The Dan Buettner Podcast

Finding Midlife Purpose with Chip Conley

Oct 30, 2025
Join bestselling author Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy, as he challenges the notion of a 'midlife crisis.' He shares how purpose plays a crucial role in longevity and emphasizes practicing purposeful actions. Chip offers shortcuts to uncovering meaning, from rekindling childhood passions to building social connections. He discusses navigating life's messy transitions, the wisdom gained from vulnerability, and the importance of treating our bodies well. Through it all, Chip redefines midlife as an opportunity for transformation and growth.
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INSIGHT

Purpose Is A Verb Not A Trophy

  • We confuse purpose as a possession instead of a practiced action that shows up in things we do.
  • Chip argues purpose is found by doing purposeful actions, not by owning a label or title.
ADVICE

Use Four Shortcuts To Find Purpose

  • Do look for activities that excite you, agitate you, make you curious, or reconnect to neglected parts of your past.
  • Use these four shortcuts as practical pathways to discover or rekindle your purpose.
ANECDOTE

Litigator Reclaims Childhood Dream

  • A 60-year litigator at MEA discovered childhood dreams of baking and shifted toward becoming a pastry chef.
  • The week-long retreat helped her move from court stress to hosting friends and baking desserts as her new purpose.
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