Juice up your joy levels when you can

During the holidays, we are surrounded with messages about the power of joy. But why is joy looked at as only a seasonal thing? I think it should be lived year-round, and not just outside your professional life.

So where does joy fit in the business world?

"How we feel profoundly influences how well we perform at work and socially," says my friend Randy Garn, managing partner at the High Performance Institute. "Research shows that joy is one of the best predictors of the good life we all strive to achieve."

Popular opinion holds that joy is a result of being happy. I think that's backward. Joy allows you to be happy. Happy feelings are temporary. Joy is much deeper than that. True joy is untouched by circumstance.

"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day," said theologian Henri Nouwen.

Studies show joy can positively affect us physically and emotionally. The release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in our brains increases feelings of elation and joy.

The late poet laureate Maya Angelou said, "We need joy as we need air."

I couldn't agree more. We cannot wait for circumstances to bring us joy. We must make our own joy.

"Right now, there is so much negativity in the world," Brendon said. "People are angry and complaining. If you don't have joy, you can generate it by the way that you think and act. We are responsible for our emotions. It's up to you to generate positive emotions, and joy is one of them."

To incorporate joy in your life, Brendon cites four things that I'll expand on:

1. We have to trigger happiness. My take: Happiness is a state of mind. So are anger, sorrow, disappointment and loneliness. The mind is the most powerful tool in the universe, but you are the one who controls it. Happiness is a powerful, addictive narcotic.

2. Use humor. I believe life is too short to be serious all the time. How dull our existence would be without the potential to see the lighter side of situations. And how hopeless, too! Humor often represents hope, that the worst is behind us and better things are coming. It also demonstrates that we are able to handle what life throws our way. Life isn't always funny, but a sense of humor always helps.

4. Appreciate and honor people. We all love to receive praise. Everyone likes a pat on the back and a hearty "Well done!" Develop an attitude of gratitude.

Mackay's Moral: Life doesn't have to be perfect to be filled with joy.