**Investigating Purpose and Overcoming Purpose Anxiety: Perspectives from Jordan Grumet and “The Purpose Code”**

In an era characterized by rapid change, the quest for a meaningful purpose has emerged as a common goal, yet for many individuals, it remains out of reach. Enter Jordan Grumet, a physician specializing in internal medicine and hospice care, as well as the host of the *Earn & Invest Podcast*. With his recent publication, *The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy,* Grumet presents a practical approach for grasping and nurturing a life filled with purpose. By challenging prevalent myths, he equips readers with tools to discover and follow their purpose while also sharing tactics to alleviate purpose anxiety—an issue that affects a significant number of people.

This article examines the enlightening concepts introduced by Grumet, including the difference between “big P Purpose” and “little p purpose,” the significance of purpose anchors, and implementable steps to weave purpose into daily life, especially for those facing burnout.

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### **The Significance of Purpose: A Necessity for Health and Happiness**

Extensive research indicates that possessing a sense of purpose correlates with improved health, heightened happiness, and increased longevity. However, Grumet points out a fascinating contradiction: as many as 91% of people endure “purpose anxiety,” characterized by frustration and sadness linked to the perception that their purpose is either unattainable or vague. In light of this, *The Purpose Code* reinterprets purpose, proposing it involves the satisfaction derived from everyday actions rather than solely lofty aspirations.

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### **Dispelling Myths: Big P Purpose vs. Little p Purpose**

Grumet takes on the widely accepted belief that purpose needs to be monumental, world-altering, and uniform. He argues that this outlook can result in burnout, dissatisfaction, and even stagnation. To counter this, he introduces two distinct types of purpose:

1. **Big P Purpose**:
– Goal-centric and typically presented as a singular, life-defining mission.
– Examples include: becoming president, launching a billion-dollar enterprise, or finding a cure for a major illness.
– Drawbacks: Big P Purpose often appears out of reach as it hinges on exceptional circumstances like luck, timing, or external affirmation. Grumet cautions against its “all-or-nothing” aspect, which may lead to feelings of inadequacy if the desired outcome isn’t realized.

2. **Little p Purpose**:
– Process-driven and centered on daily joy and fulfillment in small increments.
– Examples include: indulging in a hobby, having meaningful discussions, or pursuing manageable aspirations like improving public speaking or learning a new skill.
– Benefits: Little p Purpose is plentiful, attainable, and within our influence, making it a reliable source of joy.

Grumet compares the chase of big P Purpose to pursuing an elusive finish line, whereas little p purpose provides continuous satisfaction by focusing on the journey rather than the end result.

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### **Concrete Strategies for Cultivating Purpose: Engaging with Purpose Anchors**

Acknowledging that purpose is something we *create* instead of *discover*, Grumet presents the idea of “purpose anchors”—the actions, passions, and values that resonate deeply with us. He offers several strategies for recognizing these anchors:

1. **The Life Review and Regret Inquiry**:
– Envision that you only have a week to live. What unaccomplished goals or dreams would leave you with the most regret?
– These regrets often reflect underlying passions or overlooked possibilities, which canact as purpose anchors. Grumet highlights that since you are not in immediate danger, you have the power to address these regrets and channel them into meaningful pursuits.

2. **Revisiting Childhood Joys**:
– Consider the activities, interests, and hobbies that brought you joy as a child, before the pressures of career and society intervened. What trophies decorated your room? What passions occupied your free time?
– Use these memories to rekindle a sense of playfulness, curiosity, or creativity in your adult life.

3. **The Art of Subtraction**:
– Analyze your current obligations and responsibilities. Which tasks sap your energy, and which roles bring you joy? Eliminate the aspects you dislike and focus on those that inspire you.
– Grumet utilized this strategy in his own career by moving away from conventional medical practice and devoting himself to hospice work, which he found profoundly fulfilling.

4. **The Spaghetti Method**:
– Embrace new experiences, even those that challenge your comfort zone. Take note of your feelings after exploring various activities, and lean into the ones that invigorate or excite you.

These techniques render purpose tangible and actionable, enabling anyone—regardless of their current mindset—to gain clarity.

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### **Purpose as a Solution for Physician Burnout**

Burnout is a rising concern among professionals, particularly in the medical field. Grumet himself faced burnout as a physician before fully transitioning into roles that aligned with его true sense of purpose.