Episode
Quick Spoon: What would your ‘J’ do?
- Podcast
- People Soup
- Published
- Apr 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 166
- Processing state
processed
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Summary
When facing difficult decisions, you can overcome indecision by adopting the perspective of a mentor or role model. This 'J' exercise uses borrowed wisdom to align your actions with your core values.
Topics
- Decision Making
- Behavioral Science
- Leadership
- Values-Based Living
- Personal Growth
- Mental Models
- Role Models
- Resilience
Highlights
- Main idea: Use a 'J'—a person who embodies your target values—as a mental proxy for difficult choices
- Practical takeaway: When stuck, ask both 'What would my J do?' and 'What would my J say to me?' to gain clarity
- Failure mode: Relying solely on your own internal monologue during high-stress moments can lead to spiraling or self-doubt
- Core benefit: Borrowing perspective helps bypass personal insecurities and refocuses you on your professional mission
- Implementation: Your 'J' can be anyone from a real-life mentor to a fictional character or a public figure
Chapters
0:00Introduction: Introduction to the Quick Spoon format and the concept of values-based choices.0:20The Origin of the 'J' Exercise: A story about a client using a therapist's wisdom to navigate decision points.1:10How to Pick Your 'J': Instructions on selecting a mentor, celebrity, or character who embodies your desired values.1:30Case Study: Using Oprah as a Compass: How visualizing Oprah Winfrey's response helped overcome the fear of public speaking.2:00The Second Level of Perspective: Moving beyond mimicking actions to imagining the supportive advice a mentor would offer.2:20Conclusion and Call to Action: Final thoughts on using borrowed perspective and an invitation to share your 'J'.