Deadlines, Timelines, and the Authentic Joy Plan

As adults, we live by timelines, deadlines, and deliverables. People expect things from us—outputs—even in the worst of times. But what if an authentic joy plan required us to question whether those timelines are helpful or harmful? What if joy isn’t about meeting expectations but about reclaiming time, setting boundaries, and protecting peace?

I remember a moment that reshaped my understanding of this. A powerful social scientist invited me to give a talk at their prestigious university—an opportunity most would rush to accept. But it came at the same time that I was mourning my grandmother’s passing. I didn’t realize it then, but looking back, I know: my joy came from choosing myself, from ignoring that email, from prioritizing my family over external expectations. I stayed grounded by refusing to let someone else dictate how I should navigate my grief.

And I know I’m not alone in this. Many of you are carrying immense weight—grief, exhaustion, burnout—while still being expected to perform. The world keeps demanding, even when your world feels like it’s crashing down.

An authentic joy plan isn’t just about adding more happiness to your life. It’s about creating the world you need right now. It’s about boundaries—knowing when to say no, when to step back, and when to take up space for yourself. It’s about self-trust—believing that your time is yours to honor, not something to be endlessly negotiated with the demands of others.

And one more thing I’ve learned: Joy doesn’t require you to be “nice.” Kind and respectful, yes. But nice? No. Because sometimes, choosing joy means choosing yourself—even when it makes others uncomfortable.

So today, I invite you to ask yourself: What do I need to create space for my joy? Where do I need to draw a boundary? How can I reclaim my time?

Your joy is worth protecting. Start there.