How to Increase Joy

How to Increase Joy

Every human wants to be happy. You are in charge of cultivating more joy in your life, by spending more time on things you love. Recall the moments where you felt immense peace and happiness, and go there. Here are 4 ways to increase joy.

More Being, Less Doing.

We spend so much of our lives trying to do stuff. Trying to get to the next level, make more money, buy more clothes. We assume when we do these things, the joy will come. The constant motion never subsides. We will always be searching for the next best thing to happen in our lives, so we can feel better. What if you can be more joyful by simply being in the moment? Instead of trying to do the next thing, find the lessons in the now. Find the beauty in this moment. Be here, be now.

Give good feelings your full attention.

We’ve all heard the saying “nothing lasts forever.” It’s true. Everything is fleeting. Anxiety, pain, worry- all temporary. So are the warm and fuzzy feelings. Happiness, confidence, joy. So when those nice feelings come up, hold on to them. Give them focus and attention, and energy so they will grow.

What are you doing when you feel the most joy?

Do more of it! Life is too short to not do the things you love. Fill your life with as many joyful moments as possible. Take inventory of the things that bring you joy and make your heart smile, and how you can spend more time on those things. Imagine your life if you were able to only do things that brought you joy.

Live in your “zone of genius”

(and say no to more things that are not in it) Your zone of genius is where you absolutely thrive. It is a natural place of growth and creativity. When you stay within this zone, possibilities are limitless because YOU are in control. It’s ok to say no to things that do not reside in this zone. You’re then allowing more space for joy to flourish inside of you.

The Challenge: Say a firm, confident NO to the next thing that is not in your zone of genius.