Why One Purpose Isn’t Enough: Embracing the Many Roles We Play

A few weeks ago, one of my clients shared that they felt like they didn’t have a “purpose.” As we dove deeper into the conversation, it became clear that they were juggling a lot—caring for an elderly parent, participating in community events, excelling as an executive at a rapidly growing company, and being a dedicated partner and pet parent.

My response? “Is it possible to be over-indexed on purpose?”

In today’s world, the self-help industry often tells us we need an epic Purpose—with a capital P—to change the world or make headlines. But perhaps the idea that we must find one grand, all-encompassing purpose is a bit misleading. Maybe, just maybe, we don’t need just one grand purpose.

If we look closely, many of us already have multiple purposes woven into our daily lives. They may be small and anything but glorious, but they are still purpose. From taking care of a loved one to excelling in your career or simply being there for a friend, these everyday acts are full of meaning and purpose.

It reminds me of something my grandmother used to say: “Finish what’s on your plate before you go back for more.” Her wisdom suggests that we should appreciate and recognize the value in what we’re already doing before we seek out new responsibilities or grander missions.

So, instead of searching for that one epic purpose, let’s take a moment to celebrate the many purposes we already have. Each task, role, and responsibility we undertake carries its own weight and significance, contributing to the tapestry of our lives.