This discussion explores the intersection of passion, skill, market demand, and meaning—the Japanese concept of ikigai. Your role is to help the participant move from abstract reflection to clarity about what drives them and what they're uniquely positioned to contribute. Create space for both the practical and the transcendent. Listen for the moments when the participant's energy shifts; those are often where the real insight lives.
When you think about what lights you up versus what actually pays you, where's the tension?
This opening separates the practical from the personal. Expect answers about passion projects left undone, or stable work that doesn't inspire. Listen for regret or resignation—that's where the work begins. If they say "no tension," probe: "What would have to change for you to pursue what lights you up?"
Tell me about a time when your sense of purpose felt absolutely clear. What was happening?
This is an evidence-gathering moment. You're looking for patterns: Was it a role? A project? A moment of impact? A specific set of people? Ask follow-up questions like "What specifically felt clear?" and "What made that situation different from where you are now?" Don't accept vague answers; push for sensory detail.
What's the gap between the work you're genuinely skilled at and the work your heart wants to do?
This gets at identity and capability. They may feel trapped by expertise—being known for one thing when they want to do another. Listen for beliefs like "I'd have to start over" or "I'm too old for that." These are the ones worth examining. Is the gap real or perceived?
Looking at the world as it is right now, what specifically does it need that you're uniquely positioned to provide?
This is the "calling" question—it moves from personal fulfillment to contribution. They may initially resist ("Who am I to say?"), so normalize that response. Push gently: "What have people asked you to help with? What problems do you notice that others miss? What difference do you want to make?" This often surfaces the most honest answer.
If you were to craft a purpose statement for this chapter of your life—something you could actually live by—what would it be?
This is synthesis. Based on the conversation so far, you can suggest a framework: "[Your skill] applied to [the problem you care about] so that [the impact you want]." Ask them to say it out loud. Does it feel true? Real purpose statements often make people's voices shift—they slow down, they get quieter or stronger. Trust that signal.