Simon Sinek: How To Find Your 'Why?' In 15 Minutes

In this exclusive moment from our recent interview with Simon Sinek, we see him find and unpack Jake's true purpose. It's a fascinating insight into Simon's process when assisting others in finding their 'why'.
If you want to discover your own 'why', watch this 15 minutes and learn the tools needed to unpack one's true meaning.
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[@joer8273]

Worth highlighting Simon’s extraordinary listening skill.

[@majorkuntz]

Calm down. He’s just listening. Anyone can do it.

[@joer8273]

@@majorkuntz”can”, perhaps. “Does”? Absolutely not.

[@3Max]

Also worth highlighting his patience at needing to ask the same question 10 times over 5 minutes.

[@janders79]

Worth remembering: He's an ad man, so he's never just listening. There's always intention. Which means there's always some lack of genuine regard. Anything and everything becomes the means of manipulation.

[@alenaadamkova7617]

I think in every habit "compound pounding" effect is the best solution... People probably know this effect but forgot about it because of being too distracted by media or thoughts etc. in sport, in business, in relationships. 1. If you use compound pounding in sport, (exercissing for an hour) you will see no results in 5 days,but you will see big results in 100 days. 2. If you will say a good morning to people, you will see no effect in 5 days, but you will see a great difference in 100 days. 3. If you will practice the compassion for your partner and make some good deed, you will see no or small difference in 5 days, but you will see a great difference in 50 or 100 days, you will see how much you mean to them. People see this compound pounding effect in the nature, the garden looks the same after few days, but after a 100 days it looks different. Therefore you can not tell if your values are working after one week, because you see the effect after 100 or 140 days. Maybe each couple should practice this technique, If I will make something small to make my partner happy, for a little moment, they will remember these little moments, and good calm or happy mood increases the immunity of the body by 50 percent in 4 days. So their kids will learn the same technique. They will learn that if they will read a book 10 minutes a day, it has a great impact on brain. Next time it may be 20 minutes a day. But if you stop doing the healthy habit now... after a week it makes no difference after 140 days the results change for worse, you loose muscles or you lose some skill or motivation etc. Good deed may be also making a pizza or small things. People actually enjoy small things much more than big gestures, because it´s about living in the moment...... Big gestures (expensive car) mean that you actually burned out too much energy to make a small effect, rather than small gestures that after time create a great effect of connection, and people like you for your authentic personality.

[@cevisuals]

As a Documentary & Street Photographer for over 35 years, I had hit a point where I was completely lost and disillusioned since the pandemic in 2020. Listening to this process brought tears to this 61yo's eyes as I thought back to the moment I felt happiest. I had lost that as I got older and felt dead inside more or less walking aimlessly in a creative desert for a long time. Thank you for posting this as it has helped give me a map and compass to restart my creative journey that I thought I had lost my way and would never find again.

[@anaventura8617]

I want to know what that moment was about.

[@stevelayfield]

What was the moment?

[@TheAnnahiggs]

This comment just brought tears to my eyes...

[@machupikachu1085]

Thanks for posting this. I'm right there with you. I haven't had the fire or ambition since the lockdown, and since it's become my new norm, I'm disillusioned that I will ever find it again.

[@alenaadamkova7617]

