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Measure Success by Joy: Did You Have Fun This Month?
Quote from James A.Hart on July 16, 2025, 11:21 pmIn the business world, it’s easy to slip into “serious mode” all the time. Goals, deadlines, KPIs, optimization — we get used to treating every day like a battlefield. But if you’re not enjoying the process, what’s the point?
This is a simple question we often forget to ask:
“Did I enjoy this month?”
If the answer is consistently no, then something needs to change.The Business Identity Trap
Many entrepreneurs unknowingly attach their identity to the idea of being “a serious business person.” That mindset can make everything feel rigid — like you’re not allowed to laugh, relax, or take a breather. You might feel guilty for taking breaks or doing something unrelated to business.
But the truth is, joy is not a distraction. It’s a vital indicator that you’re building a life worth living — not just a business worth scaling.
You’re Building a Life, Not Just a Company
It’s easy to fixate on metrics and milestones. But ten years from now, you won’t remember your revenue target from Q3. You’ll remember the moments — the inside jokes, the unexpected wins, the sense of progress that felt exciting, not exhausting.
In fact, if you go too many days without enjoying your work, it’s a sign that you’re on the wrong track. Even the most successful outcomes can feel hollow if the journey is joyless.
A Simple Check-In
Here’s a practice worth adopting:
At the end of each month, ask yourself:
- Did I enjoy what I worked on?
- Did I laugh?
- Did I feel energized?
If you answer “no” too often, don’t ignore it. You may not need to burn everything down, but you probably need to realign — your goals, your environment, or your pace.
A Balanced Business Mindset
Taking business seriously doesn’t mean removing joy from the equation. In fact, the most sustainable business people are the ones who can balance intensity with lightness, focus with play, growth with fulfillment.
When you make space for joy — not just at the finish line but during the process — you create a career that’s not only productive but deeply satisfying.
→ Ask yourself this today: Am I enjoying the path I’m on?
If not, what would need to change for the answer to become yes?
In the business world, it’s easy to slip into “serious mode” all the time. Goals, deadlines, KPIs, optimization — we get used to treating every day like a battlefield. But if you’re not enjoying the process, what’s the point?
This is a simple question we often forget to ask:
“Did I enjoy this month?”
If the answer is consistently no, then something needs to change.
The Business Identity Trap
Many entrepreneurs unknowingly attach their identity to the idea of being “a serious business person.” That mindset can make everything feel rigid — like you’re not allowed to laugh, relax, or take a breather. You might feel guilty for taking breaks or doing something unrelated to business.
But the truth is, joy is not a distraction. It’s a vital indicator that you’re building a life worth living — not just a business worth scaling.
You’re Building a Life, Not Just a Company
It’s easy to fixate on metrics and milestones. But ten years from now, you won’t remember your revenue target from Q3. You’ll remember the moments — the inside jokes, the unexpected wins, the sense of progress that felt exciting, not exhausting.
In fact, if you go too many days without enjoying your work, it’s a sign that you’re on the wrong track. Even the most successful outcomes can feel hollow if the journey is joyless.
A Simple Check-In
Here’s a practice worth adopting:
At the end of each month, ask yourself:
- Did I enjoy what I worked on?
- Did I laugh?
- Did I feel energized?
If you answer “no” too often, don’t ignore it. You may not need to burn everything down, but you probably need to realign — your goals, your environment, or your pace.
A Balanced Business Mindset
Taking business seriously doesn’t mean removing joy from the equation. In fact, the most sustainable business people are the ones who can balance intensity with lightness, focus with play, growth with fulfillment.
When you make space for joy — not just at the finish line but during the process — you create a career that’s not only productive but deeply satisfying.
→ Ask yourself this today: Am I enjoying the path I’m on?
If not, what would need to change for the answer to become yes?
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