While joy is a choice, there are specific and practical things we can each do to increase the joy factor in our lives. This joy formula is: P (2) + B + S (2) = Joy

Purpose! Clearly defined, passionate purpose is the fire that keeps our will to do and achieve burning. Knowing our purpose serves as a compass to help us determine what we should spend our time on in a world where everything is vying for our attention. Purpose will also help dissipate darkness and discouragement and keep us moving forward toward our desired goal.

Next is Positive Thought. Our thoughts are what determine our perceptions of ourselves, the people we associate with, and our environment. Our perceptions then become our reality, true or false – good or bad. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Change your thoughts and change your world.” Therefore, watch your thoughts. They are key to your success or reason for your failure.

Balance! This is critical piece to having joy. Without it, our days are mundane at best and dreaded in the worst case. To increase balance, start with a healthy definition of what balance ought to look like in your life and your current phase. Next, prioritize and plan and make boundaries around your values. Learn to say no to some things so you can say yes to the most important things. Then, make self investing a priority. Reality is, unless you’re consciously and consistently filling your metaphorical cashbox, when people come to withdraw from you – there won’t be anything there for you to give. Finally, adjust! Balance isn’t a static state. It’s all about adapting and shifting your weight according to your situation in life. The name of the game is to adjust when you feel your losing your balance.

Strive for personal excellence. Stagnate personal growth will stifle joy faster than your two year old can mess up the living room. On the other hand, continually striving for personal excellence physically, mentally, socially, professionally, and morally produces an inexhaustible source of joy.

Last but certainly not least is Service. Service is to life what yeast is to bread – that’s what really makes us rise! When we forget about our own troubles and help someone else, we are more easily able to find the good in life. When all else fails, serve!

We are that we might have joy – I truly believe that! As you work to integrate this joy formula, I promise that your days will be brighter and you will have the success that you’re seeking personally and professionally.

I think over the course of our days and weeks, we see and hear things that cause a build-up inside; a build up of fear, discouragement, cynicism, ingratitude, pride, and selfishness. Such a harmful build-up may potentially be caused by watching the news and recognizing the turmoil in the world, by being hurt by a loved one, by being cheated by a co-worker, by seeing a child suffer, by personal failure or even success. Whatever the cause, I suggest to you that there is a way to get rid of that inner waste. It’s called SERVICE to others.

There are a number of ways we can give service. It can range from something as simple as smiling at a stranger on the street, offering an encouraging word to an associate, or visiting someone who is lonely or ill. It could also entail volunteering at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, donating money or goods or simply giving a helping hand to a loved one. Whatever you choose to give, whether it be your time or resources, my promise to you is this. If you will seek out opportunities to serve daily, you will feel an inner cleansing take place each time you give of yourself. Then, where fear and discouragement once sat, a sense of hope and peace will fill their place. Certainly you will be blessing the recipient, but the greatest benefactor will be you, the giver.

If you’re tired of being weighed down by the cares of the world, be lightened by giving to others. Service does a body good.