Build Your Business for JOY

This is your call to build your business for joy.

The other day, I was catching up with an old college classmate who’s now a coach, too. We talked where we started and how we’ve evolved in our work.

I shared how I transitioned from career coach to life coach to where I am today, guiding soul-centered entrepreneurs to create thriving businesses that light up their lives.

Together, we talked about how it all fits—the business and the life—and how you can design both to flourish, without ever needing to retreat to a fluorescent-lit cubicle again. (It’s my mission to keep you out of there!)

We also chatted about coaching in-person versus Zoom, and I mentioned my “grounding sessions,” where I meet local clients in the woods or a public garden for a coaching walk. These sessions offer more than a break from screens—they’re about gaining perspective, reconnecting with nature, and allowing real shifts to happen.

Then she asked, “OK, but what do you do about taking client notes? How do you make sure you have everything you need?”

My response? “I jot down a few key points afterward for my reference, but I’ve actually stopped sending detailed client notes. It was the part of my business I dreaded the most. And guess what? There’s no rule that says I have to do it. So I don’t.”

Her reply made me smile: “I’m hearing that you’ve really built your business to maximize joy.”

YES. Absolutely, I’ve built my business around joy! (I’m literally dancing at my desk as I type this.) And here’s the thing:

The more you optimize for joy, the easier it becomes to make money.

Here’s why:

• You’ll prioritize what matters. Joy-driven businesses cut out unnecessary stressors, allowing you to focus on the elements that actually drive growth and satisfaction.

• You’ll love your work. When you design your business around joy, it becomes something you’re eager to dive into every day, rather than something to avoid or burn out from.

• It’s sustainable for the long haul. If you’re not excited about your business three years from now, what’s the point? Building a business you love means you’ll stay in the game, even through the challenging parts.

• Joy is magnetic. When you’re passionate about what you do, your energy attracts the right clients—those who resonate with your ethos and want to be a part of it.

• It aligns with your true self. When joy is at the core of your work, you’re building from a place of authenticity. That alignment naturally leads to success.

So, how do you build a business for joy?

Play with these 7 steps:

1. Identify what lights you up. What aspects of your business do you enjoy most? Where do you feel energized and aligned? Build more of those moments into your routine.

2. Cut out the drudgery. Identify the parts of your work that drain you—and take them through the 3 Bs: bag it (can you just not do it?), barter it (can you hire or trade with someone else to do it?), better it (if it has to be done by you, how can you make the experience of it more delicious?). Bag as much as you can!

3. Design your schedule for YOU. Think about when and how you work best. Maybe it’s fewer meetings, or perhaps it’s incorporating more time for walks in nature. Make it fit your life. Remember: You’re the boss. You get to find creative solutions.

4. Set joyful goals. Instead of only focusing on revenue, set goals that excite you. Do you want more time with family? More creative freedom? Make those a priority.

5. Listen to your intuition. Check in with yourself regularly. Does your business still feel aligned with your values and joy? If not, make adjustments.

6. Prioritize self-care. Regular check-ins with your mental, emotional, and physical health are a must

7. Celebrate the wins. Don’t wait for the “big” milestones to celebrate. Take time to acknowledge every step forward, every joyful moment, and every success—big or small.

Remember: Joy isn't a luxury in business—it’s a necessity for long-term success.

So why build your business any other way?