Joy vs Productivity

June 23, 2025

What brings you joy?

If you’re anything like me, that’s a question you may have struggled to answer the first time someone asked you — maybe even now. Many of us live in an environment that makes us feel ‘weird’ or ‘guilty’ for simply enjoying rest, which is one of my favorite things to do. Lol. You may tell someone your favorite hobby, and they will immediately suggest how it could bring you an extra stream of income, especially if you are talented and skilled at something. If you decline, they start wondering why you aren’t looking to capitalize on your talent. Because in today’s world, if it’s not about making money, people wonder why you are wasting your time on it. You will then hear the dreaded, “Man, if I had your talent, I would…”

I’ve been there, and I’ve learned to manage these expectations. I’ve found ways to enjoy my hobbies without feeling the need to turn them into a business. I’ve set boundaries. It’s a journey, but it’s worth it. I’ve come to realize that my joy and peace are more valuable than societal expectations. And that realization has empowered me to make choices that bring me happiness, not just financial gain.

You see, many individuals underestimate the peace, comfort, and contentment someone can find when getting lost in something they enjoy. An example of this for me is watching television. I can shut my brain off and get lost in an imaginary world. I can also examine some of the director’s shots or the actor’s acting choices. For a few hours, I can leave my problems alone and be at peace. I can do the same with sports, too. I initially attended school for sports management, and as I learned more about the business aspect of it, I realized I was losing my passion and joy for sports — something I once loved! This is a perfect example; I tried to turn my joy into a financial gain, but I lost interest.

I am not advocating against earning an income from what brings you joy; I am saying that for me, finding a balance between joy and work was important because that separation was crucial for my mental health. It may be beneficial for others, whether it involves knitting, sewing, drawing, writing, cooking, or working out. Finding something you love and can get lost in — and focus on just for a few hours — can help tremendously, as it did for me.

Throughout my journey toward improving my mental health, I learned that I had to find that joy for myself. There are many things I love; in fact, when someone asks me, I tell them about traveling, going to museums, trying a new restaurant, or learning something new. However, those are things I can do occasionally. However, planning a day where I do nothing but get lost in my television shows or writing brings me joy, comfort, and a sense of contentment.