Fun is an interesting word in the workplace. It’s either central to organizational culture or something most commonly associated with slackers. I’ve worked in organizations where it was viewed both ways. I’ve noticed something interesting, maybe it’s the rebel in me, but the organizations that vilify and undervalue fun tend to be some of my better work experiences.
Why? I don’t have a concrete reason. If I have any organizational psychologists reading, feel free to drop your analysis below. There is something about organizations that actively promote a culture that embraces fun that makes me feel more responsible and serious. That is less fun for me. I’m genuinely curious to know how others feel about this. Where I find the most harmony in my work doesn’t come from a workplace that is fun but from one where I find joy.
Joy wasn’t a word I used early in my professional career. When I heard others use it, I had a hard time relating. I knew what fun was but I didn’t understand joy. I had always felt that joy and fun were related. I understand them both much differently now. Joy felt less relevant to me when I was younger. I’ve learned to appreciate joy as one’s appreciation for all things evolves over time. If I had to define joy on my own, I would say it is what nests at the interaction of satisfaction and gratitude. That is where I find my joy.
We all find satisfaction and gratitude in different places; our families, our work, our volunteer efforts, and our hobbies. It’s a recipe that is more personal than your grandmother’s chocolate chip cookies. It’s also an equally guarded secret. Finding joy is less of an intentional quest; at least it was for me. I sought happiness but joy feels like something deeper. I don’t have to be happy to have joy. The addition of gratitude adds a layer of benevolence that is selfless.
Not Every Nonprofit isn’t my first blog. I wrote a personal blog for years. The hardest part about writing that blog wasn’t storytelling, it was finding images that correlated with my story. They had to be fitting but also had to be images I wanted to share with the world. When I began Not Every Nonprofit, I removed that variable. The purpose of this blog is to convey that there is no singular right way to do things in the field of nonprofit leadership. I value best practices in relationship building and I enjoy experimenting with technology to make nonprofit programs stronger. That intersection is where I find my joy. It is my purpose. The image connected to this post is created by AI. All of the art on this blog, including my picture on the homepage, is AI generated. I chose to use AI art symbolically to showcase the benefits of embracing technology. While I know my AI image generator cannot feel, the picture it created perfectly symbolizes the calmness that joy brings me.
Finding your own joy requires building your own recipe. Your AI generated image might look much different than mine. You have to make small changes to get your formula just right. I lean heavily into my purpose to find joy while others might learn more heavily into their hobbies or their faith. I value my work, what I can accomplish, and how I use my unique talents to help those around me. Seeing things grow fulfills me. Working in the nonprofit space allows me to live my purpose everyday. Some days are more fulfilling than others. Every day, I am driven by actions that inspire momentum and bring me satisfaction. Every day I do a little more to fulfill my purpose. I remain grateful for the opportunities and relationships I have cultivated. For me, the awareness of my own recipe for joy has brought a peaceful stillness in my soul that allows me to chase my purpose. Every day, I find joy.
