Is life a joyful journey? It’s a question all of us should ask. And, if life is not a joyful journey, then we should question why that is so? Our short stay in this world should be nothing but a joyful journey. Often, we tend to make our lives too complex.
Executives continually face challenges that often create stress and conflict. How could we transform challenges to excitement, inspiration, and joy?
Put simply, life consists of three elements: birth, death, and the choices that we make in between. Choices can make us joyful or miserable. Choices are ours. Then, how could we make choices that will make our lives joyful? As Artificial Intelligence (AI) embraces our lives the choices will also increase exponentially and, we must navigate our lives through the maze of choices to make our lives joyful.
Life becomes a joyful journey when we navigate life with purpose, authenticity, curiosity, compassion and above all contentment. This is just a general overarching statement that warrants more practical drivers of joy. So, what are the key drivers influencing joy?
Align work with purpose
- Connect work to personal values
- Create impact through mindful initiatives like mentoring others and watching them grow
- Live mindfully. Live in the present for present moment is a gift. Train your mind to savour the “now” instead of chasing the “past” and the “future.”
- Know thyself. Reflect on your values and purpose. Joy flourishes when your actions align with your identity and purpose
- Practice self-discipline. Patience and restraint can unlock freedom. Mastering your impulses gives you command over your destiny
- Set purpose-driven goals. Direction gives depth to your journey. Whether small or grand, goals bring excitement to each step
- Stay curious. Ask questions. Explore. Get fascinated. The world is bursting with wonder. Cherish the moments. Look beyond the negatives that may surround you at work
- Adapt and accept. Life is full of twists and turns. Joy is not resisting change—it is moving with it and navigating life
Nurture meaningful connections
- Lead with compassion. Joy often hides in the simple act of making someone else smile. Do not underestimate joy of giving. Five minutes of your time can change the day for someone
- Surround yourself with positive energy. Choose friends who fuel your spirit, not deplete it. Choose energy givers and avoid energy drainers
- Celebrate others. Applauding someone else’s success does not deplete your own – it amplifies your joy
Walk the talk – joy of doing
- Sometimes joy is not in reaching the destination – it is in how you walk the road. If your journey is full of wonder, wisdom, connections, and laughter then you are already living joyfully. Unfortunately, many get caught up in negative traps
- You have your place in this world. Respect and love yourself
- Taking risks and being adventurous is an integral part of doing
- Be the captain of your thoughts. When your mind is calm, focused, and grateful, challenges and obstacles become adventures. Celebrate challenges
- Dream big – and chase those dreams with discipline, passion and purpose. Whether it is excelling in a presentation to clients or helping a colleague, every goal gives your journey meaning
Speak light, spread joy
- Words can make or break. So, speak to inspire, cheer up a colleague, and remind others they matter. That is how you light up your world
- Receiving can also bring joy to you and the giver. When you ask for a favour from a friend that may give them joy
- Some staff members may require additional support. Be careful with the written word. It can bite you hard and bring about sorrow instead of joy. Once hurtful words escape you cannot pull them back
Own your mind – be yourself
- Every joyful journey begins in your mind. Intentions translate to thoughts and thoughts lead to actions. Actions shape your world
- Developing focus, gratitude, and mental strength can contribute to personal growth. When you learn to choose your response instead of reacting, you become powerful beyond measure. Remember, all actions and comments do not deserve your reaction
- Spread joy with your words. Words can lift people higher than any award. Tell your colleagues what you admire about them. So, walk this life with heart. With courage. With curiosity. Do not just chase joy. Create it. Let your journey be joyful, not because it is easy, but because it is important
- Joy starts from within. Train your mind to be calm, focused, and grateful. When you control your thoughts, you shape your story. And in that story, you are the author – not just a character. Remember, it is your life, and you are the author and craftsman
Character is your brand and strength
- In a world full of noise, character is your quiet power. Be the person who helps others stand tall. Be the one who speaks truth with grace
- Kindness and courage—those are qualities that make you unforgettable
- Character communicates loud. It is a megaphone
- Make forgiveness your path to joy
Cultivate inner peace
- Mindfulness and acceptance – staying present with your thoughts, even during challenges – can lead to greater joy
- Self-discipline as liberation – when we master our impulses, we create space for higher pursuits that feed the spirit
- Cherish the moments – a child’s laughter, morning sunrise, or the roses blossoming. These are simple beauties that bring out life’s quiet magic
- Set boundaries and be ready to say “no”
- Actively delegate
Prioritise health and wellness
- Physical and mental health are fundamental to joy
- Exercise body and mind regularly. ‘Healthy body is healthy mind’ may be true. But mind requires very special attention. Physically healthy and competitive athletes have had serious mental setbacks
- Often your exhaustion is not physical but emotional
- Sleep well – quality rest is key to quality decision making
- Seek help and guidance when necessary. Asking for help and guidance is not a weakness or failure
- Avoid energy drainers who live in negativity
- Celebrate abundance when you do not have what you desire
All the above serve as guidance that requires responsible follow up. You invest in your joy and the return on investment (ROI) will be high.
Your life will become a joyful journey when you live it as both as an explorer and an artist - curious enough to seek meaning, and intentional enough to paint it with purpose. You have a blank canvas, and you are the artist who will paint your joyful life. Make it a piece of beautiful art. Your staff and colleagues will notice it.
(The writer is Dr. Shantha P. Yahanpath, Founder and Principal consultant of www.totalwealthplan.com, and Co-founder of www.joysoftotalwealth.com)
