Summary of The Stacking Benjamins Show - Episode SB1628: "Finding Little P Purpose: A Conversation with Dr. Jordan Grumet"

Release Date: January 8, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode SB1628 of The Stacking Benjamins Show, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Doug Midler engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Jordan Grummet, commonly referred to as "Doc G." Recognized as the 2023 Best Personal Finance Podcast by Bankrate.com, the show seamlessly blends financial literacy with engaging, light-hearted conversation. This episode centers on the nuanced exploration of purpose—distinguishing between big P and little p purpose—and its impact on personal fulfillment and financial well-being.

Guest Introduction: Dr. Jordan Grummet

Dr. Jordan Grummet is a renowned hospice physician and the author of Taking Stock and Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy. His work delves into the intersection of purpose, life satisfaction, and financial planning. Grummet brings a wealth of experience from his medical background and personal research into helping individuals discover and cultivate a meaningful existence.

The Concept of Purpose: Big P vs. Little p

A central theme of the conversation is the differentiation between big P purpose and little p purpose.

• Big P Purpose: Refers to grand, overarching life missions—such as changing the world or achieving monumental societal impacts.

• Little p Purpose: Focuses on everyday activities and processes that bring joy and fulfillment without the pressure of grandiosity.

Grummet emphasizes, “Finding little p purpose is about doing things that light you up without being solely goal-oriented” ([03:46]). This distinction is pivotal in understanding how individuals can achieve personal happiness without the accompanying stress of unattainable big P goals.

Purpose Anxiety: Definition and Indicators

Grummet introduces the concept of purpose anxiety, a phenomenon where the pursuit of purpose leads to feelings of distress and frustration. He cites that up to 91% of individuals experience some form of purpose anxiety, characterized by:

• Job and Career Hopping: Continuously changing jobs in search of fulfillment.
• Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like a fraud despite evident successes.

Joel shares a notable statistic: “Statistically, this last week is the day when people give up on their New Year's resolutions” ([04:52]), highlighting the universal struggle with sustaining purpose-driven goals.

Distinguishing Meaning and Purpose

A critical part of the discussion is the differentiation between meaning and purpose:

• Meaning: Pertains to how individuals perceive their past and their sense of self-worth. It’s cognitive and thought-based, providing a sense of "enoughness."

• Purpose: Action-oriented, focusing on present and future endeavors. It involves active engagement in activities that provide fulfillment.

Grummet explains, “People who have a good sense of meaning feel like they are enough” ([18:48]), contrasting with those who chase purpose as a means to prove their self-worth, often leading to anxiety.

Personal Stories and Illustrative Examples

1. Joe’s Journey to Purpose: Joe recounts his transformative year in 2024, marked by a contemplative trip to Nepal and the loss of his mother-in-law and father. These experiences prompted a deep reflection on purpose, aligning his journey with Grummet’s insights on finding meaning through significant life events.

2. The Story of Roman and Baseball Cards: Grummet shares the inspiring story of Roman, an antique store owner who discovered baseball cards hidden in an armoire. Instead of discarding them, Roman embraced this unexpected find, transforming his business focus and creating a community space for local youth. Grummet reflects, “Roman was enthralled. Instead of being angry, he was excited about baseball cards” ([32:14]).

3. Julia Child’s Purpose: Grummet discusses Julia Child as a prime example of little p purpose. Initially working for the CIA and facing career shifts, Child discovered her passion for French cuisine in France. Her pursuit of what she loved led to a cherished legacy without the initial intent of global impact.

4. Comparing with Mickey Mantle: Contrasting Roman’s purposeful engagement with big P goals, Grummet highlights that attempting to emulate a grandiose figure like Mickey Mantle without genuine passion would likely result in persistent purpose anxiety.

The Purpose Code and Finding Purpose

Grummet elaborates on his book, Purpose Code, which provides a structured approach to uncovering and nurturing one’s little p purpose. Key aspects include:

• Identifying What Lights You Up: Engaging in activities that naturally bring joy and fulfillment.
• Building Communities: Creating meaningful connections through shared interests and passions.
• Flexibility in Purpose: Allowing one's purpose to evolve over time, adapting to changing interests and life circumstances.

He asserts, “When you have a good sense of meaning and you feel enough, then you can walk forward into the present and future and purpose and feel really good about it” ([18:49]).

Permission to Change Purpose: Permanence vs. Flexibility

A significant takeaway from the episode is the permission to change one’s purpose. Grummet shares his personal transition from being a physician to focusing on podcasting, illustrating that purpose is not static but can evolve. He states, “Little p purpose is abundant and changeable. And you can have one or many versions of it” ([40:40]). This flexibility ensures sustained happiness and prevents the stagnation that often leads to purpose anxiety.

Final Takeaways and Lessons

1. Embrace Little p Purpose: Prioritize daily activities that bring joy and fulfillment over grandiose life missions to achieve sustained happiness.

2. Recognize Purpose Anxiety: Be aware of the signs—such as job hopping and imposter syndrome—and address them by balancing meaning and purpose.

3. Allow Purpose to Evolve: Grant yourself the flexibility to change your purpose as your interests and circumstances shift, ensuring continuous personal growth and satisfaction.

4. Build Meaning Through Communities: Engage with others who share your passions to create meaningful connections and collaborative opportunities.

Grummet reinforces, “If you find what lights you up, you are going to impact and change the world and help other people. You are going to shine brightly and like a moth to the flame, people are going to be attracted to you” ([43:53]).

Conclusion and Promotion of Dr. Grummet's Book

As the episode concludes, Joe and Doug express their gratitude to Dr. Grummet for sharing his invaluable insights. They encourage listeners to explore Grummet’s Purpose Code to further understand and implement the principles discussed. Grummet’s work serves as a guide for those seeking to cultivate a meaningful and purposeful life without the pressures of unattainable big P goals.

Additionally, listeners are reminded to check out the show’s resources, such as the Tax Control Triangle and Purpose Code Book Club, available on stackingbenjamins.com, to deepen their financial and personal growth journeys.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Purpose and Meaning: “When you have a good sense of meaning and you feel enough, then you can walk forward into the present and future and purpose and feel really good about it.” — Dr. Jordan Grummet ([18:49])

• Purpose Anxiety: “Up to 91% of people at some point have purpose anxiety. So this idea of purpose caused them distress, depression, anxiety, frustration.” — Dr. Jordan Grummet ([15:26])

• Flexibility in Purpose: “Little p purpose is abundant and changeable. And you can have one or many versions of it.” — Dr. Jordan Grummet ([40:40])

• Building Impact Through Purpose: “When you have a good sense of meaning and you feel enough, then you can walk forward into the present and future and purpose and feel really good about it.” — Dr. Jordan Grummet ([27:34])

Additional Content: Tax Brackets and Saving Limits

While the primary focus of the episode is on purpose, there is also a segment discussing the 2025 changes to tax brackets and saving limits. Grummet provides practical advice on understanding marginal tax rates and optimizing retirement savings strategies, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and diversification in financial planning. However, these segments are secondary to the main theme and are summarized briefly here.

Conclusion

Episode SB1628 offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of purpose, blending personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical advice. Dr. Jordan Grummet’s contributions provide a roadmap for finding joy and fulfillment in everyday activities, mitigating purpose anxiety, and allowing one’s purpose to evolve naturally. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their personal and financial well-being through meaningful living.