The Science of Purpose (and why it improves your health)

Ever feel like, "is this all there is?" Or, "I got where I am and now what?" Or, "How long will I be slogging through my days, just to get to the weekend?" And if you have small kids or aging parents to take care of, the weekend isn't a break either. Embedded in all of that thinking is a fundamental challenge to ourselves to figure out what makes us happy and fulfilled and then to figure out how to do more of that.

Over a decade ago, I made a move that didn't seem obvious. I left a high-paying senior executive role in financial services to become a coach and advisor to entrepreneurs, high-potential executives, and not-for-profit leaders. The decision was not optimizing on the same version of success that had always defined my path. For the first time maybe ever, I was thinking differently about success.

The bank account took a hit at first. Like all new ventures, it takes time and a new way of thinking to achieve a new version of success. But my health, energy, and emotional well-being were transformed. It turns out that there is science behind what I experienced.

Recently, I was listening to an episode of the podcast Hidden Brain, titled "You 2.0: What Is Your Life For?" Listening to interesting podcasts is one of my favorite form of multitasking on long walks. This episode hit a particular nerve. It validated a feeling I have had ever since I made that career change.

Living with purpose is not just good for your happiness, it’s good for your health.

We’re talking measurable health metrics. Lower rates of heart disease. Better immune function. Longer lives. Not bad for something that doesn’t require a prescription or more cardio, but it does require work.

First things first. Let's define purpose. Purpose isn’t your job title. It’s not a LinkedIn headline or even your carefully crafted mission statement.

Purpose is deeper. It’s the “why” behind the choices you make when no one’s watching. It’s what you want to be remembered for, not what you want to be paid for.

Simon Sinek said, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” And while he was talking about business, that same truth applies to how we live.

Think about this: Are you spending your time in a way that reflects your values, or just your calendar?

If you’ve ever hit that “is this all there is?” wall, maybe after a promotion, a big life event, or even a global pandemic, you probably know the feeling. Time suddenly seems more precious. You start craving alignment, not just achievement.

So where do you begin?

Here’s a path to thinking about your purpose, whether you’re thinking about a big shift or just want to show up more intentionally where you already are:

🧭 5 Ideas To Think About Your Purpose

✅ Define your values. What really matters to you? Beyond the title, the paycheck, or the cleaning your inbox? Write it down. You might be surprised. If you aren't sure how to think about your values, I'll share a values exercise in my next newsletter.

✅ Notice your energy. Journal for a week. What gets you up in the morning and lights you up? What drains you? Purpose lives in those patterns.

✅ Draft a purpose statement. Again, putting pen to paper (literally or metaphorically) write just one or one two sentences.. Try: “I want to be someone who…” and see what emerges.

✅ Audit your time. Where are you spending your energy? Are those hours aligned with what matters to you?

✅ Adjust as needed. Purpose isn’t static. It evolves as we do. Check in with yourself regularly.

Purpose doesn't always mean a career pivot. Maybe you love your job but want to volunteer with a cause that matters to you. Perhaps you'll mentor young professionals, start a side project, or simply approach your current role with renewed intention. The key is aligning some portion of your time and energy with what truly matters to you.

Career changes get the headlines, but purposeful living happens in countless ways. Sometimes the best investment is simply in being more intentional about how you spend your days.

You don’t have to change everything in your life to live with purpose. But you do have to pay attention.

The question I ask my clients and myself is simple but powerful:

How do you want to be known?

What do you want people to say about the impact you made?

You may not be able to measure purpose in dollars. But science says you can measure it in wellbeing.

What's your purpose and how will it help to define your next chapter?

#Purpose #Leadership #LifeDesign #Wellbeing #IntentionalLiving #CareerGrowth