The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

426: How to Find Purpose and Not Regret Your Life with Jordan Grumet

Jan 10, 2025

Dr. Jordan Grumet, a hospice director and author, discusses finding meaning through 'little p purpose' in life. He shares insights from his book, encouraging listeners to transform regrets into motivations and focus on daily actions that bring joy. Grumet reflects on his personal journey shaped by loss and emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions over societal pressures. He also sheds light on lessons learned from hospice care, highlighting the value of living intentionally. This conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone seeking fulfillment and joy.

52:33

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Episode guests

Jordan Grumet

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Jordan Grumet emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal joys over societal expectations to avoid regrets later in life.

Finding purpose involves actively creating meaning through personal passions rather than seeking a grand, fixed goal dictated by society.

Reflective practices and conversations with terminally ill patients can guide individuals toward uncovering their true passions and aspirations.

Deep dives

Regrets of the Dying

Most people on their deathbeds do not express regrets related to financial success or career accomplishments. Instead, they often wish they had pursued experiences and passions that truly mattered to them. Many express a longing for the time and courage to engage in activities they found deeply fulfilling, indicating that a focus on money and professional obligations often leads to disappointment. This highlights the importance of prioritizing what brings joy and meaning to life rather than societal expectations.

Intro

3min

From Grief to Purpose

12min

Reflections on Life and Purpose

11min

Understanding Overthinking and Its Connection to OCD

3min

Unraveling Societal Programming

3min

Cultivating Purpose and Legacy

18min

Cultivating Purpose: Building a Legacy Through Connection

3min

In this inspiring episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jordan Grumet, a hospice director, author, and podcast host, to explore how we can transform our lives by embracing the concept of “little p purpose.” Dr. Grumet shares insights from his latest book, The Purpose Code, which offers actionable strategies to uncover and build a meaningful life, regardless of your circumstances.

Our conversation dives deep into the difference between “big P Purpose” (society’s lofty, often unattainable ideals) and “little p purpose” (daily actions that bring joy and meaning). Dr. Grumet shares his personal journey—from losing his father at a young age to becoming a physician driven by unresolved trauma, to ultimately finding fulfillment by pursuing his passions for writing, speaking, and connecting with others.

Key takeaways from our discussion include practical ways to recognize your purpose anchors, how to turn regrets into motivations, and why pursuing joy in small, intentional ways can lead to profound impact and lasting legacy. We also explore how Dr. Grumet’s work in hospice has shaped his understanding of what truly matters in life, highlighting lessons from those at the end of their journeys.

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone feeling stuck, searching for meaning, or simply looking to live with more intentionality and joy.

Sponsor This episode is brought to you by NOCD, a leading provider of virtual therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If you're caught in an endless loop of “what-ifs” or struggling with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, NOCD offers specialized, evidence-based therapy designed just for OCD—Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). They accept many major insurance plans, making it accessible and affordable, with support available between therapy sessions.

To learn more about OCD and how NOCD Therapy can help, visit http://learn.nocd.com/hardcore. Plus, check out my interview with Dr. Patrick McGrath, NOCD’s Chief Clinical Officer, on episode 406 of this podcast to learn more about OCD and their approach.

Chapters:

00:15 — Introduction: Meet Dr. Jordan Grumet
02:00 — Finding Purpose After Loss: Dr. Grumet’s Early Life
06:15 — Purpose Anchors: Joyful Work vs. Goal-Oriented Burnout
10:45 — Lessons from the Hospice Life Review
16:30 — Regrets of the Dying: Turning Regret into Action
20:00 — Building Purpose When You Feel Stuck
24:15 — Tools and Levers: Joy of Addition and Art of Subtraction
30:00 — The Difference Between Meaning and Purpose
37:00 — How Small Joys Create Big Impact and Legacy
44:15 — Practical Steps to Start Building a Purposeful Life
50:30 — Final Takeaways: Finding Your Purpose Anchors

About the Podcast I’m Dr. Robert Duff, a clinical psychologist and the host of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. My mission is to break down complex mental health topics into relatable, actionable advice. Each episode dives deep into mental health, personal development, and strategies for living authentically and fulfilling your potential.

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