How to Balance Productivity and Joy: Lessons from a Get It Done Diva

Why Productivity Without Joy is Missing the Point

I see it all the time—women entrepreneurs rushing to cross the finish line, sacrificing joy in the name of some distant, imagined payoff.

But here’s the kicker: when you sacrifice joy now, you’re not magically guaranteed joy later.

Like in the Adam Sandler movie Click, you can end up editing the best moments out of your life.

Getting it done is supposed to be fun!

That’s the secret to being a true Get It Done Diva. If you’re productive without joy, you’re missing out on huge chunks of life—and the satisfaction that comes with meaningful progress.

A Lesson in Joy and Momentum

I just got back from the best trip of my life: 18 glorious days on a cruise with my husband.

At first, taking nearly three weeks off felt decadent—maybe even reckless. Both of us run our own businesses, and the timing wasn’t perfect.

But we went anyway, and I’m so glad we did.

After a year of deep grief (we lost both of our fathers), we needed a joy refill.

And this trip delivered:

• We hiked, ziplined, and rappelled through waterfalls.
• Explored Mayan ruins and marveled at the Panama Canal.
• Savored nightly date nights.
• Kirk even kissed a stingray—twice!

For me, each day started with sunrise views, meditation, journaling, and planning. Then I’d dive into a couple of power hours of work before switching gears back to vacation mode.

How I Balanced Work and Fun (and Made Big Progress!)

During those 18 days, I wasn’t grinding or burning out. I was clear, focused, and quickly in momentum. Here’s what I accomplished:

• Rebranded my entire business (did you notice?).
• Moved my website and optimized SEO to increase organic traffic.
• Updated key products like “How to Design Your Ideal Schedule: For Busy Professional Women” and “The Business Strong Start Program for Strategic Business Growth.”
• Refreshed my blog to make it more accessible and helpful.
• Finished editing a new book for one of my best-selling clients, ready to publish by year’s end.

The Secret? Clarity.

Having clear annual goals broken down into 90-day priorities meant I knew exactly what to focus on during my power hours.

There was no rushing, pushing, or burnout—just steady progress.

Here’s what I want you to remember:
True satisfaction comes from moving forward toward the things you desire.

Progress is about momentum, not just crossing the finish line.

The Balance Between Productivity and Joy

If you’re in a season where joy feels out of reach, consider this your sign to rethink that belief.

Yes, you can be wildly productive and refuel your soul at the same time. You just have to be clear about where you’re going.