I think in every habit "compound pounding" effect is the best solution... People probably know this effect but forgot about it because of being too distracted by media or thoughts etc. in sport, in business, in relationships. 1. If you use compound pounding in sport, (exercissing for an hour) you will see no results in 5 days,but you will see big results in 100 days. 2. If you will say a good morning to people, you will see no effect in 5 days, but you will see a great difference in 100 days. 3. If you will practice the compassion for your partner and make some good deed, you will see no or small difference in 5 days, but you will see a great difference in 50 or 100 days, you will see how much you mean to them. People see this compound pounding effect in the nature, the garden looks the same after few days, but after a 100 days it looks different. Therefore you can not tell if your values are working after one week, because you see the effect after 100 or 140 days. Maybe each couple should practice this technique, If I will make something small to make my partner happy, for a little moment, they will remember these little moments, and good calm or happy mood increases the immunity of the body by 50 percent in 4 days. So their kids will learn the same technique. They will learn that if they will read a book 10 minutes a day, it has a great impact on brain. Next time it may be 20 minutes a day. But if you stop doing the healthy habit now... after a week it makes no difference after 140 days the results change for worse, you loose muscles or you lose some skill or motivation etc. Good deed may be also making a pizza or small things. People actually enjoy small things much more than big gestures, because it´s about living in the moment...... Big gestures (expensive car) mean that you actually burned out too much energy to make a small effect, rather than small gestures that after time create a great effect of connection, and people like you for your authentic personality.

[@Paula-oh8pb]

Jake is extremely generous in sharing this personal information. Simon was generously giving a demonstration of knowledge he uses to help people to know themselves and their drivers. It resonated with Jake. You are getting this for free. Why would people here be so ungrateful and unkind?

[@mairios521]

Wow!! Came here because I was looking for my "why" and I think it's the same as Jake's. I felt completely energized when I was working on a team, with great and talented human beings, and I felt myself a talented human being too. We were building something incredible that many of our teachers thought it's gonna be impossible. And WE made it possible, and I was part of that. One of my happiest childhood memories was decorating the Christmas tree with my granny, I handmade the decorations with paper like an adult will do. My grandma raised me my first 5 years and she acted like my mother at that time, she educated me as a fully capable person, and years later I feel I lost that confidence she helped me built. Thanks abu! Thanks Simon and thanks High Performance team!. Loved this interview!

[@TravelGuydeStephen]

"WHY????" is there always THAT GUY in the room who can't sit quietly long enough to allow his fellow human the courtesy of speaking/answering a question? Thank you Simon for saying "let's talk about it at the end."

[@runnerjeffkorhan]

Yes, I'm surprised they don't edit that out.

[@Stealth17Gaming]

That was great to watch. He instantly picked up on the similarity and converted it into a why on the fly. Shows a ton of practice and mastery of his craft.

[@AvnerFironMTBGuide]

this was one of the best clips I have ever seen. I sat and thought to myself what is my "why", and I am now between jobs, so it is a very challenging times and I realized the best moment of my childhood and how it connects to my adult life and my job and what I love to do. So thank you guys. I hope this will change my Hero's Journey and will get me to where I want.

[@MarkVillalovos]

That comment at the end - where Simon's observing the reaction as he's mirroring back the story, "I don't actually care what you think... I want to know how you FEEL." That was powerful - when we laser focus on supplying what helps people feel special, we create true connections.

[@bigbluedoorforentrepreneurs]

Wonderful process and a great example of high performance. Simon's very practiced skill is something to see.

[@emma-qj2is]

I have my career moment and my childhood memory moment - but i still can´t figure out my why. What those two moment have in common or say about me as a person. My career moment i just started my job working in health care, we were out driving me and my coworker when we got an alarm about an unconscious person. Quickly we got to her home, lucky the ambulance already arrived before us but there were several ambulances, relatives, people doing CPR and then there were me. That adrenaline rush, the focus, being in the moment saving lives, actually making a difference between life or death, thats my career moment. As of my childhood i remember being around 13 years old, im spending the day at the stables with my riding instructor who i really look up to and she asked me to ride one of the ponys, by myself. And so i did and it went great but having someone you look up to put enough trust in you to let you take such responsibility was really honoring. So what does that say about my why...?

[@mollyerickson4897]

I've always loved SS's wisdom. Getting a chance to see how his brain works when he helps people is a game-changer. I've read info and listened to hours of podcasts about storytelling. In 15 minutes he just opened up a new world for me. I also see why, when I explain what i'm doing since I've left corporate, people's eyes glazed over. I am telling the boring "I host a podcast" explanation SS starts with to contrast the two approaches he defines. I am NOT telling my story. Everything just clicked. Thank you Simon Sinek.

