By Dr. Alise Cortez
Workforce Advisor | Equipping Organizations to Create Cultures of Gusto – Infusing Workplaces with Passion, Purpose, and the Energy for High Performance
This Week’s Episode
Guest: Jordan Grumet, MD
Book: The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy
Up to 91% of people struggle with finding purpose in their lives. For many, the search brings anxiety, doubt, and even depression. This is what Jordan Grumet calls the dark side of purpose.
But there is hope. As we discuss in this week’s episode of Working on Purpose, the path forward lies in adopting a way of life that creates happiness and legacy—not by chasing an elusive “Big P” Purpose, but by embracing meaningful, everyday steps toward what Dr. Grumet calls “little p” purpose.
And when we live from this place, we unlock the real “secret sauce” of happiness: finding our tribe through connection and community.
A Powerful Reminder from Dr. Grumet
“I wish for you to have a life of ‘little p’ purpose. I wish for you to use that purpose to build communities of people you love and who love you. I hope that you become your teachers and students, mentors and friends. I wish for you to impact so many people that, like the pebble dropped in the ocean, your legacy will last decades and centuries after you have left this world.”
The Bright and Dark Sides of Purpose
Purpose has proven benefits.
A 2019 study in JAMA Network Open followed U.S. adults over 50 for five years and found that those with a strong sense of purpose lived longer and had a significantly lower risk of death from heart, circulatory, and blood disorders.
But purpose-seeking can backfire.
When people can’t identify their purpose, they often feel lost or inadequate. The result? Job hopping, imposter syndrome, cynicism, and constant comparison with others who seem to have it “all figured out.”
How Leaders Can Help Their Teams Avoid Purpose Anxiety
- Start with clarity. Communicate your organization’s purpose clearly, and connect each person’s work directly to it. When employees see how their contributions matter, they’re more engaged and fulfilled.
- Co-create purpose. Invite your team into what I call “a wild-alive scratching”—the process of uncovering and articulating your company’s true purpose together. This creates ownership and pride.
- Encourage “little p” purpose. Support your people in following small passions, setting attainable goals, and celebrating the process—not just the outcomes. This keeps motivation alive and makes work feel meaningful, even if the “Big P” remains out of reach.
- Watch for purpose anxiety. Be intentional about noticing and affirming unique contributions. When people feel seen, valued, and connected, they thrive.
Why “Little p” Matters More than “Big P”
- Little p Purpose = small, daily actions fueled by curiosity, passion, and contribution. It’s not glamorous—but it’s real, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling.
- Big P Purpose = lofty visions of world-changing impact. While inspiring, it can also set unrealistic expectations, leaving people feeling inadequate or like failures if they don’t reach it.
As leaders, when we help our teams anchor in “little p” and align it with the organization’s mission, we can dissolve purpose anxiety and foster a culture where people know they matter.
That’s the heartbeat of a culture of gusto—workplaces that radiate passion, belonging, and high performance.
🎙 Listen to the episode → HERE
📖 Read the full newsletter → HERE
