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:

• The Leader You Want to Be: Five Essential Principles for Bringing Out Your Best Self — Every Day, by Amy Jen Su
• “Making Joy a Priority at Work,” by Alex Liu
• “A Simple Way to Increase Your Joy,” by Tony Schwartz
• “How to Refuel When You’re Feeling Emotionally Drained,” by Monique Valcour