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The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work
""Purpose"" and ""calling"" seem at first to be grand words, applicable to only a gifted few. But career coach Richard Leider argues that everyone possesses a true calling, as well as the unique talents needed to support it. Filled with useful tools for self-assessment, The Power of Purpose helps readers uncover their own talents and aspirations, and shows how to incorporate ""the common sense of soul"" into everyday life. Interviews with people of all ages provide inspiring examples of those who have created lives filled with meaning and passion.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 1985
169 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Richard J. Leider
40 books45 followersRichard’s ten books, including three best sellers, have sold over one million copies and have been translated into 20 languages. Repacking Your Bags and The Power of Purpose are considered classics in the personal development field. Richard’s “inventures” in writing books have taken him to events with readers in all 50 states, every Canadian province, and 15 countries.
As co-author of Life Reimagined, he is the Chief Curator of content for AARP’s Life Reimagined Institute. Widely viewed as a visionary and thought leader on the “power of purpose”, his work is featured regularly in many media sources including, PBS public television, and NPR public radio. He is featured in the PBS Special – The Power of Purpose.
As a keynote speaker, he is one of a select few advisors and coaches who have been asked to work with over 100,000 leaders from over 100 organizations such as AARP, Ericsson, Mayo Clinic, MetLife, National Football League (NFL), and United Health Group discover the power of purpose.
Richard holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a National Certified Career Counselor (NCCC), and a National Certified Master Career Counselor (MCC). As a Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing, he founded The Purpose Project. He is co-chairman and dean of the World Purpose Forum, co-chairman of the Linkage/Global Institute for Leadership Development, and a member of the Council Advisors of the FRED Leadership Forum. He is also a board member of Youth Frontiers, and Life Coach in Residence at The Marsh: A Center for Balance and Fitness.
He is a contributing author to many coaching books, including: Coaching for Leadership, The Art and Practice of Leadership Coaching, Executive Coaching for Results, The Leader of the Future, and The Organization of the Future.
Richard’s work has been recognized with awards from the Bush Foundation, from which he was awarded a Bush Fellowship and the Fielding Institute’s Outstanding Scholar for Creative Longevity and Wisdom award.
For 30 years, Richard has led Inventure Expedition walking safaris in Tanzania, East Africa, where he co-founded and is a board member of the Dorobo Fund for Tanzania. He and his wife, Sally, live on the St. Croix river outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
As co-author of Life Reimagined, he is the Chief Curator of content for AARP’s Life Reimagined Institute. Widely viewed as a visionary and thought leader on the “power of purpose”, his work is featured regularly in many media sources including, PBS public television, and NPR public radio. He is featured in the PBS Special – The Power of Purpose.
As a keynote speaker, he is one of a select few advisors and coaches who have been asked to work with over 100,000 leaders from over 100 organizations such as AARP, Ericsson, Mayo Clinic, MetLife, National Football League (NFL), and United Health Group discover the power of purpose.
Richard holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a National Certified Career Counselor (NCCC), and a National Certified Master Career Counselor (MCC). As a Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing, he founded The Purpose Project. He is co-chairman and dean of the World Purpose Forum, co-chairman of the Linkage/Global Institute for Leadership Development, and a member of the Council Advisors of the FRED Leadership Forum. He is also a board member of Youth Frontiers, and Life Coach in Residence at The Marsh: A Center for Balance and Fitness.
He is a contributing author to many coaching books, including: Coaching for Leadership, The Art and Practice of Leadership Coaching, Executive Coaching for Results, The Leader of the Future, and The Organization of the Future.
Richard’s work has been recognized with awards from the Bush Foundation, from which he was awarded a Bush Fellowship and the Fielding Institute’s Outstanding Scholar for Creative Longevity and Wisdom award.
For 30 years, Richard has led Inventure Expedition walking safaris in Tanzania, East Africa, where he co-founded and is a board member of the Dorobo Fund for Tanzania. He and his wife, Sally, live on the St. Croix river outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 26, 2019
DNF — as this book seemed to repeat over and over “we must find our purpose” yet it said so without really giving much directive on how we are to do that or even start to find our intention in this life of ours. I felt it rambled on more than anything else.
In doing additional research, I was able to do more with finding my purpose in utilizing“ikigai”, which is the age-old Japanese ideology that’s long been associated with the nation’s long life expectancy. Ikigai is about finding joy in life through one’s purpose. Ikigai suggests that having this one thing/hobby/purpose which keeps you interested, focused, and gives you a sense of satisfaction in life leads you to a longer and happier life. In other words, your ikigai is what gets you up every morning and keeps you going. I think this book was also trying to portray this type of ideology but in a much more long winded fashion.
In a nutshell, to briefly explain Ikigai, there are 4 circles that interconnect (Venmo diagram): 1) what you love, 2) what you are good at, 3) what you can be paid for, and 4) what the world needs. These also interconnect and form additional crossover points that eventually lead to the center circle of Ikigai.
*Side note: Ikigai was a 4-page article not a rambling self-help book. A 4-page article is something I can get on board with, but to be fair probably does not cover Ikigai in the depth it deserves. Also, in continuing to be honest, I have never been a fan of self-help books, so to read this book was tough for me to stay focused or even remotely interested. Lord knows I did try and maybe in the future, when I’m ready, I will pick this book back up and try again.
In doing additional research, I was able to do more with finding my purpose in utilizing“ikigai”, which is the age-old Japanese ideology that’s long been associated with the nation’s long life expectancy. Ikigai is about finding joy in life through one’s purpose. Ikigai suggests that having this one thing/hobby/purpose which keeps you interested, focused, and gives you a sense of satisfaction in life leads you to a longer and happier life. In other words, your ikigai is what gets you up every morning and keeps you going. I think this book was also trying to portray this type of ideology but in a much more long winded fashion.
