Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor and the host of the Earn & Invest podcast, delves into the pursuit of meaning and happiness in life. He discusses the importance of crafting personal narratives that enrich our happiness and the difference between 'big P' and 'little p' purposes. Grumet explores how financial stability impacts well-being and reveals that true joy often stems from our connections with others. He also shares insights from his new book 'The Purpose Code,' guiding listeners to focus on smaller, fulfilling activities that can lead to lasting legacies.
The concept of purpose can lead to anxiety, particularly when individuals feel pressured by societal expectations about finding a singular life goal.
Distinguishing between purpose as action-oriented and meaning as a cognitive understanding of past narratives is crucial for personal fulfillment.
Narratives about personal experiences heavily influence current feelings of fulfillment, highlighting the importance of reframing one's life story for greater happiness.
Deep dives
The Genesis of Purpose Code
The development of the concept of purpose began unexpectedly for the author after encountering feedback from audiences during promotional events. Despite encouraging attendees to find their purpose, many expressed frustration and anger regarding their inability to do so, highlighting a societal paradox. This dissatisfaction sparked a deeper inquiry into the nature of purpose, revealing that while it is crucial for fulfillment, it can also breed significant anxiety. The author ultimately sought to address this contradiction through exploring existing literature and data, which forms the crux of the book 'The Purpose Code'.
Defining Purpose and Meaning
The author distinguishes between purpose and meaning, emphasizing that purpose is action-oriented and relevant to present and future endeavors. In contrast, meaning is more cognitive, rooted in our past experiences and narratives. This distinction is vital, as developing a sense of meaning—often through understanding personal stories—serves as a foundational step towards a meaningful life. It becomes clear that happy individuals tend to view their life stories through a heroic lens, while those who perceive themselves as victims struggle to find purpose.
The Impact of Personal Narratives
The narratives individuals tell themselves about their past experiences play a significant role in shaping their current feelings of fulfillment and purpose. The author illustrates this through the contrasting stories of twin siblings, where one finds empowerment in her life story, while the other succumbs to a victim narrative. This divergence profoundly affects their perspectives and overall happiness, demonstrating the power of re-framing past experiences. By recognizing and altering personal narratives, individuals can pivot towards greater satisfaction in their lives.
Purpose Anxiety and Its Causes
Purpose anxiety arises when individuals feel an overwhelming pressure to find a singular, significant purpose in life, often compounded by societal expectations. In today’s world, social media and influencers promote a narrow definition of purpose, leading to feelings of inadequacy among those who struggle to achieve these ideals. This anxiety can hinder personal growth and fulfillment by creating a pervasive fear of not measuring up. Understanding that purpose is not confined to grand achievements, but can exist in numerous small, meaningful actions is crucial to alleviating this anxiety.
Finding Little-Purpose in Daily Life
The pursuit of 'little p purpose' emphasizes engaging in enjoyable, meaningful activities that enrich lives without the associated pressures of achieving grand ambitions. Suggested methods for discovering purpose include conducting a life review focused on regrets, using the art of subtraction to identify activities worth pursuing, and reflecting on childhood passions that can reignite joy. The 'spaghetti method' involves trying new things and observing what resonates positively. Such strategies empower individuals to cultivate purpose in simpler actions that foster community and fulfillment without the need for societal validation.
Hi, and welcome to The Long View. I’m Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar. On the podcast today, we welcome back Jordan Grumet. Jordan’s latest book is called The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy. His previous book was called Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor’s Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life. Jordan is a hospice doctor, and he hosts the popular Earn & Invest podcast. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from Northwestern University. Jordan, welcome back to The Long View.
