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A couple of years ago, our Jenesis Team book club read Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar. I’ll be honest—I underlined so much of that book it looked like I was trying to highlight every page! It wasn’t just theory; it was practical, everyday stuff about happiness that made me stop and think.

One of the big takeaways for me was that happiness isn’t something that just shows up like a surprise gift. It’s something we choose and cultivate. Tal Ben-Shahar calls it “the ultimate currency.” Think about that—while we all chase money, success, or recognition, the real thing we’re after is happiness. The problem is, we often delay it. We tell ourselves, I’ll be happy when my agency hits $1M in premium, when we add that new carrier, when we finally switch systems. But by then, the goalpost has moved again.

The book challenged me to ask: What if happiness is less about waiting and more about building daily habits? Things like gratitude, meaningful work, exercise, relationships—practices that don’t guarantee life is perfect but definitely raise the average level of joy in your day.

At Jenesis, we talk a lot about growth—helping insurance agencies grow, helping people grow. But what good is growth if you’re miserable in the process? Happiness isn’t just about writing more policies; it’s about enjoying the people you work with, the customers you serve, and the difference you’re making in your community.

Here’s a simple example: Ben-Shahar suggests keeping a gratitude journal. Just writing down three things you’re thankful for each day. Try ending your day by writing down three things you’re grateful for in your agency. Maybe it’s a kind word from a customer, a teammate who went the extra mile, or simply that the phones finally quieted down after 5 p.m. Those little reflections change how you see your work.

As C.S. Lewis once said, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” That line sticks with me because it reminds me happiness isn’t fluff—it’s fuel. It’s what keeps us moving through tough seasons, both in life and in business.

So here’s the encouragement: don’t wait for happiness to show up when conditions are perfect. Choose it now. Build it now. Small steps, practiced daily, can add up to a life that feels richer—not because everything is easy, but because you’ve chosen to live with joy, even in the middle of running an independent insurance agency.