JOURNAL ARTICLE

How the Busiest People Find Joy.

  • Published In: Harvard Business Review, 2025, v. 103, n. 4. P. 135 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Perlow, Leslie A.; Mentser, Sari; Affinito, Salvatore J. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on five research-backed strategies to increase joy during limited free time, a key but often missing element of life satisfaction alongside achievement and meaningfulness. Based on data from nearly 2,000 busy professionals, including Harvard Business School alumni, the study found that how people spend their free time matters more than the amount of it. The strategies are: (1) engage with others to amplify joy, (2) avoid passive activities in favor of active pursuits, (3) follow personal passions rather than socially prescribed "good-for-you" activities, (4) diversify leisure activities to prevent diminishing returns, and (5) protect free time from work encroachment to enhance well-being and job engagement. These approaches help busy individuals maximize happiness without sacrificing their drive for achievement or meaning.

Additional Information

  • Source:Harvard Business Review. 2025/07, Vol. 103, Issue 4, p135
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Sports and Leisure
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0017-8012
  • Accession Number:185880791
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