Joy

#Beingaleader means you need to have joy. Joy in what you do. Joy in who you do it with. Joy about the future and the impact you are having.

Many people when they see or hear the word “joy” equate it to happiness. The problem is that happiness is an emotion based upon the circumstances you find yourself in whereas joy is a choice you make regardless of the circumstances. Happiness can change moment to moment. Joy is something you can determine to have.

So, in terms of leadership, happiness is fine to have but is fleeting. Joy is what sustains you even when the happiness is momentarily subsumed by your situation. Leaders need to find the joy. Happiness will come and go. Joy is something that can sustain you and keep you going regardless of the emotion you might be feeling.

Joy needs to be connected to purpose and meaning. Instead of being swayed by the circumstances that might be against you, seeing the purpose or meaning behind the circumstances will help you maintain your joy. The training behind a successful sporting or athletic event might not bring you happiness. But you endure and choose joy because you know why you are doing it. You know the goal you are trying to achieve. Life’s circumstances become ‘worth it’ so that you can reach the goal you have set before you.

#Beingaleader means you need to have joy. Choose to have it.