Every morning that I was in town, I made it a point to drive my three sons to school. As they stepped out of the truck, I always said the same thing:

“One more step in the journey of discovering where your Deep Joy intersects the World’s Deep Needs.”

They eventually opted for the school bus—but the message stuck.

This simple phrase became a lifelong guidepost. I believe our Deep Joy may well be the single most important key to happiness and success in life. It’s not just about chasing passion or purpose—it’s about identifying the unique joy that energizes us and aligning it with the deep, ongoing needs of the world.

What is Your Deep Joy?

It’s your North Star—what you’re meant to do. Call it your purpose, your "why," or simply your passion. For me, it’s been emergency medicine. In one of the most high-pressure, unpredictable environments imaginable, I found what others might see as chaos to be my calling—my Deep Joy.

Seeing Challenges Through a New Lens

Even our hardest days can bring clarity. If you experience a failure, frustration, or setback, consider the lens of growth: “Great! I just learned one more thing that isn’t my Deep Joy.”

This mindset turns missteps into milestones.

How Do You Discover It?

1. Reflect Daily. Ask yourself: “Did I make a difference today? Was the world better because I was in it?”

2. Be Patient. Deep Joy often reveals itself over time—it’s evolutionary, not a lightning bolt.

3. Allow it to Evolve. As we grow, so too may our Deep Joy. What fills you up at 25 may change by 45—and that’s not failure, that’s wisdom.

4. Avoid Living Someone Else’s Expectations. The most miserable people I’ve met are those who pursued a path they never chose.

5. Reconnect When You Feel Lost. When joy fades, revisit your younger self—through an old photo or a hand-written letter. That reflection may point the way back.

My Deep Joy?

Helping others discover theirs.

That’s why I speak, why I write, and why I continue this work: to help people find that alignment between who they truly are and how they can make a difference.

Want to bring this message to your organization or event? Book Dr. Thom Mayer as a keynote speaker to inspire your team to find their purpose, lead with clarity, and reignite their Deep Joy.