Dr. Tracy Brower is a PhD sociologist studying happiness, work-life fulfillment and the future of work. She is the author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life. Dr Tracy is a senior contributor to reputed business publications and has had her work be translated into 22 languages as well.

Happiness is one of the most sought-after experiences: We want joy in our personal lives, delight in our work and bliss in our relationships. But happiness can also be elusive—and it’s unrealistic to think you can achieve total and constant happiness.

When we achieve leadership and success, we may believe happiness will be automatic, but no title, level or salary will guarantee joy. There will always be challenges that create barriers—both inside and outside of work.

But you can create the conditions for happiness.

It’s important to know that as a leader, you have a tremendous impact on others’ happiness as well as your own. People tune into your behaviors and choices as examples of what is rewarded and what works. This is a tremendous responsibility, but also a terrific opportunity to have a positive impact on others.

To affect your own happiness and that of others, the best strategy is to understand what happiness really means, and reflect on how you experience it—and then intentionally create the conditions for more happiness to take hold.

Happy Experiences

With all the focus on happiness at work, it’s important to know that great work experiences are more complex and nuanced than having a sense of pure euphoria every day. You can have ups and downs—good days and bad days (or weeks)—and still have an overall sense of joy and satisfaction with your work.

No choice will result in perfect pleasure. Whether it’s the type of work you do, the hours you work or the organization you work for, every choice is a set of circumstances. Some will be terrific, and others won’t. Your best bet is to figure out what you love to do and then get as much alignment as possible between what you enjoy and what you must do. The overlap won’t be perfect, but more alignment will grant you greater joy in your job.

Here’s what to consider and how to nurture joy.

Happiness is Dedication

When people are happy at work, they experience dedication—a feeling of working hard and committing to their efforts. When you persevere in solving a problem or when you are conscientious about pointing out an issue and taking initiative to resolve it, you’re dedicated. When you are loyal to your team or feel a level of allegiance to the organization, you’re experiencing dedication.

Implication: Commit yourself to doing great work. Even if you’re not in an idyllic role at the moment, do your best and invest in bringing your best to the experience. By doing so, you’ll feel more empowered and in control, but you’ll also build your credibility and your relationships with others who know they can count on you.

Happiness is Immersion

When you feel greater happiness at work, you also tend to feel immersed. You get going on a project and lose track of time. You’re absorbed and feel embedded in the work.

Implication: Immerse yourself in your work. Be present and focused, avoiding distractions. Take initiative to learn something new or jump into a project that is outside your comfort zone or current areas of expertise.

When you’re working hard, stretching and learning, you’re more likely to feel happy because you’re expanding your capabilities and stimulated by exploring new things. You’re immersed in mastering something new.

Happiness is Vibrancy

Another characteristic of happiness at work is feeling energized. This energy tends to travel in two directions: You’re energized by what you’re doing, and you want to invest energy, in turn. You’re curious about something you’re learning, and your determination makes you want to invest time and effort in solving a problem.

Implication: Nurture your curiosity and your connections. Ask yourself questions and investigate things you don’t already know. Focus on being inquisitive broadly—across many topics—as well as deeply in which you seek more substantive knowledge in a few key areas.

Also seek meaningful connections with others. Learning from others, feeling a sense of community, helping others and spending time with them are linked with happiness. To increase your happiness in your work, get to know your coworkers, build relationships with your colleagues and seek mentorship relationships where you can offer coaching and receive coaching as well.

Happiness is Mattering

When you’re happy, you are also likely to feel like your work matters and—even more—like you matter as well. A sense of purpose is driven by feeling there is a bigger picture outside of yourself and that you are uniquely able to contribute to it. True purpose is also characterized by a feeling you’re making a difference to real people, not just to corporate results.

Implication: Clarify the meaning of your work and how it ladders up to the overall purpose of the organization. Recognize colleagues, knowing you’re contributing to a culture of appreciation from which you’ll benefit as well. Pay attention to what team members need from you and follow through impeccably, knowing your work will affect their work, others work and so on.

A Happy Future

It’s a myth that pursuing happiness for its own sake is a good idea. There are two reasons for this. First, looking for happiness reminds you of what you don’t already have—rather than all you have to be grateful for today. Second, pursuing happiness for its own sake tends to focus on your own needs. Instead, when you focus on contributing to others’ needs and making a difference to your community, you’re more likely to feel a sense of joy.

Instead of chasing happiness as its own end, create the conditions for joyful work and life by committing to great work, immersing yourself, investing energy and reminding yourself of how your work matters. All of these will help you accomplish greater happiness today and over time.