Big P versus little p purpose

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What if the search for your “one true purpose” is actually making you miserable and the real path to a regret-free life is simpler than you think?

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Bradley Block reconnects with returning guest Dr. Jordan Grumet to explore the ideas in his new book, The Purpose Code. Building on his first book Taking Stock, Jordan tackles the question he’s asked most: “How do I actually find purpose?” He breaks down why we get purpose wrong, introduces Big P vs. little p purpose, and shares why focusing on process over outcome creates abundance, community, and lasting happiness. From hospice stories to personal examples like podcasting and baseball cards, Jordan shows physicians how to build purpose around what truly fills them up, without needing to quit medicine or chase scarcity-driven goals.

If you’ve ever felt purpose anxiety or wondered whether being a doctor is “enough,” this episode offers a practical, liberating framework to live intentionally and regret-free.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Distinguish Big P from little p purpose: Stop chasing scarce, audacious goals (e.g., curing cancer, becoming a billionaire) that breed anxiety and failure. Instead, identify activities where you love the process itself regardless of outcome or pay. Ask: “Would I do this even if no one paid me or noticed?” These abundant little p purposes bring joy, flow, and surprisingly greater impact.
• Build purpose now, not after financial milestones: Don’t wait for financial independence to pursue what lights you up. Use the 5–6 hours of daily free time most people have to fill time slots with purposeful activities. At work, maximize what you enjoy (addition), minimize what you loathe (subtraction), or switch roles or employers to increase joy without blowing up your finances.
• Pair purpose with meaning for true happiness: Purpose (present/future actions that fill you up) needs meaning, a heroic narrative of your past, to thrive. Reframe past struggles as a hero’s journey “I am enough” to quiet victim stories that sabotage new purposeful pursuits. Strong relationships and community naturally flow from living your little p purpose, which research shows is the biggest predictor of health and longevity.

About the Show:
Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Jordan Grumet, known as Doc G, is an associate medical director at Unity Hospice, a Plutus award-winning podcaster for Earn & Invest, and a prominent voice in the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) community. With a background in internal medicine and a shift to hospice care, he authored Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor’s Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life, which reshaped how people align money with values. His second book, The Purpose Code (releasing January 7, 2025), explores creating purpose through process rather than goals, drawing from his hospice insights and personal journey to inspire a fulfilling life.

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jordan-grumet-38a506179 
Website: https://jordangrumet.com/ 
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ng/podcast/earn-invest/id1440355498

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

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This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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