It took me a long time to realize how important joy is to creating something beautiful. It seems obvious, right? It's difficult to feel creative inspiration and be moved forward without joy. But the culture tends to focus (and bestow rewards on) discipline, push, hustle. It promises that if you do all these things, you can make it happen.

Creating your own business, one that is strong and sustainable, is one of the greatest creative acts I can think of. And trying to do that without joy may, in the short run, yield some results. But in the long run, what will you be left with?

Take a minute to look around you. See where in your business you have joy already, and where, maybe, you might need a little more and intend to allow more joy in.

I promise you if you do, you'll be amazed at what starts blooming.