Hey there! Welcome back to our journey of finding joy and purpose in our work lives. Today we're exploring what joy looks like on an ordinary day. People assume joy should be synonymous with big life events and achievements, and I get it. The rush of a new life/work goal being achieved is unbeatable, but if these are the only ways we can experience joy at work, we're headed for a life of relentlessly chasing self-actualisation. Self-actualisation in itself doesn't hurt - in fact, the concept of self-actualisation, popularized by psychologist Abraham Maslow in his hierarchy of needs, represents the highest level of psychological development and fulfillment in humans. Like a good friend would always say, "Our self-actualisation ought to be found in a state of being, a well and balanced version of ourselves". But this post isn't about self-actualisation, it's about preserving and improving our baseline of happiness through finding joy in the small things, and I want to show you how.
The Beauty of Small Things Let's start by acknowledging something: joy can be found in the tiniest of moments. It doesn't always have to be a grand revelation. It can be as simple as enjoying your morning coffee, sharing a laugh with a colleague, or finding satisfaction in completing a task. My favorite pocket of joy is in my daily routine - grabbing my warm cup of tea/coffee, my productivity planner, and my journal. Then I sit in front of my large windows to look far into the horizon while I admire the sunrise, set my intention for my day, and write down what I'm grateful for. Think about it. Life is made up of these little moments, and when we learn to find joy in them, our days become full of happiness.
The Power of Mindset One of the keys to cultivating joy in the daily grind is shifting our mindset. Instead of dreading the routine, we can choose to see it as an opportunity for growth and discovery. Every task, no matter how routine, has something to teach us. Maybe it's patience, attention to detail, or the joy of a job well done. When we approach our work with an open heart and a curious mind, we open the door to joy.
Embrace the Present Moment Have you ever caught yourself mentally racing ahead to the next task or dwelling on the past while neglecting the present moment? Guilty as charged, right? We all do it. But here's a little secret: joy lives in the present. When we fully engage with what we're doing right now, we find a sense of purpose and satisfaction. So, whether you're answering emails, filing reports, or even cleaning out your inbox, be all in, and find your flow.
Find Your Joy Triggers Take a moment to identify the specific things that bring you joy during your workday. Maybe it's that feeling of accomplishment when you check off your to-do list, the smile on your colleague's face, or the scent of your favorite candle wafting through your workspace. Once you've pinpointed your joy triggers, make a conscious effort to sprinkle them throughout your day. Create a work environment that caters to your joy and uplifts your spirit.
Share the Joy Joy is contagious. When you find it in your daily work, share it with others. Celebrate wins, no matter how small, and acknowledge the effort of your colleagues. A simple "thank you" or a kind word can brighten someone's day.
Conclusion In today's blog post, we're uncovering the hidden gems of joy in the daily grind. It's about finding beauty in simplicity, shifting our mindset, embracing the present moment, and sharing the love. Remember, joy isn't reserved for the extraordinary moments in life. It's right here, in the ordinary, waiting for you to notice it. So, let's grab our magnifying glasses and uncover the joy hiding in plain sight.
Here's to finding joy in the everyday! 🌟
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