You need both of these, but...

Welcome to the Storybook

Each week, I share… ✍️

• a definition 🤓

• a quick story 📖

• a mindset shift 🤯

• an opportunity list 💡

The pursuit of happiness.

Isn’t that what we’re all after?

Being happy makes you feel good.

It makes those moments memorable.

Happiness drives success.

Success drives happiness.

In my opinion, they go hand in hand.

However, happiness is temporary.

Just like success.

It’s a fleeting moment that happens from an occurrence, event, or thing.

It can come in the form of a human being as well.

Someone can make you happy.

But they can also let you down the next day.

Opening presents on Christmas Day brings you happiness when you get what you want…

…but spending quality time with the loved ones is what brings you JOY.

If happiness is temporary…

...then thing the really be after is JOY.

🤯 THE MINDSET SHIFT 🤯

What is the difference between happiness and JOY?

Happiness comes from something that has happens in the moment.

• External: Often linked to external circumstances or events. For example, buying a new car, eating a favorite meal, or receiving a compliment can make you happy.

• Temporary: It tends to fluctuate and is typically short-lived, depending on the situation.

• Conditional: Happiness is often conditional on specific outcomes, such as achieving goals or fulfilling desires.

• Surface-Level: It can be more fleeting and tied to material or situational aspects of life.

JOY, on the other hand, comes from a state of being and is ongoing.

• Internal: Comes from within and is less dependent on external circumstances. It might arise from a deep sense of gratitude, spiritual fulfillment, or connection.

• Enduring: Joy tends to have a longer-lasting quality because it is rooted in values, beliefs, and relationships.

• Unconditional: It can exist even in difficult times, as it often stems from inner peace, purpose, or meaning.

• Deeper: Joy is more profound and can coexist with challenges, such as feeling joy in the midst of grief by remembering cherished moments.

Being JOYFUL means you are able to take life stride with all that it brings you.

You’re able to find peace, contentment, and “happiness” in all things.

Even the tough ties, when you’re not so happy.

You can find JOY in the opportunity in front of you.

Being JOYFUL is a lifestyle.

Understanding this distinction can help you seek and cultivate JOY, which is more sustainable and fulfilling than happiness alone

Find it in everything you do and it starts with spending quality time doing the things you love with the people you love the most.

Yes, you need both, but…

JOY is more fulfilling long term.

💡 AN OPPORTUNITY LIST 💡

a short list of ideas, learnings, recommendations, or happenings for the week

1. Your challenge this week:
   As you wrap up the Holiday Season, spend the last week writing down a daily reflection note of what brought you the most joy. Who you spent your time with, where you went, etc. At the end of the week, review your entries and focus on doing more of those things and being around those people more in the new year.

2. According to this article from How Stuff Works, the Quokka is the happiest animal on earth. Now you know. 😁

As always, please reply to this email with your thoughts, questions, future topics you want to learn more about, or if I can be a resource for you in any way.

Opportunity is Everywhere!

Cheers, Steven

Watch Episode #82 of the SuccessFlow Podcast

On this episode, Phil and I reminisce on some cool childhood Christmas memories, things to think about as you roll into the new year, and we wish everyone a magical Holiday Season!