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."
Brendon Burchard, another good friend and the bestselling author of "High Performance Habits," uses notifications as a way to remind him throughout the day to "bring the joy." When going through his work routine, his alarm reminds him to bring positivity to his day.