Dr Richard Pile and Rachel do a deep dive into what it means to have a meaningful, purpose-driven life. We also explore the concept of ikigai and how you can use this to determine your purpose, so that you can enjoy your work more and ultimately unlock your potential to live life to its fullest.

Episode Highlights

[05:51] Is Purpose a Given for Doctors?

• Everyone, including doctors, can benefit from thinking about their reason for being.
• When your purpose is tied to your job, your profession can become all-consuming.

[10:04] Defining Purpose

• Purpose has layers, including your values, beliefs, likes, dislikes, and what matters to you. 

[12:35] The Consequences of Lack of Purpose

• Not contemplating your meaning and purpose can affect your health and wellbeing.

[16:00] Are Meaningful Relationships Part of Your Purpose?

• Only focusing inward hampers you from unlocking your full potential.
• Purpose alone isn’t good enough; you need to have balance.

[19:06] The Current GP Situation

• General practice has never been busier than it is now.
• The best thing a GP can do to care for their patients is to first take care of themselves.

[21:03] How to Avoid Overwhelm

• Reflect on the balance in your life and make sure it's sustainable for years to come. 

[22:29] Reconnecting with Your Meaning and Purpose through Ikigai

• ‘Ikigai’ is a Japanese term meaning reason for being.
• It looks at purpose as the intersection of four circles: what you love, what you’re good at, what you can get paid for, and what the world needs.

[29:43] Give Yourself Time

• The starting point in finding your purpose is giving yourself time to think about it.

[36:08] Exploring Ikigai

• The Japanese conceptualisation of ikigai doesn’t focus much on career.
• If you’ve got a purpose and meaning, you’re better able to cope with life's struggles. 

[38:43] Spirituality and Space

• Fragmenting our physical, mental, and spiritual aspects always ends badly.

[44:24] Richard’s Top Three Tips

• Give yourself time to take stock.
• Reflect on the ikigai concept.
• Determine your next steps after reflecting.

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Write a review and share this with your friends.

Sign up for a FREE workbook.

Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group.

Find out more about our training here.

Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctors!

Sign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout. 

Create your ideal week using the THRIVE Week Planner!

Are you a leader in health or social care? Know how to build a robust team through difficult times without burning out yourself by registering for our free webinar here! 

Are you interested to have a You Are Not A Frog gathering? Drop us an email at [email protected] to let us know!

Mentioned in this episode:

Work Well Live

FrogFest Virtual 2025