The Art of Grit

(5 Minutes)

Peter Diamandis once said, “If the risk is aligned with our own internal purpose and mission, then it is a risk worth taking.” It’s a compelling idea, but it raises a common challenge: what happens when your purpose or mission feels unclear.

Many people spend a significant amount of time searching for a singular, overarching purpose—a mission that will guide every decision and justify every risk. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that once this purpose is found, life will become straightforward. However, this pursuit can often lead to frustration, as the concept of a perfect, all-encompassing purpose is not only elusive but perhaps unrealistic.

A shift in perspective can be helpful here. Purpose doesn’t have to be a grand, distant goal. It can be found in the everyday moments—the small, seemingly mundane tasks that fill our lives. When we start to see these moments as meaningful, we can discover purpose in the present rather than in an idealized future.

Consider the daily activities that might seem routine: working, caring for loved ones, preparing meals, or simply listening to a friend. Each of these actions, though simple, holds its own significance. They are opportunities to connect, to nurture, and to engage with life in meaningful ways. By focusing on these moments, we can find purpose in the here and now, rather than in some distant, elusive goal.

When we view purpose through this lens, the question of whether a risk is worth taking becomes more grounded. Instead of trying to align every decision with a grand, overarching mission, we can ask ourselves: Does this risk resonate with what matters to me today? Does it align with the values I am living out in my everyday actions?

Mindfulness plays a key role in this approach. Being present in our daily lives allows us to see the purpose in our actions and assess risks with greater clarity. It helps us recognize that growth often comes from the choices we make in the moment, not from a predetermined plan.

Rather than seeing risk as a leap into the unknown, we can view it as a step into growth. Each risk is an opportunity to learn, to challenge ourselves, and to align our actions with the values we hold in the present. This doesn’t require having all the answers or a clear vision of the future—it simply requires trust in the process and a willingness to engage fully with life as it unfolds.

In this way, purpose is not a destination but a journey, shaped by the mindful choices we make every day. By finding purpose in the small moments, we allow our lives to flow naturally into the larger mission we are meant to fulfill. And in doing so, we discover that the risks we take, when aligned with our present values, become meaningful steps on a path of growth and fulfillment.

So, when faced with a new risk, consider how it fits into the purpose you are living right now. Trust that by being present and mindful, you can navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence, knowing that each step brings you closer to the life you are meant to lead.