[@hayleyhilton5018]

beautiful video... i remember watching Jake during his F1 years and so this was really heartfelt to listen to how someone who looked like he had it all still doesn't know his why... this really helped me find mine too, thank you x

[@healthymindhealthybody9324]

Really appreciate Jake's willingness to be vulnerable. Must admit when i saw Jake on tv he wasn't someone i felt i could relate to. But i 💯 respect his willingness to be vulnerable, thats an admirable quality

[@ravindumirihana2784]

This is exactly my Happy place, I still look for that everywhere I go

[@HydroBirthing]

amazing! I had goose bumps and cried watching this.

[@user-ti1cr6re9e]

marvellous interview thank you

[@Nimastory]

What a great video. I love Simon Sinek. Years ago, I read the book Start With Why, but I remember it greatly impacted me. And thanks for sharing the story of your fondest memories. It made me think about what my fondest memories were

[@user-xp7nz4yo7d]

stunningly beautiful conversation of discovery! thank you!

[@TruthFinder7839]

Creating a storyline for his life story that is fragmented was perfectly done, and will become the norm for others to try to make sense of their past, and connect to their present and future outlook and perspective, for their life to experience.

[@aurelekodjo2230]

I am so grateful for this video. I love how you guys interacted and eventually found his purpose. I believe a lot of people would benefit from this video just like I did since I actually found my purpose while answering the same question Simon asked! Thank you and much love!!!

[@marcbaladi]

Brilliant example of why belonging is so important. We don’t always need to be part of something bigger than ourselves, but it can make a huge difference to our why / ikigai.

[@FeliceMusicBerlin]

Thank you so much you three! I had tears in my eyes and wish so much for myself to find my WHY finally... I-#m much closer now, then I've been before I saw your episode !!! THANK YOU

[@mandyward9782]

Very powerful. He's very gentle and laser-focused at the same time. What a wonderful experience - for you and for us watching. Great stuff.

[@garthbuck4274]

What a brilliant session...It is not about the ending, it is about the journey. Simon helped Jake articulate his 'Why' versus what Jakes does. Simon has an innate way of drawing someone's Why. Great watch. Cheers

[@Marie16240]

Incredible to watch!

[@arteeejr]

It's all about the journey, the team, and that magical feeling of being part of something greater than yourself. Just like when I was a kid, traveling in the car with my family, I find my why in those moments of togetherness and shared goals. I'm at my best when I'm with a group of people that understands me, all heading in the same direction, striving to achieve something together. My life coach Lisa Haisha also taught me that understanding your "why" is about recognizing these patterns in your life, and now, I'm thrilled to continue watch more with the incredible team on this podcast.

[@user-np3zw2rl8y]

Wow! The way Simon teased that out, listening and exploring Jake's responses to get teh answer & Jakes smile at the end, when he knows 'yeah! That's it!'

[@evb1601]

That was great! Thank you.

[@davidbrohede]

Thank you for your honesty. I love the focus, that you speak until you’re done, that the other will listen until you’re done. I love the calm pacing. I love that you skip all the fancy soundtracks and B-roll. This is quality, and one can tell. ❤

[@myriampeeters288]

Thank you guys for doing this! Would love to find my own why ;-).

[@mateussousa9064]

Wow!!! Just amazing

[@martinsrnes5660]

Amazing!

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

This is profound. Thank you.

[@magentapilot4576]

What a sweet dude to pick apart ❤

[@jvb5590]

The follow up question at the end from Jake's co-host was essential, because it gives you a framework as to how to analyze,break down the relationship between yourself and the experiences you go through.

[@coffeebreakcoaching]

Brilliant and powerful. Yes, amazing listening skills and identifying the pattern between the two stories. This has been very enlightening and meaningful for me, thank you you three 😄

[@daphnemorgan4950]

Phenomenal.

