Purpose with a Small “p”: Redefining What It Means to Live with Purpose
As I sit here, surrounded by the breathtaking Swiss Alps, I notice something interesting. People going about their day - sweeping their doorsteps, chatting over coffee, adjusting their ski gear - all with an effortless sense of purpose.
It’s not grand. It’s not a world-changing mission statement. It’s small. Simple. Present.
And it got me thinking: Have we made "purpose" too big, too overwhelming, too impossible to find?
🔎 The Search for Purpose: Are We Looking in the Wrong Places?
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “I should know my purpose by now” spiral, you’re not alone.
The conversation around purpose often surfaces with my clients when they have achieved external success - the senior role, the big salary, the peer recognition - but it doesn’t feel how they thought it would.
"I’ve got everything I worked for. Why am I still dissatisfied?"
"I should feel fulfilled, but instead, I feel... lost?"
"What’s next? Is this it?"
We’re taught to see purpose as something lofty, extraordinary, groundbreaking. But what if purpose didn’t have to be big?
💡 Purpose with a Small "p"
At the beginning of March, I went to see Dr Rangan Chatterjee speak, and his definition of purpose really resonated with me:
👉 A life of purpose is a life lived in alignment with your values.
Not a single, fixed mission. Not a pressure-filled expectation to change the world. Just daily alignment with what truly matters to you.
I call this purpose with a small "p."
It’s not about having one grand vision for your life; it’s about being intentional with how you spend your time, energy, and attention.
Because time is our most precious resource.
So instead of asking, “What’s my purpose?” maybe we should ask:
What brings me joy?
What drains my energy?
Where do I feel most fulfilled?
What are my values, and am I living in alignment with them?
🛠 How to Explore Your Own Purpose
If you feel like you're drifting or disconnected from meaning, try these:
1️⃣ Define Your Values (And Track How You Live Them)
Your values are your litmus test for a purposeful life. But knowing them isn’t enough—you need to audit your week.
Write down 3-5 core values.
At the end of each day, check in: Did I live my values today?
Notice the patterns—where do your values show up, and where do they feel absent?
The more your values show up in your life, the more purposeful it will feel.
2️⃣ Try the IKIGAI Approach
IKIGAI is a Japanese concept that helps you find fulfillment by balancing four key areas:
What you love 💛
What you’re good at 💡
What you can be paid for 💰
What the world needs 🌍
Instead of searching for one big purpose, IKIGAI helps you connect the dots between your skills, passions, and opportunities.
3️⃣ Shift from External to Internal Locus of Control
One of the biggest roadblocks to purpose is the belief that we don’t have control over our lives.
To create meaningful change, you have to believe you have some power over your circumstances.
💡The truth? You always have a choice.
Even when choices feel limited, you can always choose how you interpret events. All events are neutral—it’s how we respond that makes them positive or negative.
If you feel stuck, ask yourself:
What CAN I control in this situation?
If I can't change the event, can I change my perspective?
📌 Feeling Unfulfilled? Pay Attention.
Lack of fulfilment isn’t failure. Lack of purpose isn’t failure.
It’s information.
It’s your body, your emotions, your inner knowing telling you something is misaligned.
Instead of seeing dissatisfaction as a problem to fix, try seeing it as a compass pointing you toward what matters.
🛠 Actionable Practice: Purpose Audit
This week, ask yourself:
What moments bring me the most joy?
What drains my energy?
Where do I feel most like myself?
How often am I living in alignment with my values?
Notice what comes up. Your purpose doesn’t need to be found - it’s already there.
🔗 Let’s Talk
I work with leaders who are navigating these very questions: what’s next? Where am I headed? How do I create more meaning in my life and leadership?
If you’re interested in:
🌍 Exploring your purpose and values
💡 Integrating fulfilment into your leadership
Let’s connect. Drop me a message or visit dagmaraaldridge.com.
What does purpose mean to you? Have you ever redefined your sense of purpose? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️✨
Live in alignment. Choose what matters. Let purpose unfold.
Love,
Dag
P.S. Purpose doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be yours. If you’re ready to explore this, let’s talk. 🚀✨
