How the busiest people find joy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a thoughtful article by Leslie A. Perlow, Sari Mentser, and Salvatore J. Affinito in the July-August 2025 issue of the Harvard Business Review on pages 135 to 139 titled How the Busiest People Find Joy: Five research backed strategies. You can download it here as a 15-page pdf. Those strategies are to:

 

1) Engage with others

2) Avoid passive pursuits

3) Follow your passion

4) Diversify your activities

5)Protect the time

 

Under 1) they say:

 

“According to the research behind the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which tracked hundreds of men for more than 75 years, the most powerful predictor of life satisfaction is strong, meaningful relationships with accepting, supportive people. Whether it’s the comfort of family bonds or the camaraderie of friendships, these connections anchor people and provide a sense of belonging.”

 

A clapping woman was adapted from this cartoon at OpenClipArt.