By Bill Mason, Rocket Fuel Coach
When I was a young officer, I once walked into a meeting five minutes late, and my boss completely lost it. He publicly berated me, filled with anger and frustration, unable to understand how I could be late. He felt disrespected and thought he had the right to scold me, resorting to yelling and anger as a way to motivate me and prevent future tardiness. Instead of learning from the experience, I felt ashamed and embarrassed, which just made me angrier and more resentful towards him.
One of the underlying issues was that my boss himself had a consistent problem with being on time. He was rarely punctual, yet he refused to take responsibility for his actions and instead blamed others for his own mistakes. He always carried this perpetual anger and would often explode in fits of rage. Unfortunately, instead of inspiring us to improve, his outbursts had the opposite effect.
What is joy anyway?
Joy is a crucial ingredient that fuels our minds and allows us to live a fulfilling life. It’s the happiness and contentment we feel when we’re engaged with someone or something we love. Joy is what drives us to pursue our dreams, connect with others, and find inner peace.
What is it about fears that drives us so profoundly?
Fear is another powerful fuel our brains utilize. Its main purpose is to keep us safe by triggering a response that lasts for about 90 seconds to remove us from immediate danger. However, in modern society, fear is often used as a tool to motivate and instigate change. Unfortunately, this can lead to negative emotions such as shame, anger and contempt, ultimately demotivating us.
It’s important to recognize that our brains are naturally wired to function with joy and fear. While fear serves its purpose in ensuring our safety, relying too heavily on it can hinder our ability to form meaningful connections and discover true happiness.
By understanding these dynamics, we can strive for a balanced approach that maximizes joy while acknowledging and appropriately addressing fear. Fear breeds anger and contempt, while gratitude and thankfulness foster appreciation and grow our Joy!
How can we use this information practically?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, let’s take a moment to bring even more joy and happiness into our lives. It’s important to show gratitude and appreciation for the people we have around us and to cherish the little moments that make life beautiful. Make it a habit to express your heartfelt thanks multiple times each day, not just for what others do, but also for who they are — their beliefs, their character and their unique qualities that make them special. Start this today!
And speaking of cherishing moments, why not plan a memorable date night with your spouse this week? Take the time to arrange for a trusted babysitter, dress up in your finest attire and head out to a delightful restaurant where you can indulge in delicious food and drinks. Allow yourselves to savor every bite and every sip while basking in each other’s company. These moments of togetherness and joy truly nourish the soul.
Now, as we approach this perfect time, let’s not forget that it’s also an opportunity to embark on new habits or take existing ones to the next level. By doing so, we can create a positive cycle of joy and happiness that not only benefits us, but also radiates to those around us. Remember, you have the power to choose what fuels your spirit. So, choose joy and live a fulfilling and purposeful life!
Make joy your primary source of inspiration and experience the amazing impact it can have on your life and the lives of others. Embrace the fact that joy is always within reach. All you have to do is choose it, nurture it and share it with the world.
Hey, I’ve got a great idea! Over the next 30 days, choose one or two people you know and let them know three things every day: 1) something you appreciate about them, 2) something you’re grateful for about them, and 3) “thank you” for something they do for you.
Try it out and see how it impacts your relationship! If you give it a shot, hit me up at bill@rocketfuelcoach.com and share your story. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Let’s spread more joy, one person at a time, and make the world a brighter and happier place for everyone.
Contact me, Bill Mason, Rocket Fuel Coach at 850-855-3430 or email bill@rocketfuelcoach.com. Visit www.rocketfuelcoach.com.
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