How to Truly Maximise Your Joy, Regardless…

Earlier this week, I saw a picture on my phone of myself and a senior executive at a dinner event in London sharing a laugh over a drink. Seeing that picture evoked one word in my mind: JOY.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); an inner satisfaction in God regardless of prevailing circumstances.

Sometimes, it’s macro external events or people whose actions seek to rob you of joy. But understand that joy is a personal choice; yours alone. Don’t allow anyone rob you of it.

So, how can you choose joy regardless of your present challenges?

Live in the moment but be intentional

You only have one life. As you read this post, all you have is now. So be intentional about your choices and decisions.

We often worry about many things in the future that we cannot control. Let go of ‘future’ anxieties and instead focus on the present.

To maximise joy, you must be present and live in the moment but be intentional. Focus on the choices you can control and change what you can // How to Truly Maximise Your Joy, Regardless… Click To Tweet

Sometimes, it’s your environment, circle of friends or own behaviour that needs to change.

Don’t be afraid to take bold steps that align with your purpose and calling.

Embrace feedback but reject negative energy

A simple mistake we make unconsciously is to admit people into our lives (often in the guise of counsel) who have nothing inspiring to offer but negative energy.

I’ve experienced in the past the damage this can cause to your emotional and spiritual wellbeing. They project on you a subtle sense of fear, guilt or confusion, then leave you to deal with the outcome.

Don’t get me wrong, we all can do better by being more open to feedback, advice and guidance.

However, if you want to maximise your joy, then be wise to discern and reject negative energy.

Push boundaries but respect others

True joy can never be experienced outside the realms of your purpose and calling. When you are in your place of assignment, joy is inevitable // How to Truly Maximise Your Joy, Regardless… Click To Tweet

However, there are times we unintentionally allow others dictate how far we can go. They put a ceiling on our dreams. In turn, this leads to frustration.

If that’s you, it’s time to push the boundaries and come out of the rot, without burning bridges with people.

I’m a firm believer in the power of relationships. In reality, joy is best experienced and shared in the context of our relationships with others.

Therefore, pushing boundaries is not an excuse to disrespect people.

Life is what you make of you. So, make yours great. And while you do, choose joy.

Photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash