Episode 7

7 - Plan Your Possible Lives

7 - Plan Your Possible Lives

Today we are talking about designing your life based on your talents and values.

We all know that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes we find ourselves falling into things or lucking into opportunities. But what if we took a more intentional approach? That’s where assessments like StrengthsFinder 2.0 come in. By identifying your unique talents and strengths, you can start to design a life that plays to those strengths and brings you joy.

Of course, it’s not just about identifying your talents - it’s also important to think about what you value most in life. Maybe you value creativity, flexibility, or community. Whatever it is, keeping those values in mind as you design your life can help ensure that you’re living in alignment with your true self.

Then we discuss the book Designing Your Life. But here’s the thing - designing your life isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires experimentation and adaptation. That’s why we encourage you to try out small changes in your life and see what works best for you. Maybe it’s trying out a new hobby or taking a class in something you’re interested in. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things.

So, if you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your life’s path, we hope this episode has given you some inspiration and motivation to take control of your destiny. Remember - you have the power to design a life that’s joyful, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2278

https://store.gallup.com/c/en-us/assessments

https://designingyour.life/

https://www.outsideonline.com/2373876/three-steps-happiness

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

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About the Podcast

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.