

We are taught to measure success by outcomes. Did we get the A? The promotion? The deal? Was the project a win?

These markers can be meaningful, but they often keep us on a treadmill—chasing the next goal, the next “success,” without pause. What gets overlooked is how we showed up in the process.

When I reflect on whether I’ve honored my values—whether I’ve led with kindness, authenticity, or presence—I feel a different kind of fulfillment. I feel joy when I experience a real connection with a colleague, a friend, or a neighbor.

No one at a family gathering asks what awards I’ve won or what milestone I’ve reached. What matters is how I’ve shown up. Did I listen? Did I love well? Was I present?

I want to be remembered as a caring, compassionate friend and colleague. How do you want to show up?

Be kind to yourself. Often, when we lead with who we want to be, the outcomes take care of themselves.

The Shift: Redefine productivity as being fully present, not constantly in motion. True power comes from depth, not speed.

Practice: Take 60 seconds to pause between tasks. Feel your breath. Notice your surroundings. Bring your whole self to what’s next.

For much of my life, I equated busyness with worth. A long list of goals made me feel accomplished—but also relentlessly driven. Overcommitted and overstretched, I often moved through life with a foot pressed hard on the accelerator.

In that rushed state, I wasn’t fully present. My mind raced ahead to the next item on the list, and I lost touch with the moment and the people around me. Busyness became a barrier to presence, and presence is where connection and possibility live.

But when I pause and breathe, something shifts. I feel my body. I hear the wind or a birdcall or the silence between sounds. I return to now. The pressure softens, and in its place arises something richer: a felt sense of being alive.

Each time I slow down and choose presence, I reclaim my power—not the power of doing, but the power of being. This is where JOYBeing lives.

Let go of the churn and practice presence. Let your stillness be your strength, a resilient force that anchors you in the present moment.

The shift: Instead of postponing joy until the next milestone, start noticing micro-moments of joy in your day now. These could be as simple as the first sip of your morning coffee, the sound of rain on the roof, or the laughter of a loved one.

Practice: Ask yourself once a day: “What made me smile or feel alive today?” Write it down. Joy expands with awareness. 

Today, I noticed my cat stretched out in front of the window to catch the warmth of the sunny day. I stopped, enjoyed the scene, and smiled. It was beautiful to hear him purr and take in the moment. I was inspired and chose to go outside for a walk in the sun, which gave me an enhanced sense of JOYBeing–the joy of being alive. 

We notice many moments of joy when we slow down and pay attention. When we are feeling rushed and pressured, it is easy to miss these precious moments. I admit I had to allow myself to take a break to walk outside and take in the beautiful day. There are always so many things on our to-do lists. Ironically, I felt more refreshed and energized after my walk outside. I took in the green buds on the trees and the tulips just beginning to open. I had more energy for work after feeling the breeze, hearing the birds, and feeling a sense of Spring awakening. 

Remember, it’s okay to be kind to yourself and notice moments of joy now.