When was the last time you did something just for the fun of it? Not for time, not to win, not to get promoted, not because it’s what your “supposed to do”, not for pride, not for betterment of yourself. You did it simply because it makes you feel happy and joyful. If you can’t remember a time lately that you have done this then I encourage you to rediscover your joy. It can be anything from reading a book, going to the movies, visiting with old friends, throwing a Frisbee, climbing a tree, and beyond. The sky is the limit; as long as it brings you joy.
Now hear me, I’m not saying you can’t have fun at work or in sport, quiet the contrary, you can certainly find joy in one or both of those… If you look for it J. As one of several quotes on the topic – this one by Arthur Ash – reads, “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome”. So while you are “doing”, learn to enjoy some part or all of it. Don’t just run a marathon so you can say you did it; run a marathon for the joy of running and learning how to push your physical and mental limits. Don’t just take on a new client or assignment at work for a paycheck; find the joy in testing your professional limits and learning how to be better at your business. If you find that hard or nearly impossible to accomplish in your professional life find SOMETHING that brings you joy, do it, and do it often. At the end of the day, you should be able to look back on your journey, whatever it was, and say, “wow, that was awesome and I am a happier and more fulfilled person because of it. Find your joy.