Finding joy and creativity in the messy middle of life
by Gayle Kalvert
I recently had the pleasure of talking with Kate Volman on Work in Progress, and I left the conversation feeling inspired, energized, and a little more willing to dance—even terribly.
Kate is on a mission to help people and organizations dream bigger, work happier, and embrace their full potential. She’s the CEO of Floyd Consulting, a bestselling author, and the host of Create for No Reason, where she reminds us that creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s for everyone.
One of the first things Kate said that really stuck with me was:
"The creative process is everything, and the creative process is entrepreneurship. You have to try things and see what works and then double down on those things. Trust the process, even when you haven’t achieved the thing you want yet."
That resonated because, as someone who spends most of her time focused on building businesses, leading teams, and keeping life moving, I know how hard it is to trust the process. We want results now, and we want everything to feel smooth and efficient. And somewhere in that process, we forget that joy and creativity aren’t side projects—they’re essential parts of a thriving life.
Kate reminded me, a lifelong Type A, always-moving-to-the-next-thing kind of person, that making time for joy doesn’t have to be a monumental task. It can be small, intentional, and messy.
It could be something like taking a dance class, picking up a guitar, writing poetry, or even having a solo dance party in your kitchen (yes, I do that, too!). All of these things serve a single purpose: they remind you that the act of creating for the sheer fun of it matters. You don’t have to be good at it. You just have to show up.
We also talked about doing less instead of more. Kate shared how her clients use personal strategic plans—like a roadmap for their lives—to prioritize dreams, relationships, health, and joy. It’s about being deliberate about where you spend your time and energy, rather than constantly reacting to what lands on your plate.
This is a concept I’ve come to cherish for that very reason—I am focused on defining what truly matters, making intentional choices, and letting go of what doesn’t.
And here’s the heart of it: joy and creativity are not just hobbies—they ripple out into every part of your life. They enhance your work, your relationships, and your energy. They remind you that life isn’t just about checking boxes or achieving milestones; it’s about moments of laughter, movement, and discovery.
So here’s my takeaway, and my challenge to you: what’s one thing you can do this week purely for the joy of it?
Don’t worry about being perfect. Don’t worry about being productive. Just do it. Whether it’s dancing, painting, writing, or even practicing standup comedy in your living room (again, guilty), lean into the messy, imperfect process.
Like Kate said, when we trust the process and embrace our creativity, we’re not just building skills or checking goals off a list. We’re building a life that’s joyful, intentional, and completely our own.
Much love,
Gayle
Want more real talk in your inbox?
Listen to the full episode with Kate Volman
