Stop Playing It Safe: The Power of Purpose-Driven Work

You would think that in Western countries, with so much talk about individualism and pursuing your dreams, we’d take full advantage of the freedoms and choices at our disposal. Yet, we often don’t. Why? Because practicality and the desire to play it safe hold us back. In trying to be pragmatic, we miss a critical ingredient for mastery and excellence—a clear sense of purpose.

Deloitte's Center for the Edge Study (2017) found that only 13% of U.S. workers are passionate about their jobs, indicating that the vast majority may not be pursuing roles aligned with their deeper interests.

That’s why my next free webinar for subscribers focuses on trusting your deeper instincts and learning how to ride the wave of purpose in life. Join me on Saturday, Nov 23rd, at 12 PM CST to uncover how purpose can transform your work, decisions, and impact.

Claim your spot here.

I learned the power of purpose early in life when I decided to stop playing it safe and take a risk on something that truly mattered to me. After a year of mind-numbing work as an entry-level employee in international trade, I knew this wasn’t my path. I spent a week in the Andes mountains to clear my head and figure out what I really wanted.

It became clear—I had to take a chance on music, even though my chances of success were minuscule. Within a year, I had several recording contracts on the table, and the rest is history.

That decision set the tone for my entire career. Or, rather, five distinct careers. Every move I’ve made since then has been fueled by that same sense of purpose. Not all were massive wins, but each one taught me something valuable and prepared me for the next chapter. It’s not about getting it right every time—it’s about staying aligned with what truly drives you and trusting the process.

If you find yourself in a place where your purpose is no longer clear in this season of your life - here are some lessons I’ve learned about living with purpose ( and you should join our webinar):

• Look Back to Move Forward: Your purpose often hides in what fascinated you as a child. Revisit those early sparks—they’re clues to your natural inclinations.

• Find Your Unique Calling: Purpose isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about discovering what you’re uniquely wired to do.

• Stay True to Yourself: Don’t let others’ expectations dictate your path. Purpose requires alignment with who you are.

• Follow What Draws You In: Pay attention to work that energizes you. These signals guide you to what matters.

• Start Where You Are: Purpose is revealed step by step. Take action and trust the process.

• Learn Deeply, Commit Fully: Dive into what excites you. Growth and skill-building will clarify your purpose.

• Be Patient: Purpose is a journey, not an epiphany. Each step builds toward something greater.

• Own Your Story: Your unique experiences shape your contribution. Lean into them.

• Stay Open to Change: Purpose evolves as you grow. Let fulfillment guide you.

• See Obstacles as Refiners: Challenges aren’t setbacks—they refine and clarify what truly matters.

Contrary to the somewhat glorified and fairy-tailed version of following your passion - deep purpose isn’t something you find; it’s something you uncover through action, growth, and persistence.

Contrary to the rational and pragmatic way of playing it safe - it is the least safe you can do because it’s in the safe life where mediocrity flourishes and creativity withers.

If you’re moved by this post and want to get access to my Xponential Scorecard - a free self-assessment tool that delivers a personalized report to your inbox - click here and take a moment to evaluate if it’s time to recalibrate your purpose.

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In a recent interview with Lisa Peters of the LeaderImpact Podcast, I discussed the art of pivoting in great detail.

Books I’m reading: Mastery by Robert Greene - a very insightful book about the slow and life-changing way of developing true mastery.

Movies I liked: The Conclave - about the election of a new pope. It is a gorgeous production with extraordinary acting and a thought-provoking plot.