Purpose: You Are Thinking Of It Wrong w/Jordan Grumet
Jan 6, 2025
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Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor and host of the Earn & Invest Podcast, shares unique insights on purpose. He explores why society, despite overwhelming discussions on purpose, is sinking into apathy and depression. Grumet suggests that real fulfillment comes from engaging in day-to-day activities that ignite joy, rather than chasing grand goals. He addresses the generational pressures to define purpose and offers a refreshing perspective on finding meaning through smaller, more manageable pursuits. Get ready to rethink how you connect with your own purpose!
Finding joy in everyday activities, rather than pursuing grand purposes, can significantly enhance one’s sense of fulfillment and happiness.
Societal pressures often distort perceptions of purpose, leading individuals to feel lost; instead, self-discovery is key to redefining personal significance.
Modeling a fulfilled life through personal passions can inspire others, especially younger generations, to explore their own interests without fear.
Deep dives
Reassessing Purpose
The podcast emphasizes that purpose is often misunderstood and many people feel overwhelming pressure to identify a grand, life-altering purpose. This has led to increased feelings of apathy and dissatisfaction, even in a culture that frequently discusses the concept of purpose. The speakers argue that instead of seeking a 'big P purpose' that aims for monumental achievements, individuals should focus on finding joy in everyday activities that truly excite them. This shift towards appreciating 'little p purpose' enables people to engage more meaningfully with their lives.
The Connection Between Purpose and Happiness
Listeners are encouraged to recognize that happiness is tied to one's sense of purpose, emphasizing that a meaningful life is often built on small, fulfilling actions rather than ambitious goals. The host and guest highlight that many people feel compelled to pursue a certain version of success – often driven by societal expectations or media portrayals – which leads to dissatisfaction when they fail to achieve it. By redirecting focus towards smaller, everyday victories, individuals can cultivate genuine happiness and fulfillment. These micro-journeys can create a positive feedback loop that nurtures overall well-being.
Overcoming Societal Expectations
The discussion addresses how societal pressures can create unrealistic and anxiety-inducing notions of what purpose should look like. Many individuals feel lost under the weight of these expectations, which are often magnified by social media influencers and marketing aimed at defining success. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-discovery and understanding that it is valid to pursue interests that may seem minor compared to grand societal narratives. By exploring personal interests and experiences, people can redefine what purpose means for them on their own terms.
The Importance of Modeling Purpose
The importance of modeling a fulfilled life is underscored, particularly for those who have children or younger individuals observing their lives. The speakers advocate for pursuing personal passions in order to inspire those around them, fostering a culture of exploration and fulfillment. When parents and role models demonstrate joy in their pursuits, it empowers the next generation to seek out their own passions without fear or doubt. This intergenerational growth can create a ripple effect, encouraging family and friends to step outside their comfort zones and embrace activities that light them up.
Practical Steps to Discovering Purpose
Listeners are provided with practical strategies for uncovering their 'little p purpose' including reflecting on past regrets, identifying childhood interests, and subtracting activities that drain their energy. The podcast outlines approaches like conducting a 'life review' to help clarify what truly matters to an individual. By openly addressing both regrets and joys from their past, along with gradually introducing joy-inducing activities, individuals can construct a more fulfilling daily experience. These actionable insights encourage proactive engagement with one's own life, enabling a gradual shift towards greater satisfaction and purpose.
Purpose is one of the most overused topics in the self-improvement world. Everyone is talking about it. But as we look at the culture, we see more apathy and depression then ever. It’s similar to all the talk on being healthy and happy and we are just getting sicker and sadder. Why? With purpose, why are we constantly talking about it but not finding and experiencing it? I have with me, Jordan Grumet, and you are about to hear a very different look at what purpose is and how we can start experiencing much more of our purpose. Jordan is a medical doctor turned hospice doc. He is host of the Earn & Invest Podcast. He’s author of Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor’s Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life, the book that landed him here on my show the first time. Now he is back with a new book titled, The Purpose Code: How To Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, And Leave A Lasting Legacy. And we breakdown and dissect purpose. What it is, why we are missing it as a culture, and I’ll give you what to me is the big takeaway, right here in the intro: you will find much more of your purpose in the day to day activities that light you up, than pursuing the big, grand purpose of saving the world. It’s a very different approach to purpose that I found to be much more relevant, realistic, and attainable.
