"I believe there are two versions of purpose. Big P Purpose is audacious and goal-oriented. It has an all-or-nothing focus and often leaves us chasing huge, distant outcomes. The end result, more often than not, is anxiety. Little p purpose, on the other hand, is about process rather than goals. It's abundance-oriented. You find things that light you up and simply do them. Failure becomes almost impossible, because the reward is in the doing."
"Growing up, my father's death in my early childhood became the driving force behind my decision to follow in his footsteps and become a doctor. I believed medicine would both resolve the trauma of losing him and give me the power to save others. And in many ways, that Big P Purpose served me well. It fueled the grueling path through medical school and training."
Two distinct kinds of purpose exist: an audacious, goal-driven Big P Purpose and a process-oriented, abundance-focused little p purpose. Big P Purpose can deliver intense drive toward distant outcomes but often produces anxiety, mismatch with reality, and burnout when goals remain unmet. Little p purpose emphasizes activities that bring intrinsic enjoyment and consistent engagement, making failure unlikely because the reward is in the doing. Little p purpose links to improved health, happiness, community building, and enduring impact through small, intentional pursuits rather than fame or grand outcomes.
Read at Psychology Today
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