Sometimes we’re so driven by the psychological satisfaction we get from crossing a task from our list that we confuse productivity with pleasure. Don’t get me wrong – getting stuff done is rewarding. It alleviates stress, clears our mind and time for other (more important) work, and keeps things moving forward. Without steady accomplishment, life becomes unmanageable and our work ineffective.

But as leaders, we must remember that achieving is not the same as aspiring, and our competencies shouldn’t solely define our commitments. When we’ve focused for too long on what we can produce versus where we feel passion, it’s easy to find ourselves deep into a career with many important job responsibilities but very little joy.

Last week I encouraged you to take a close look at a “maybe yes” in your life to determine if you should walk away (“Hell No!) or lean further in with your whole heart and attention (“Hell Yes!). This can be difficult to discern, especially if you tend to be driven by a strong sense of responsibility. Yet, when it comes to where we commit our time, energy and skill, just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should do it. 

So, here’s another way to approach the question: Does it bring you joy? How do you actually feel when you are engaged in this task (responsibility, relationship, role)? It can’t be sunshine and roses all the time, but if you feel more dread, or even boredom, than you do true excitement, intrigue, enjoyment and delight, it’s time to reassess why it deserves your attention. 

Obviously, there are many things we need to do as leaders (parents, friends, community members, etc.) that don’t spark joy (sorry Marie Kondo), but when it comes to the essential commitments in our lives, this is absolutely a worthy question.

So, just notice. Catch yourself experiencing joy. Those moments that matter might be the greatest clues to what you should be saying “Hell Yes!” to in your life.

On the journey – Anne