Start with Small Steps

156 - Finding Purpose Beyond the Material

The thought-provoking book "Things that Matter" by Joshua Becker. In it, the author challenges us to rethink our relationship with material possessions and work and to find purpose in our lives beyond just chasing individual success.

One of the author's key points is that owning less can actually lead to greater freedom and happiness. By focusing on owning the right things that serve a purpose in our lives, rather than just accumulating stuff, we can find more fulfillment and joy. It's all about asking ourselves if each item we own promotes a purpose, rather than simply asking if it sparks joy.

I explore the role of work in our lives. He argues that work should not be viewed as a necessary evil, but as a way to show love to others and contribute to society. By finding the intersection of our abilities, passions, and the needs of others, we can find true purpose in our work and make a positive impact on the world.

I can definitely relate to these ideas. I've personally experienced the benefits of decluttering and finding purpose in my work, and I believe that helping others and being kind is more important than achieving individual success. That's why I'm so passionate about encouraging listeners like you to take small steps toward finding your purpose and using your gifts to make a positive impact on the world.

So, what do you think? Do you agree with the author's ideas? Have you tried decluttering or finding purpose in your work? I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas, so feel free to share them with me through email or Twitter. Let's rebel against societal norms prioritizing selfishness and materialism and take control of our time to create a better world together!

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3721

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TgZbvLvTJI

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

155 - Pursue a More Purposeful Life

I dive into a topic that I believe is essential to living a fulfilling and purposeful life. We all have goals and dreams, but it's easy to get sidetracked by the distractions that surround us every day. I share some insights from the book "Things That Matter" by Joshua Becker.

The book is all about finding what truly matters in life and how to avoid the things that hold us back. One of my favorite takeaways is the importance of committing to a daily mantra. It's a simple but powerful way to focus on what's important and stay motivated. Small steps will help us avoid distractions and get closer to our purpose.

But it's not just about focusing on ourselves. We also need to find our greater purpose and how we can serve others. That's where the concept of "Ikigai" comes in. By finding the intersection of our skills, passions, and the needs of others, we can make a positive impact and find true fulfillment.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3714

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TgZbvLvTJI

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

154 - Navigating Work in an AI World

I discuss the impact of robots and AI on jobs. While some jobs may become automated, human skills, such as relating to others and problem-solving, will always be needed. Robots and AI can do certain jobs that humans may not want to do, such as dangerous or manual labor.

The book Don't Worry About the Robots asks readers to embrace the changes brought about by automation and to focus on developing skills that will be in demand in the future, such as math, science, programming, and communication. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability, taking risks, and investing in oneself through education and personal development.

It acknowledges that the rise of automation may lead to changes in the job market, including the rise of the gig economy and the need for workers with emotional intelligence and creativity. However, I believe that these changes offer opportunities for people to find fulfilling work and make a positive impact in the world.

I encourage everyone to be proactive in navigating the changing job market and to view automation as a tool that can enhance human potential rather than a threat to jobs.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3710

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40671491-don-t-worry-about-the-robots

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

153 -Exploring Leadership Through Science Fiction

I dive into the world of leadership through the lens of science fiction. In this episode, we explore the epic television show Battlestar Galactica and its portrayal of leadership during a time of crisis. With four distinct leaders, each with their own approach to leadership, it’s a fascinating exploration of the tensions that arise as they work together to save humanity from the threat of the Cylons.

But that’s not all! We also discuss two other science fiction series, The Expanse, and Ender’s Game, and how they depict leadership in different contexts. The Expanse focuses on the political tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belters, while Ender’s Game follows a young boy’s journey to become a leader during an intergalactic war.

Throughout this episode, we emphasize the importance of trust, communication, and adaptability in effective leadership. We want to encourage YOU to reflect on your own leadership styles and consider what you can learn from the diverse range of leaders portrayed in science fiction.

Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or just starting out in your leadership journey, this episode provides a unique perspective on leadership. It highlights the complex challenges that leaders face in times of crisis and the importance of staying true to your values while remaining adaptable to changing circumstances.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3699

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

152 - Challenges of Giving and Receiving Feedback

In this episode, we’re going to delve deep into the world of feedback and explore why it can often be seen as a dirty word. For many people, the mere mention of feedback can bring up feelings of anxiety, dread, and even anger. But why is that? Why is it that something that is supposed to help us grow and improve can be so difficult to hear and give?

To shed some light on this topic, we’re going to chat about the book “Feedback and Other Dirty Words: Why We Fear It and How to Fix It” by M. Tamara Chandler and Laura Downing Grealish. We’ll discuss the challenges that organizations face when it comes to giving feedback and why the traditional approach to feedback often falls short.

But don’t worry, and we’re not just going to talk about the problems. We’ve got some great strategies to share with you that will help improve the feedback process and make it a positive and constructive experience for everyone involved. We’ll explore how to create a culture of trust that promotes personal and organizational growth and how to leave those negative feedback experiences behind.

So, if you’re ready to embrace feedback and take your personal and professional development to the next level, then tune in and join us on this journey.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3695

https://www.tamrachandler.com

https://twitter.com/GrealishLaura

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

151 - Embracing a Little Discomfort Can Improve Your Health

We explore how the little things we do every day can have a big impact on our health. Today, we're diving into the topic of convenience and how it can actually be hurting us.

