Discover the Secret to Finding Joy in Your Career

?? I’ve got the Joy Joy Joy Joy Down in my heart. Where? ??

Seriously, where did my JOY go?

Imagine waking up every day excited for work, brimming with enthusiasm and purpose.

Sound impossible? It's not!

In today’s article, we’ll explore the underestimated value of joy in our careers, the sneakily unnoticeable ways anxiety can creep in, and how to intentionally cultivate joy, even in the busiest and overwhelming seasons of life.

“It feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. I have lay-off anxiety.”

In today’s high-pressure job market, where long hours and constant demands seem to be the norm, finding joy can feel like catching a greased pig at a county fair - the moment you think you have it, it slips right through your grasp. Joy is essential for sustained success and well-being, so let's equip ourselves with the right tools, like farmers creating a confined space and using teamwork to catch that elusive pig.

Here are three practices to help you reclaim joy in your career:

#1. Shift your Focus to JOY

The first step to reclaiming joy is acknowledging its importance and recognizing when it's missing. As our careers advance, it is natural for our minds to become more focused on the responsibilities and less focused on the simple joys surrounding us. It takes strength, intention, and practice to train our brain to bring awareness to that joy.

Mindset #1: Joy isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. It fuels our productivity, creativity, and resilience.

#2. Practice Gratitude Daily:

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to anxiety. It shifts our focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in our lives. Start a daily gratitude journal. Choose a time of the day to jot down three things you're thankful for.

I have added this practice into my morning routine because it starts my day with a spark of joy and positivity. Some prefer the evening because it helps them drive off to sleep with a smile. Choose what works best for you.

This simple practice trains your brain to seek out and savor the positive aspects of your day, fostering a joyful mindset.

Mindset #2: Gratitude is a joy magnifier and multiplier.

#3. Connect with Your Purpose:

Purpose and joy are deeply intertwined, like kindred spirits who remain connected even when apart.

When I have a rough day or am in a creative block, feeling frustrated and stressed because I don't have time to not produce, I look at my kudos file. This file is full of messages from others telling me the value they have gained from my work. In one moment, writing feels like a 100-pound weight of responsibility on my back. After looking at the kudos file, writing transforms into a purposeful act of kindness, filling my heart with joy.

Reflect on what drives you. What aspects of your work light you up? Do you have your own version of a kudos file to remind you of the value of your work?

Aligning your daily tasks with your deeper purpose can transform mundane responsibilities into meaningful endeavors. Regularly revisiting your "why" injects a sense of joy and fulfillment into your career journey.

Mindset #3: Purpose transforms responsibility into joy-filled action.

Joy isn't a fleeting feeling; it's a practice.

By intentionally incorporating gratitude, purpose, and joy into our daily lives, we can transform our work experience from the mundane to the extraordinary, making each day fulfilling and meaningful.

Ready to embrace more joy in your career? Share in the comments. What is one thing you are grateful for OR state your “why” (aka the purpose for your work)>

Your joy-filled career awaits!

Nicole Perrotta

Leadership Transformer