[@anastasiaszymala8497]

Thank you!

[@harmonylifewithjess1593]

Beautiful

[@MattGillis]

Understanding how recognizing the patterns and connections throughout our lives can help us identify what truly drives us and gives our lives a sense of purpose is mind blowing, It's important to take time to reflect on our experiences and identify the common threads that tie them together. We gain such a deeper understanding of ourselves and what motivates us. This understanding can then guide us as we make choices and help us make decisions that align with our values and goals. Ultimately, finding our "why" can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction and happiness in all aspects of our lives.

[@rSnGrimmjow]

Simon says - we better listen ❤

[@sdot7117]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="412">6:52</a> Before Simon gives the answer to his why, my assessment is that his why is a “a sense of belonging.”

[@SmrtSocial]

Great content.

[@cgthayer]

Loved this example of "why finding" in action. Thank you

[@bsperenyi]

It’s a really beautiful and relatable example. I love it.

[@xoFrenchKisSxo]

holy shit I love him

[@mikemurphy697]

Simon, I am not sure if You will ever see this, however what you are discovering in this case is: it’s not all about me and not all about you it is actually about what we can be together❣️

[@mikemurphy697]

What a wonderful WHY🙏! Much love… Mike Murphy💕

[@worth2worthnation]

Wow! So, that happened. Nice.

[@barbmiller3386]

I’d really like to know more about Simon’s very first question, “Did you have a childhood?” “Then you have a why.” Maybe this is why I’m still trying to figure mine out.

[@lovelyskn]

Childhood trauma affects the development of a sense of self. Knowing who you are. what you want. and why you want it is difficult in those circumstances.

[@DarrenAllatt]

Children inherently gravitate towards their natural purpose (their why) As it is just part of who they are. These are the natural talents or the activities that children can just lose themselves in time and time again for hours and never get bored of. It’s only through growing up that these inherent natural fires get slowly smothered, put out, and the ashes cast away - so that we end up in a position where we don’t know our why

[@TheAnnahiggs]

So inspiring. Thank you! What if you haven't 'had a childhood', though? What would the questions be then?

[@merlinporterarts]

I think his question was sarcastic...everyone has to have a childhood to get to adulthood. Either way the questions would be what are the highlight deep moments for you childhood/teen years I'd imagine.

[@merlinporterarts]

Even if one has a very tough childhood there should be some special moments somewhere.

[@Elaine-tk7nx]

Yes, I thought this. What if he hadn't had such wholesome examples?

[@synkopy]

Why am I crying

[@uneChaine123]

Probably the onions I am cutting for the yassa chicken

[@deboxmethod]

which bit specifically made you cry? the specific moment. was it words, or tone? watch again and see exactly where your tears appear. from that I can help you understand why you cried. (triggers to tears are a sign post for us to hidden traumas)

[@_silhouettestudio_]

wow.

[@katl2888]

This is no way helped me find my why. already know I love working with a team towards a common purpose but I still feel completely lost and without purpose at the age of 53.

[@DanielleCrowell-hd3py]

I feel like I’m being tricked into feeling like this should be deep and transformative but it’s just an episode of Mad Men

[@Scripture-Songs-That-Stick]

Mind blown. Thank you Simon. ... Hello Claude. Today I'd like you to take the role as my life coach, and help me find my "why". Before we do that, I'd like to give you some more context about how to help me find my "why". I'm going to paste a transcript into this window. I'd like you to read it, understand the conversation and example session helping someone find their "why" and then combine that with your existing knowledge to ask me questions to help me find my "why". It's important that you do this for me, understand and interpret my answer, and then tell me why you made your assessment. Ok. Here is the transcript: (pasted). Now, please ask me as many questions and clarifying questions as you need to develop what you think is my "why".

