Masters in Business · Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Dr. Grummitt describes a paradox where studies show purpose increases happiness and longevity, yet many people experience 'purpose anxiety' from the pressure to find it. He posits this arises from confusing 'big P purpose' (audacious goals) with 'little p purpose' (present actions).
“There's so many studies out there that say that having a sense of purpose increases our our happiness, our health, and our longevity. There are tons and tons of papers. But then I saw other research, especially by this lady named Larissa Rainey, who found that up to ninety one percent of people, at some point in their life feel purpose anxiety. This idea that finding their purpose causes them to be depressed and anxious and feel like they can't actually connect to what the role in the world is.”
“What I call big P purpose and little P purpose. The big P purpose is that kind of big, audacious why like how am I going to make a legacy and define myself? And I think that makes people anxious. What I define purpose is little P purpose is more of those process oriented things you do that light you.”