Discover how physicians are finding purpose beyond medicine by reconnecting with joy, community, and fun. A fresh take on burnout and fulfillment.
Finding Purpose Beyond Medicine: What Really Matters?
What are the requirements for an extraordinary life?
Is it abundant financial resources? A close group of friends? A strong spiritual practice?
All of these can be important to building the highest version of your life. There’s solid research demonstrating the effects of money, tight community, and spiritual practice on our well-being.
But I’d like to argue that one of the most important areas you can work on is cultivating a strong sense of purpose and deep meaning in your life. And here’s the thing — this isn’t as abstract or woo-woo as it might sound.
Big P vs. Little P Purpose: A More Practical Path
Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jordan Grumet for a podcast on Physician’s Guide to Doctoring. Jordan has written several books, most recently The Purpose Code. He also hosts an excellent financial podcast, Earn and Invest.
What I enjoyed most about The Purpose Code was Jordan’s extended discussion on creating purpose. He distinguishes between Big P and Little P purposes. Big P could be things like curing cancer or selling a business for a billion dollars. Big P purposes focus on achieving big outcomes, which — spoiler alert — are often beyond our control.
The Power of the Process: Embracing the Ride
Little P Purpose, on the other hand, is all about the ride. It’s about the process. Yes, you can enjoy the outcome, but you also recognize you may not achieve your desired result. And regardless, that victory state only lasts for a very limited time.
I enjoyed the book so much that I did some coaching with Jordan. What a fun and enlightening experience! I recognized there are many things I could start creating Little P purpose around: pursuing my Fellowship in Wilderness Medicine, learning woodworking, or improving my (admittedly terrible) fly fishing skills.
What I found most powerful was slowing down and listening. Did I enjoy my time doing this thing? Was I building community? Did this activity light me up?
Be honest: When was the last time you asked yourself if you had fun doing an activity? Or do you think having fun is a terrible guide for your life?
Fun Isn’t Frivolous — It’s Foundational
Here’s what I’ve learned — we can have fun and fail, or be miserable and still fail! So why not choose to have fun along the way?
Back in medical school, one of my outlets was skiing. Most years, I skied fifty days or more. During my 4th year, I skied over 100 days while serving on the admissions committee and matching to my first-choice anesthesiology residency.
What I’ve since come to realize is this: play wasn’t a reward for working hard — it was my precondition for doing great work. I’ve lost sight of this vital distinction over the last few years, and I bet many of you have too.
So I’m giving this Little P purpose a try. Reflecting on new experiences, building community, and using fun and enjoyment as a guide.
Creating Your Own Little P Purpose
I encourage you to read Dr. Grumet’s book and consider where you could create your own Little P purpose. For most physicians I know, they work so hard they’ve forgotten the parts of their lives that bring joy and where they find meaning.
Building purpose now is one of the most important ways to spend your time. Creating purpose and community is one of the most effective ways to combat burnout and live a fulfilled life.
What would your Little P purpose look like? What lights you up that you’ve been putting off because it seems “frivolous” or “not productive enough”?
Maybe it’s time to find out.