[@mikeyfinn2]

seems like Jake found his "how", rather than his "why"; how you like to work is different from the larger purpose/values it serves

[@dsm_iv1450]

I was once high too

[@engineerthefuture7536]

Tribe. The most innate human need ! is tribe and belonging. This need is our DNA.

[@sandragabriel]

Me next Simon 🙋‍♀

[@julesv2914]

Where online does Sinek have the questions to identify your why?

[@justanotherother]

i am literally SCREAMING at the left guy's face of disbelief at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="471">07:51</a> like "WHAT KIND OF SORCERY IS THIS?!"

[@jenniferwolfe5990]

🤯

[@thecostaexperience]

Boa noite!

[@dtorr1840]

What can Simon Sinek suggest for those who have had an abusive childhood, no happy memories, but who do have happy professional memories?

[@EmptyKingdoms]

But I do not remember my childhood. Sometimes I even think (because feeling is hindered) I would be better off without a childhood. So how can I achieve this clarity, if I lack the memories, if I lack the feeling of what it means to love doing something? I utterly despite the idea of my life depending on a salary, an income, do I have not the right to live? Is life not a blessed and sacred thing, meant to be celebrated? Yes, I could do many things, but linking how I perform in such tasks to my worth (even if it comes in the form of money for my survival) seems like a mood killer.

[@ABoyCalledRic]

that was special to witness

[@kitsurubami]

Simon Sinek is intense

[@dameanvil]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="4">00:04</a> 🤔 The speaker expresses uncertainty about finding their purpose, or "why," due to a varied career path. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="101">01:41</a> 🏎 Standing in the pit lane during their first Formula 1 Grand Prix was a significant moment in the speaker's career, symbolizing a breakthrough. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="300">05:00</a> 🚗 A childhood memory of being in the car with family holds deep significance for the speaker, representing a rare moment of connection amidst busy lives. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="585">09:45</a> 💡 The speaker's happiness is tied to collaborative efforts and shared experiences, rather than solitary pursuits.

[@ryansmith2617]

Hero comment

[@irened9961]

Lot of talk about past events but where's some useful discussion about the supposed topic of finding your why?

[@matgonzalez6272]

Last three minutes of the clip covered that!

[@ToldoMexes]

I HAVE A LOT OF THINGS RUNNING THROUGH MY HEAD - THE BIGGEST ONE IS THIS WESTLIFE SONG “WORLD OF OUR OWN” - IT IS JUST SO GOOD

[@MichaelHunter074]

I Know You Know by Michael Hunter

[@susannefitzpatrick9955]

It would help to know who the other two blokes are! Not a clue.

[@user-je8vi2kl2i]

Good job for Simon to actually answer such an incredibly shallow individual who is all about needing validation.

[@joer8273]

I’ve never seen him before, so I can’t agree or disagree with your assessment of him. But what I did see is a guy who’s just unsure of himself, likely needs validation, but who’s in his 40s and still not quite fully content yet. Carl Jung said midlife crisis is when we climb up the ladder of success and realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall. I feel like this guy experienced this. I also have to wonder about what relationships he has in his life. His memory of mom scratching the back of dad’s head is a powerful image of love and I wonder if he’s got a partner who will do that. Sounded like he didn’t. Sounded like he wasted a 10-15 years chasing some illusory definition of success and wants an awakening.

[@user-yr1hg7wf1l]

what happens when you're like me and you have worked at a job for more than 10 years and you do not have ONE good memory about the job?

[@redrev10]

Cold reading shite

[@VeganFriendlyNutritionist]

That was a big leap and huge assumption, I don't think it's necessarily so that the car and the pit were the same thing at all. When you listen to the original explanation of the guest, it is not what he said. But of course, easy for him to agree with the assumption.

[@YaelEylatTanaka]

OMG, he talks a lot!

[@ohok3075]

Simon was great as usual but people need therapy for all the negative thoughts they have

[@user-ed1hh8vy6q]

This guy with his raised finger (<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="115">1:55</a>) really gets on my nerves. People who ask if they can "interrupt for a moment" and then do it right away are such clumsy oafs. Simon handles him like a pro.

