Manifesting More Joy in the New Work World

By Mary Ann Faremouth, CPC

Lately, during these changing and challenging times, I’ve been pondering how we might manifest more joy in our lives. Sitting on my side of the desk and talking with clients and candidates about their struggles in the work world and beyond, I’ve reflected on some of the proven techniques that have served mankind throughout the ages. Perhaps these ideas can offer insight and a fresh perspective on how we might bring more happiness to the New Work World, as well as to our personal lives.

Finland has once again been ranked the happiest country in the world in the World Happiness Report 2026 by the United Nations, marking the ninth consecutive year the Nordic nation has topped the global ranking. This year, the message from Finland is simple: happiness often starts with switching off, preferably somewhere by a lake and far away from notifications. The report also highlights the strong benefits of having a sense of community, sharing good food, and maintaining a close connection to nature and a balanced way of life.

Although I did visit Finland last year, I can’t help but take my own trip down memory lane to remember the simple life my grandparents lived next door to me while I was growing up. I remember watching them work in their garden and serve the food from it to family and friends. They both lived long lives and shared so much love and joy between them and with their family and friends.

The 2026 World Happiness Report also explores the impact of social media and constant connectivity on wellbeing, highlighting growing evidence that increased time spent online can negatively affect our overall sense of wellbeing.

Another study I have referenced in the past that explores living a long and high-quality life is the Blue Zones study. In that research, community and having a strong sense of purpose in one’s life are also cited as key ingredients for living a joyful life.

But how can we bring these teachings into our work world when AI, social media, and constant connectivity are all around us? Could there be a recipe for happiness that we could realistically implement in the New Work World, one that might bring us less stress and more joy?

Let’s take a look at a few practices I have gleaned from the Finns and the Blue Zones that might be worth considering in your own arena going forward:

1. Practice the art of inner strength, or “sisu.”
“Sisu” is a Finnish word often translated as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, and resilience. The next time you are interviewing for a new role where you may have limited experience but strong transferable skills, how could this mindset help you overcome hesitation and give it a shot? How might additional preparation before the interview help you present examples of your determination, such as the time you worked late into the night on a special proposal that helped your company land a major order or new account?

2. Surround yourself with nature.
The Finns believe nature is an essential ingredient in overall happiness and spend much time in it. If you have been working significant overtime due to employee shortages, how might a weekend in nature to de-stress and relax with friends and family serve you better than voicing negativity or continually complaining about the situation?

3. Have a purposeful life and stay humble.
The Blue Zones research talks extensively about having a purpose, or a “why.” When you go into your next interview, instead of focusing only on telling a prospective employer how wonderful you are and listing all your accomplishments, awards, and successes, what if you also talked about what they have accomplished based on the research you have done? How could you express how much you would like to contribute to their brand and bring your skillset to help enhance their achievements? In other words, how about focusing more on WE than ME?

4. Embrace the darkness.
Finland is known for its long, dark, and cold winter days. What if you looked at your own metaphorical darkness and considered how it might be preparing you to embrace a newfound tenacity and perseverance, allowing you to move forward and become a better version of yourself? For example, if the last three rejection letters you received caused you sadness, could you investigate what computer skills you may be lacking and explore courses that might help you become more marketable?

5. Network, network, network.
The Blue Zones research emphasizes the importance of community. What could you do in 2026 to create more community opportunities in your life that might lead to valuable networking? Could you join organizations such as Toastmasters International or Rotary International, participate in interest groups, or take a class at a local community college to meet great people, expand your skills, and perhaps even learn something new that is in demand in the New Work World?

Let’s all be determined not to let the many challenges and changes in the New Work World and beyond hold us back. We are the pilots of our own planes as we travel forward in 2026. By embracing the teachings of the Finns and the Blue Zones, perhaps we can manifest more joy, add greater value to our lives, and make this year the best one yet in the New Work World and beyond.

Mary Ann’s award-winning first book Revolutionary Recruiting has been listed by Book Authority as Number #1 Best 100 Recruiting Books; #1 Best Seller, Non-Fiction, Amazon (2019); Top 20 Recruiting books, Recruitics; Readers’ Choice finalist (2019), Houston Literary Awards; Best Non-Fiction (2018), Best Cover (2019), and Best Self-Help (2018), Authors Marketing Guild. This was followed by “Revolutionary Reinvention”, a workbook for job seekers giving advice on how to rediscover your skills and passions and reinvent your career. Her most recent book is “Revolutionary Results” , a collection of life lessons about relationships, integrity and contributing to the world.