Most people obsessed with finding their "life's purpose" are looking in the wrong place. Jordan Grumet, hospice doctor and author of The Purpose Code, spent years at patients' bedsides learning what actually matters at the end of life — and it's not the big, audacious goals we're told to chase.
Brad sits down with Jordan to unpack the difference between "big P purpose" (the goal-oriented, achievement-driven mindset that often leads to burnout) and "little p purpose" (the small, everyday activities that genuinely light you up). Jordan shares how to identify your personal "purpose anchors" by mining childhood joys and reframing regrets, then building a life around those insights through clarity, agency, and incremental change.
Understanding Little P Purpose vs. Big P Purpose (00:01:43) Big P purpose is goal-oriented and often feels like a scarcity mindset, whereas little p purpose is about engaging in activities that bring joy without the pressure of specific goals.
The Role of Meaning in Happiness (00:03:28) Happiness is derived from both meaning (derived from the past) and purpose (driving present actions).
Identifying Purpose Anchors (00:17:02) Jordan explains the importance of purpose anchors, small activities that light you up, and provides strategies to identify them.
Practical Strategies for Creating Purpose (00:16:37) Steps to create a meaningful life around little p purpose, emphasizing actionable changes.
Key Insights:
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Little p purpose focuses on enjoyment and engagement rather than large achievements Every step counts. "Little p purpose can create big impacts." (00:36:26)
Purpose is not found; it's created (00:16:37) Focus on engagement in joyous activities rather than waiting for purpose to reveal itself.
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Use regrets as insights (00:18:06) Reflect on what truly matters to you through narrative therapy techniques that reframe past experiences.
Schedule time for joy (00:30:20) Actively create a schedule filled with purpose-driven actions to enhance fulfillment.
Connection follows engagement (00:38:01) Pursuing activities that light you up leads to meaningful connections with others.
Action Items:
- Reflect on activities that spark joy or interest and incorporate them into your routine (00:17:32)
- Utilize narrative therapy techniques to change your perspective on past experiences (00:18:30)
- Create a weekly list of activities that bring you happiness and prioritize them in your life (00:36:06)
Notable Quotes:
- "You create your purpose, don't just find it." (00:16:37)
- "Little p purpose can create big impacts." (00:36:26)
- "To have a good death, live a good life." (00:35:17)
- "Choose to be in a good mood; it shapes your life." (00:06:00)
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The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy by Jordan Grumet