Masters in Business · Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Dr. Jordan Grummitt, a physician specializing in money, mortality, and purpose, argues that the common search for a singular 'why' as one's purpose is dangerous and anxiety-inducing. Instead, he defines purpose as the present and future actions that 'light us up,' distinguishing it from 'meaning,' which relates to one's past.
“First and foremost, most people think of purpose as their why. And I actually think this is very dangerous because when you think of your purpose as your why, it becomes this big, audacious thing, like a needle in a haystack, and there are high stakes in getting it right. I actually define purpose as something completely different. I think purpose are the things we do that light us up in the present and future.”
“They really confuse what I call purpose and meaning. A lot of people think they're the same thing, but meaning gets more to our why. It's more about our past. But purpose is really straightforward, and when you look at it as straightforward, it becomes just much easier. What can I do today that lights me up and is exciting?”