At the end of each week, i try to list some things that i really enjoyed, or things that gave me joy. I think it's equally important throughout the workday to touch joy and to really think about it. Just noticing the small joys is really hopeful, is really helpful. And as colleagues, we can support each other. So how can thinking about joy help us not dread the start of the work week? We're actually talking on a monday morning. A lot of people have sunday scaries,. It's hard the transition from the week end into the week day.
Before Kevin had kids, he believed they’d bring him pure joy. So after the birth of his first child, he was blindsided by how little joy he actually felt. The big emotions, which people had gushed to him about, never arrived. Instead, he felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and confused. But, over time, he’s learned that joy — at work and at home — is bite-sized and to be savored.
Kevin reflects on the presence of joy in his life and what keeps him from feeling it. Then, leadership development coach Amy Jen Su gives advice for how to get into a state of mind where appreciating the everyday joys of working parenthood comes more easily.
Guest:
Amy Jen Su is the co-founder of the executive coaching and leadership development firm Paravis Partners and the author of The Leader You Want to Be.
Resources: