Finding Joy in the Journey
In a field where burnout can feel like the norm, rediscovering joy in your ABA business might seem like a distant dream. But in this blog, inspired by the latest episode of ABA Business Leaders , April and Stephen remind us that joy can be found in all sorts of places. They share the honest truth about what it takes to build a joyful business, even when the spreadsheets, session notes, and late-night emails threaten to dim your light.
Joy is Intentional
Despite years of success, both April and Stephen found themselves in seasons where...
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joy took a backseat to survival. Over time, they’ve developed habits and mindset shifts that help them stay connected to the why behind their work.
They also reflect on how their son naturally cultivates joy wherever he goes, and how that has impacted their lives. Watching him move through the world with curiosity and lightness has been a grounding reminder for April and Stephen to bring that same energy into their business.
His perspective helps them remember that joy isn’t something we earn, it’s something we can choose to create, even in the middle of a tough day.
Track What Lights You Up
One of April’s most powerful tools is deceptively simple: tracking joy. By taking note of the tasks, conversations, and moments that energize her (and those that drain her), she’s been able to make small changes that add up to a more fulfilling workday.
She encourages other ABA leaders to take stock of where their joy lives—and to start designing their role around more of that. Whether it’s direct client impact, mentoring staff, or creating new programs, identifying your joy sources is a powerful step toward avoiding burnout.
Find Meaning in the Mundane
For Stephen, joy takes on a different meaning. For many people, external achievements can contribute to the internal feeling of joy, and noticing the times when he helps customers achieve their goals helps him stay joyful and connected to his work. When you view even the routine parts of business as ways to support others, meaning (and even joy) can resurface.
He also shares the underrated power of gratitude. It’s not just a mindset; it’s a resilience tool. Gratitude keeps you tethered to progress, people, and purpose, especially when the work gets hard.
Protecting Joy Is a Leadership Responsibility
This episode challenges the idea that joy is something that comes after success. April and Stephen flip the script: joy is what fuels sustainable success.
From setting boundaries around availability to curating your calendar with intention, they offer practical ways to preserve your energy and stay connected to the passion that started it all.
Joy doesn’t just “happen” in a business, it has to be created, protected, and nurtured. This episode dives into what that really looks like.
What Can ABA Business Owners Do to Rediscover Joy?
Here are some actionable steps for reconnecting with what matters most:
- ✔️ Start tracking your energy, what fuels you and what drains you
- ✔️ Reconnect with your "why" on a weekly (not yearly) basis
- ✔️ Build in intentional pauses for reflection and rest
- ✔️ Practice gratitude daily to anchor in the good
- ✔️ Redesign your role so it reflects your values, not just your responsibilities
Sponsored by MarginKeepers
Let Joy Lead—Let MarginKeepers Handle the Books
Running an ABA practice means wearing a dozen hats, but accounting doesn’t have to be one of them. MarginKeepers specializes in financial services for ABA businesses, giving you peace of mind and clarity so you can focus on what really matters: joyful, ethical, impactful care.
Resources to Help You Build a Joyful, Resilient ABA Business
- ✅ ABA Start-Up Checklist – Launch with clarity and confidence
- ✅ ABA Business Readiness Assessment – Know where you stand, and what’s next
- ✅ Free Billing Tips – Improve cash flow and reduce stress
- ✅ Book a Free Consult with Stephen – Personalized support for your business
- ✅ Try the ABA Business Leaders Platform – Tools, systems, and training for every stage of growth
Joy Isn’t Just a Feeling—It’s a Strategy
The ABA field needs more leaders who are energized, not just efficient. More teams led by passion, not just policy. And more businesses built to serve both clients and the people who run them.
Let’s normalize joy, and not just as a bonus—but as a business plan.
You started this for a reason. Let’s help you fall in love with it all over again!
