New Year, New Approach: Finding Joy in What Already Works

As I wrapped up the holiday season with a delightful novel, Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith, I found myself unexpectedly inspired. This book tells the story of a lady detective in Botswana, a fiercely independent woman solving mysteries while navigating life in a traditional, conservative society.

She reflects on her financial year toward the novel's end (page 225). Though she hadn’t made much money, she hadn’t lost any. More importantly, she realized she had been happy and entertained and decided that happiness outweighed any balance sheet.

As I read this, the main character spoke directly to me. While reviewing my finances for 2024, I noticed my balance sheet was positive but not particularly robust. I had spent considerable money finishing and promoting my third book, and business slowed in the fall amid economic uncertainties surrounding the election.

Initially, I felt a twinge of disappointment. But as I reflected, I felt proud and fulfilled. My book has been well-received, won an award, and opened doors for me to deliver talks and workshops I genuinely enjoy. Inspired by the lady detective, I imagined adding a “Happiness” column alongside my expenses and receipts. My accountant might not smile at this idea, but it made me smile.

Still, I wondered: Could I do anything else to improve my finances and outlook?

One piece of advice stood out to me in an article by Lori Leibovich in The New York Times, How to Future-Proof Your Happiness. In it, she shared insights on New Year’s resolutions, including a perspective from Chris Bennett, Nike’s Global Running Head Coach. His advice was refreshingly unconventional: Skip the resolutions and double down on your healthy habits. Celebrate the positive things you’re already doing, like meditating for 15 minutes daily or avoiding your phone first thing in the morning. His message was clear: You’re doing just fine. Instead of chasing big, new goals, focus on enhancing and enjoying what’s already working.

Reflecting on last year, I realized I want to spend more time on creative activities and lean into the healthy habits I’ve already cultivated. For instance, I love creative writing, but I often squeeze it into 30 minutes a week. Why not try writing for 5 to 10 minutes each day instead? The more time I spend on creative pursuits, the more I feel anxious and joyful. This year, I prioritize enjoyment over pressure—to do more of what already makes me happy rather than forcing myself to take on entirely new challenges.

This mindset also applies to one of my favorite hobbies: tennis. I’ve decided that 2025 will be the year I master a spin serve. This goal isn’t about perfection or competition; it’s about having fun while learning something new. I’ll take periodic lessons, practice my serve, and—most importantly—enjoy the process. Embracing the idea of “playing around” feels liberating.

As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, happiness hasn’t always been my goal. Yet, I’ve realized that the happier I feel, the more productive and successful I become. This year, I challenge myself—and all of you—to focus on increasing time spent on activities that bring joy. The more joy you experience, the more energy and motivation you’ll have to achieve your goals.

The Productive Perfectionist: Take Back Control in 5 Minutes a Day Challenge

As we reset for the new year, I encourage you to reflect: What’s one thing you love doing that you’d like to do more of? How can you enhance your enjoyment of it? Start small. Take one tiny action today to bring yourself more joy.

Remember, happiness isn’t just a byproduct of success; it’s a catalyst for it.

Let’s make this year about embracing what makes us happy while thriving in the process.