Start from Joy presents a new approach to positive change that focuses on joy rather than shame, guilt, and fear. The book offers seven principles for changing your life from an emotionally-healthy perspective, with tips on how to prioritize joy, heal your emotional relationship with work, and interrupt old patterns of behavior.
By learning how to create lasting results without negative emotions, readers can find lasting joy and fulfillment in their lives. This book is especially helpful for those who feel unfulfilled in their current work and want to make positive changes.
“Either we can follow what we know to be true and important or we can follow what others tell us is true and important. When we don’t have clarity on the former, we default to the latter.”
If you find yourself unsatisfied in your career or personal life, this book can assist you in altering your mindset and life approach. Below are three essential lessons and takeaways from the book:
Prioritize Joy: One of the key principles of the book is the importance of prioritizing joy in your life. The authors suggest that by identifying your passions and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can create a more fulfilling life. This can be particularly helpful for those who feel unfulfilled in their current work, as it allows them to explore their interests and find ways to incorporate them into their work. For example, if you have a passion for writing, you could look for ways to incorporate writing into your current job or even consider pursuing a career in writing.
Accept Your Emotions: The authors suggest that emotions are signals that something needs attention, and by acknowledging and processing them, you can release their hold on you. This can be helpful for those who feel unfulfilled in their work, as it allows them to address any negative emotions that may be holding them back. For example, if you feel anxious or stressed about your job, you could explore the root cause of these emotions and work on addressing them.
Create Sustainable Change: Start from Joy is a guide to creating lasting positive change without relying on negative emotions. By prioritizing healthy emotional living and focusing on what brings you joy and fulfillment, you can create sustainable and meaningful change in your life. This approach can be particularly helpful for those who feel unfulfilled in their work, as it allows them to focus on positive and empowering goals, rather than simply trying to escape negative emotions associated with their job.
To sum up, Start from Joy presents a comprehensive approach to conquering negative emotions and establishing a more gratifying life. By prioritizing joy, accepting your emotions, and committing to self-care, you can exchange shame, guilt, and fear for enduring change and a buoyant spirit. This book is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to transform their life and uncover greater meaning and purpose.
“Every Monday is like a mini New Year, giving you the chance to start fresh with a clean slate. That‘s why the weekly emails are a blessing. You can choose to complain and hate Mondays, or you can be among the select few who embrace a new, fresh start. Today with Purpose provides a pep talk, wise principles, and a vision that can help you see that life and work are meaningful. I encourage everyone to read it and start their week off right with a vision and principles that don‘t conform to the world, but instead seek to serve others and better yourself!”
A Writer and Coach Finds Simple, Actionable Advice
“I truly enjoy receiving Harvey‘s email messages. They are easy-to-read, but packed with helpful and encouraging information. I created a separate email folder to store them just so I can refer back to them more easily. His topics are very timely and seem to address issues I am currently experiencing, like self-doubt and problems completing what I start, or they address topics that can help me personally and professionally, such as ways to provide more impact at work. I like to keep Harvey‘s messages because they provide simple, actionable steps to implement, but can lead to a significant return. Referring to the messages weeks later provides good accountability to ensure I‘m following the advice.”
“Spending a few minutes reading a message from Harvey has become something that truly has been meaningful, thoughtful, and encouraging.”
— A Local Business and Ministry Leader.
A Coach and Author Sees a Message of Hope
“The value I find from Harvey‘s messages is an acknowledgment that many people feel dissatisfied, even with seemingly successful lives. His writing is such a reflection of him. Not a ‘get happy quick’ message but a message of empathy, compassion, and hope. He walks in his readers‘ shoes towards more purpose and impact. It is not quick and easy. But very possible.”
— Melissa Bloom, Coach and Author of The Path to Joy.