Living with Intentional Purpose

My most recent columns in *Pursuit of Purpose* have drawn inspiration from life lessons found in some of the great books that have shaped my journey. One of those influential teachers is Jim Collins and his tremendous work *Good to Great*, published in 2001. Although the book was written with business in mind, many of its timeless lessons intersect perfectly with the idea of intentionally living your purpose and practicing your core values in all that you do. When we apply these concepts personally, they can move us from simply being “good” at life to truly living a life of meaning, impact, and greatness.

Here are a few of those key ideas:

**Level 5 Leadership** Greatness—whether in companies or in life—requires leadership that is grounded in humility and purpose. Level 5 leaders prioritize the success of others over personal ego. They value collaboration over competition, excellence over expediency, and service over self-interest. They seek the greater good, even when the choices are difficult. In our own lives, this looks like leading with character, putting people first, and striving to leave things better than we found them.

**First Who, Then What** Collins teaches that the right people matter more than the right strategy. The same is true in life: surround yourself with people who share your values, vision, and work ethic. Relationships shape us, so choose to journey with those who encourage your best self. And don’t limit this only to co-workers—your “team” includes family, friends, clients, suppliers, and every stakeholder in your life. Living with purpose means knowing your values and intentionally aligning with others who share them.

**The Hedgehog Concept** Greatness comes from clarity. The Hedgehog Concept urges us to focus on what we are deeply passionate about, what we can uniquely excel at, and what drives our economic engine. In personal terms, it’s about knowing what fuels your sense of purpose and staying centered on it. Don’t waste energy chasing distractions or comparing yourself to others. Purpose simplifies decision-making and allows you to devote your best energy to what matters most.

**Confront the Brutal Facts** Living with purpose doesn’t mean ignoring reality. Collins reminds us to balance optimism with realism. Maybe that big opportunity isn’t aligned with your values. Maybe someone in your circle doesn’t allow you to be your best. Facing truth head-on—even when it’s uncomfortable—frees us to make better choices and keep moving forward. Purpose-driven people adapt quickly because they are anchored in values rather than illusions.

**The Flywheel Effect** Success is rarely a single breakthrough; it’s the steady accumulation of small, consistent actions. Like momentum in sports, purpose compounds over time. The flywheel turns because you keep showing up, keep honoring your commitments, keep practicing the little disciplines. Each push may feel small, but together they create unstoppable force. As we explored last month, habits matter—because little habits create big results. Patience and persistence are keys to lasting success.

**Greatness is a Choice** Perhaps the most powerful reminder of *Good to Great* is that greatness is not reserved for a select few. It is a decision—repeated daily—to live out your core values, to choose purpose over passivity, and to strive for meaning over mediocrity. Living with intentional purpose is not always easy. It requires commitment, courage, and often the harder road. But it’s also what transforms a career into a calling, a paycheck into impact, and a life into a legacy.

The invitation is simple: don’t settle for “good enough.” Choose to live with clarity, integrity, and passion. Commit to doing the work that aligns with your values. Lead with humility. Confront the facts. Keep the flywheel moving. And most importantly—make a life, not just a living.