Micro Joys: Notice the Little Things
By Burnet Tucker, MyNextSeason Advisor and Former Global Head of Leadership Development & Learning, Bank of America
What Brings You Joy?
As I work with clients transitioning out of their corporate roles, I ask them early on, “What brings you joy?” More often than not, the answer doesn’t come easily. After years of tightly scheduled days, demanding careers, and relentless productivity, they’re not used to pausing to consider what they actually want. But in those first conversations, I encourage them to start small and identify little things that make them feel good—to look for the micro joys.
The Art of Noticing
One client shared how she started to pay closer attention to nature during her daily walks—something she never had time for before. What was once a hurried routine had become a source of joy as she noticed the birds flitting through the trees, the way the light filtered through the leaves, and the quiet rustling of branches. Another client found delight in sitting and doing the crossword while drinking a cup of tea. These seemingly small moments can become the anchors of a more intentional life, creating space for reflection and appreciation.
Trading “Should” for “Want”
In the early days of retirement, it can be hard to shift from “What should I do?” to “What do I want to do?” That’s when noticing micro joys can become a powerful practice—a way to reconnect with yourself and assess what truly brings you happiness. Rewrite your definition of a successful day, shifting the goal from traditional productivity to personal contentment.
One client mentioned how she felt freedom in simply reading a book in the middle of the afternoon. The luxury she never had while working full time was now a deep source of satisfaction.
Another described how she began to give herself permission to linger—to have that second cup of coffee after lunch with a friend, to flip through a magazine without guilt, to sit and do nothing. Rather than always checking her watch to rush to the next thing, she appreciated being fully engaged and in control of her time.
It’s not just about finding time, but giving yourself permission to direct your time toward the moments that make you feel good. Micro joys are not grand gestures or epic plans. They’re as simple as a cup of tea, a walk, or a good book.
Daily Moments, Lasting Joy
What would happen if you paused and paid attention? If you allowed yourself to be fully present in those small moments? Micro joys—fleeting, seemingly insignificant moments—add up to a life that feels fuller, richer, and more intentional. The question is simple. What small moment brought you joy today, and what might happen if you let yourself stay in it just a little longer?