Have you ever noticed that the more convenient something is, the less healthy it tends to be? We're talking junk food, drive-thrus, and sedentary lifestyles. But what if I told you that embracing a little inconvenience could actually be the key to better health?

In Michael Easter's book "The Comfort Crisis," he explores how convenience can be detrimental to our physical well-being. And it's not just about getting off the couch and moving more (although that's important too!). It's also about the calorie density of our food and the addictive nature of junk food.

So, let's challenge ourselves to do something a little inconvenient but healthier every week. Maybe we eat out less often or opt for a walk instead of a Netflix binge. It's all about taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Remember, we don't have to sacrifice the things we love for the sake of our health. But by embracing a little inconvenience, we can make a big impact on our overall well-being.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3687

https://eastermichael.com/book/

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

150 - The Power of Inconvenience

Today, we’re going to explore a fascinating idea - can inconvenience actually make our lives better? It might sound counterintuitive. We’re going to discuss how excellence often requires inconvenience, and why the opposite of inconvenience is innovation.

But here’s the thing - we all have different needs and preferences, and that’s okay. And that’s why we’re going to dive into the role of inconvenience in promoting growth and satisfaction. I mean, have you ever noticed how we tend to be at our best when we’re physically and mentally challenged? It might sound strange, but avoiding discomfort can actually make us weaker, sicker, and psychologically unwell.

So, let’s talk about how we can benefit from discomfort and the challenges it poses. Maybe it’s quitting drinking, losing weight, or taking a new job - whatever it is, we can find happiness and progression in discomfort. And avoiding challenges can make us weaker and less satisfied. It’s time to challenge ourselves, spend time outdoors, and engage with others to enrich our lives.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3684

https://eastermichael.com/book/

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

149 - Breaking Out of Our Comfort Zones

We're going to shake things up a bit and explore the idea that inconvenience can actually be GOOD for us! That's right, you heard me correctly. We're going to dive into the ways in which our modern conveniences may actually be limiting our experiences and keeping us from connecting with others.

"The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter is about the ways in which we've become too reliant on convenience. I've had some experiences in my own life where inconvenience actually led to some unexpected moments of connection and reflection.

In this episode, we're going to talk about the dangers of becoming too comfortable and the Japanese approach to convenience as a design challenge. We'll also explore how losing the ability to adapt to changes or challenges can really hold us back in life.

We're going to break out of our comfort zones and embrace inconvenience in a meaningful way that will expand our experiences and connect us with others.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3681

https://eastermichael.com/book/

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

148 - Strategies for Taking Control of Procrastination

Today, we’re diving into the world of overcoming procrastination and how you can take control of your life. We’ll be drawing insights from the book “The Art of Procrastination” by John Perry, which provides practical solutions for beating this common hurdle.

I talk about strategies that can help you tackle procrastination head-on! One of the best ways to overcome procrastination is to set reminders, break down tasks into smaller, more manageable goals, and collaborate with others. These methods can help you stay on track and motivated to take action.

In addition, it’s important to find a system that works for you. Whether it’s using a planner, a project management tool, or a productivity app, finding a system that suits your needs can help you stay focused and on task.

But, it’s not just about work. Taking moments to enjoy life and finding ways to use technology to your advantage can also help you overcome procrastination. By understanding the underlying causes of procrastination, like perfectionism, disorganization, and depression, you can begin to address these issues and improve your overall well-being.

Take that first step towards overcoming procrastination by thinking of one thing you can do to avoid a problem that would cause you to procrastinate. Remember, every small step counts and incremental improvements can lead to big changes in your life.

startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3678

getting-around-to-writing-art-of-procrastination

change-your-life-procrastination-burkeman

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]

147 - The Art of Overcoming Procrastination

Today, I will talk about something that affects all of us at some point in our lives: procrastination. We all know the feeling of putting things off until the last minute, but what if I told you there’s a way to tackle this once and for all?

First off, I want to recommend a book that has completely changed my perspective on the topic. It’s called “The Art of Procrastination” by John Perry, and it’s a game-changer. Perry identifies himself as a “structured procrastinator,” and his insights into the root causes of procrastination are spot-on.

One of the biggest culprits behind procrastination is perfectionism. We all strive for perfection, but it’s an unattainable goal that only holds us back from accomplishing our tasks. Instead, we should focus on taking small steps and completing simple tasks. Perry recommends task triage and creating a “don’t list” to avoid distractions and keep us on track.

Another obstacle to productivity is depression, which can make even the simplest tasks seem insurmountable. But fear not! Perry has a solution for that too. He suggests creating playlists of upbeat music to lift our mood and energize us, and organizing our tasks in a way that provides a sense of accomplishment.

So, what’s the key to overcoming procrastination? Self-awareness and self-discipline. By identifying the root causes of our procrastination and taking small steps toward completing tasks, we can break the cycle and achieve our goals.

Remember: don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today!

startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3672

getting-around-to-writing-art-of-procrastination

change-your-life-procrastination-burkeman

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at [email protected]