[@gabriel_leake]

How is being a part of a team a purpose? Genuinely wanting to understand. Probably 75% or more of people would have positive memories about feeling included in something. That seems like a core psychological need, not a purpose for you life.

[@sudarkoff]

Having a positive memory about a thing is not the same as that one thing sticking out above everything else by a mile. (Am I making any sense?)

[@gabriel_leake]

​@@sudarkoff hmmm, I'm not convinced. Jake's first story was more about proving himself. That's what he specifically called out. I would expect that most people's positive memories from childhood are related to belonging. That's just biology. He didn't even say he wanted to be a part of a team with his family. To me it sounded like he just felt very loved in that moment. Belonging is really just another way of saying being loved. Pretty much everyone deeply wants to belong and prove themselves as competent. If I think about my own memories, most of the good ones are related to belonging or succeeding. To me this feels like Simon telling him that his purpose is to drink water because that's when he feels most refreshed. It sounds profound at first, but if I were Jake, I'm not sure I would feel any closer to a purpose that felt uniquely important to me.

[@sudarkoff]

​@@gabriel_leake Are you skeptical of the method or the conclusion Simon and Jake reached in this conversation? If you're skeptical of the conclusion, remember that Simon was interviewing Jake, not you. Surely, he was paying attention not only to the words Jake used to answer his questions but also to how that line of questioning was resonating with Jake. If he was interviewing you and you felt unimpressed, then this would have been a different conversation.

[@kallepernu9251]

What if there isnt anything to be happy about? Or proud? No clue, no purpose and no passion 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Kube_Dog]

Define one's why/purpose by the most memorable moments? What stupidity. The most memorable moments are the most emotional; emotion is what imprints these memories. The most intense emotions are trauma and manic joy. So, one should model their purpose after the most traumatic or manic moments in one's life? Stooooopid.

[@faridaaktar4544]

😜😜😜😜😜

[@PaulRibbons]

Wow, powerful stuff, glad I stopped to watch

[@davepanrios]

Not sure why, but this feels like Simon hammering a square peg into a round hole, forcing the point.

[@daledavies_me]

Absolutely. Sounded so forced.

[@danielrichardson4868]

Nothing ever exactly fits, Simon is simply doing his best to help a fellow human in this case.

[@abdulazizalmaneea177]

At least he’s trying

[@stryderlucien]

He’s just doing his best to work with what’s presented

[@marcmoody5854]

He has to play devils advocate to dig deep

[@chrisholt2092]

Mad that he wants to feel like an equal but he comes across like he looks down on people. 😢

[@elingrome5853]

shdve just identiifed as an asian woman Jake... straight in at the beeb

[@user-ed1hh8vy6q]

Pretty obvious that Simon didn't like Jake very much.

[@ohok3075]

😂😂😂

[@autoclearanceuk7191]

blah

[@majorkuntz]

This dude is so full of crap. He’s a professional talker and we need to stop lionizing these people.

[@IsaacS2010]

Simon seems like an amateur bridge-builder to me. He may know how to start to construct something important, but his construction is tenuous and his technique haphazard. Seems more like a recipe to fail than anything. Be careful following these kinds of people.

[@ronsunshine3469]

Such a bullshit artist. No substance.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

Confused. Simon's " Why" speech really only applies to billion dollar companies that can implement it. it is not really for individuals or even small companies. Also I found it creepy he started to mirror his dialect when he was talking to him. Because let's be honest, this has ZERO usefulness to anyone.

[@user-yq5zy8bi9g]

J’étais juste chaque jour à côté de toi mais tu passais tout ton temps à gagner l’argent . Pourtant, j’étais là

[@user-yq5zy8bi9g]

Désormais je ne suis plus seule, j’ai un homme, il s’appelle Emmanuel