Podcast Summary: Help Wanted – "How to Find What You Really Want"

Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host: Money News Network (Jason Feifer & Nicole Lapin)

Introduction to Finding True Desires

In the episode titled "How to Find What You Really Want," Jason Feifer and Nicole Lapin delve into the complexities of goal-setting and personal fulfillment in the workplace. They explore why achieving specific goals doesn't always lead to the expected happiness and introduce strategies to uncover deeper motivations.

The Antidote: Say Yes to More Than What You Want

Jason Feifer introduces the core concept of the episode:

"The antidote, which I call say yes to More than what you want. It is a way of thinking beyond your immediate goals so you aren't trapped by them."
— Jason Feifer [04:15]

This approach encourages individuals to embrace a broader perspective, allowing for greater satisfaction and opportunities by not becoming overly attached to single outcomes.

Tim's Story: The Trap of Hyper-Specific Goals

To illustrate the pitfalls of narrowly defined goals, Jason shares the story of his friend Tim:

"I met my friend Tim in 2009 when we were both low level magazine editors... he got his dream job. And then he discovered that it was terrible."
— Jason Feifer [04:50]

Tim's experience highlights how hyper-specific goals can lead to disappointment when the reality doesn't match expectations, emphasizing the need for flexibility in career aspirations.

Introducing the Why Test: Uncovering Core Motivations

Jason Feifer discusses the Why Test, an exercise developed by Emily Hayward of Red Antler, to help individuals and brands identify their true motivations:

"Start by describing a brand's core product... then ask 'why does that matter?' repeatedly until you reach something meaningful."
— Jason Feifer [06:26]

This iterative questioning process helps peel back layers to reveal the fundamental reasons behind one's goals, ensuring that actions align with deeper values.

Applying the Why Test to Personal Goals

Applying the Why Test to personal aspirations allows for a clearer understanding of what truly drives an individual. Jason illustrates this with an example involving Tim:

"Tim's goal isn't to work at that magazine. It's to feel rewarded for his talents."
— Jason Feifer [08:10]

By shifting the focus from the specific goal to the underlying desire for recognition and fulfillment, individuals can explore a wider array of opportunities that align with their true motivations.

Benefits of Saying Yes to More

Adopting the mindset of saying yes to more than just specific goals offers several advantages:

1. Flexibility in Uncertain Outcomes:

   "You're accounting for the possibility that you won't always get what you want."
   — Jason Feifer [05:30]

2. Emotional Resilience:

   "You're spreading out your emotional investment so any single failure or disappointment will feel less devastating."
   — Jason Feifer [05:35]

3. Increased Chances of Success:

   "You're giving yourself more chances to succeed."
   — Jason Feifer [05:40]

These benefits collectively contribute to a more adaptable and fulfilling career trajectory.

Jason's Personal Journey and Embracing Broader Opportunities

Jason shares his own experience of embracing the "say yes to more" philosophy:

"When I became editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine... I immediately asked myself what other opportunities are now available to me."
— Jason Feifer [08:50]

By expanding his horizons beyond traditional paths, Jason was able to engage in diverse projects like podcasting, writing newsletters, and starting new companies. This approach not only mitigated the fear of failure but also provided a sense of freedom and multiple avenues for personal and professional growth.

Conclusion: Embracing a Broader Perspective

The episode concludes with a strong encouragement to adopt the "say yes to more than what you want" mindset:

"Saying yes just means thinking bigger, challenging your sense of self and your goals... exploring new ideas."
— Jason Feifer [09:30]

Nicole Lapin reinforces this message by inviting listeners to reach out for personalized advice, emphasizing the show's commitment to helping individuals navigate their work-related challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid Hyper-Specific Goals:
  Focusing too narrowly can lead to dissatisfaction if the outcome doesn't meet expectations.

• Use the Why Test:
  Continuously ask "why" to uncover deeper motivations behind your goals.

• Embrace Flexibility:
  Being open to multiple opportunities reduces the emotional impact of setbacks and increases overall satisfaction.

• Expand Your Horizons:
  Pursuing a variety of interests and projects can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient career.

For more insights and personalized advice, listeners are encouraged to email the helpline at helpwanted@moneynewsnetwork.com and engage with the show’s social media platforms.