251 - Ikigai: Knowing Your Purpose Matters

Oct 14, 2025

Discover the Japanese concept of ikigai, your reason for being, and how it intersects four key elements: passion, skill, societal need, and financial reward. Learn how small experiments can lead to significant personal shifts rather than drastic overhauls. Reflect on your childhood interests and seek feedback to uncover hidden talents. Address common fears that hold you back and adopt a growth mindset. Embrace the idea that finding your ikigai is an ongoing journey, evolving as you explore and align joy with value.

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INSIGHT

Ikigai Is Fourfold Alignment

Ikigai is the overlap of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for.
Jill emphasizes that this alignment creates daily energy and purpose rather than instant miracles.

ANECDOTE

From Astronomy To Health Care IT

Jill wanted to be an astronomer but shifted through meteorology to IT after realizing job realities and personal fit.
She discovered her core thread: explaining complex science and connecting people to research, which led to health care IT.

ADVICE

Start With A Half-Ikigai

Try a 'half-ikigai' approach by experimenting part-time instead of quitting everything to pursue a passion.
Use small experiments to test what you love and what you're good at before risking major changes.

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How to Find Your Ikigai and Live with Purpose
In this episode, we explore the powerful and practical Japanese concept of ikigai—your reason for being. Inspired by the book How to Ikigai by Tim Tamashiro, this conversation shares how we can all begin the journey of discovering what we truly love, what we're good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for.
I reflect on my own career path and how moments of confusion, missteps, and trial-and-error eventually led me toward a fulfilling life in healthcare IT—a field I never initially imagined. This process wasn't about quitting everything and starting over, but rather about small experiments and subtle shifts that brought more alignment and joy into my life.

Understanding Ikigai
Ikigai is more than just passion. It's the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It's about creating a balanced and fulfilling life that energizes you daily.
Overcoming Fear and Limiting Beliefs
We discuss the real fears that hold people back—like fear of failure, judgment, or financial instability—and how shifting to a growth mindset can open new possibilities.
Small Experiments, Big Shifts
Instead of massive life overhauls, we talk about the value of trying small, manageable experiments—especially in your spare time—that help you get closer to your purpose.
Looking at Your Past for Clues
Your childhood interests, natural talents, and what people ask you for help with can offer valuable clues about your strengths and potential purpose.
🎯 Takeaways:
Finding your ikigai doesn’t require a total life transformation. It starts with awareness and curiosity. Take time to explore what brings you joy and energy. Reflect on what people seek your help for and consider how you can slowly shift your work and life to align with your purpose.
Whether it's through weekend retreats, evening projects, or simply changing how you approach your current job, you can begin to live with more intention and fulfillment. And remember, even if you only start with a "half ikigai," that's still a powerful first step toward a meaningful life.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/251-ikigai-knowing-your-purpose-matters/

Jill’s Links
https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
https://twitter.com/schmern
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.