In a nutshell, to briefly explain Ikigai, there are 4 circles that interconnect (Venmo diagram): 1) what you love, 2) what you are good at, 3) what you can be paid for, and 4) what the world needs. These also interconnect and form additional crossover points that eventually lead to the center circle of Ikigai.
*Side note: Ikigai was a 4-page article not a rambling self-help book. A 4-page article is something I can get on board with, but to be fair probably does not cover Ikigai in the depth it deserves. Also, in continuing to be honest, I have never been a fan of self-help books, so to read this book was tough for me to stay focused or even remotely interested. Lord knows I did try and maybe in the future, when I’m ready, I will pick this book back up and try again.
January 23, 2016
Richard Leider has spent much of his professional life interviewing older adults over the age of 65 and asking them about their lives. Most people, the author noted, expressed that a feeling of purpose was vitally important to them. The subjects also expressed that they would have been clearer about purpose earlier in their life if they could live it over again.
On the surface, this makes perfect sense. We all want to live for something and for our lives to have meaning. Right? But if so, then why do only 20% of employees today report feeling passionate about what they do, as thinker and writer John Hagel contends? Where's the purpose?
Leider provides some guidance about what we're missing and what may help by examining the importance of purpose in The Power of Purpose. Unlike some texts that promise to fix everything that ails us, The Power of Purpose is more like a lamp, casting light in a previously darkened room so we can see the disheveled mess for what it is.
The text continues with examples of people who have found real purpose in many different kinds of professions. What distinguishes the examples Leider cites is that the people found purpose primarily through acts of compassion and by helping others. This point resonated with me, and it felt very true, both from my own experiences as well as what I've perceived with habitually self-centered people (they're never happy).
On the surface, this makes perfect sense. We all want to live for something and for our lives to have meaning. Right? But if so, then why do only 20% of employees today report feeling passionate about what they do, as thinker and writer John Hagel contends? Where's the purpose?
Leider provides some guidance about what we're missing and what may help by examining the importance of purpose in The Power of Purpose. Unlike some texts that promise to fix everything that ails us, The Power of Purpose is more like a lamp, casting light in a previously darkened room so we can see the disheveled mess for what it is.
The text continues with examples of people who have found real purpose in many different kinds of professions. What distinguishes the examples Leider cites is that the people found purpose primarily through acts of compassion and by helping others. This point resonated with me, and it felt very true, both from my own experiences as well as what I've perceived with habitually self-centered people (they're never happy).
February 11, 2019
Best quote of the book: "You get back from life in proportion to how much loyalty you give."
Leider feels each person has A PURPOSE, which MUST BE FOUND. He doesn't seem to see things in terms of feeling a general sense of purpose pervading life ("we are born with a purpose, we live in a purposeful universe"). He also sees all purpose as something which operates by giving to others, thereby necessarily not a solo exercise ("each life has a natural built in reason for being, that reason is to make a positive contribution to the world").
Purpose for Leider is connection, community, co-operative, co-evolving.... etc. He states he feels more in tune with spirituality than science, and while I wouldn't accuse him of "woo", I would day the book is light on science and citations. Leider's evidence is his experience practising as a career coach and purposeful living guru.
I listened to the audiobook read by Leider. He did a decent job despite occasional stumbles.
Leider feels each person has A PURPOSE, which MUST BE FOUND. He doesn't seem to see things in terms of feeling a general sense of purpose pervading life ("we are born with a purpose, we live in a purposeful universe"). He also sees all purpose as something which operates by giving to others, thereby necessarily not a solo exercise ("each life has a natural built in reason for being, that reason is to make a positive contribution to the world").
Purpose for Leider is connection, community, co-operative, co-evolving.... etc. He states he feels more in tune with spirituality than science, and while I wouldn't accuse him of "woo", I would day the book is light on science and citations. Leider's evidence is his experience practising as a career coach and purposeful living guru.
I listened to the audiobook read by Leider. He did a decent job despite occasional stumbles.
August 7, 2017
This book is a self-help section book that gives you clear and point by point directions to find your gifts, curiosity, and purpose. It is simply and clearly structured and at each part, it builds up to help you find your path to your "life theme".
One thing I liked about this book is unlike the other cheesy self-help books, there are almost none personal success stories. Most of the points and guidance are based on references to other reliable books. such as "Man's search for meaning" or "Flow". Additionally, as a result of a clear organization and question/answer portions, it is easy to refer to personal notes later on when needed. So, readers can easily refresh their memories over time.
Even though it is one of the better self-help books, in my opinion, it is not a significant source of knowledge or a novel perspective.
One thing I liked about this book is unlike the other cheesy self-help books, there are almost none personal success stories. Most of the points and guidance are based on references to other reliable books. such as "Man's search for meaning" or "Flow". Additionally, as a result of a clear organization and question/answer portions, it is easy to refer to personal notes later on when needed. So, readers can easily refresh their memories over time.
Even though it is one of the better self-help books, in my opinion, it is not a significant source of knowledge or a novel perspective.
May 16, 2020
Lessons from a holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl from the book.
Viktor Frankl despite the harsh treatment in the Nazi concentration camp, separated from his wife and children and basically robbed of everything, realised he had one freedom, the freedom to chose how to respond to the horrors around him . So he chose to make a difference. So, he woke up everday and give others kind words, a crust of bread and hope. This inspired some in the camp, to make a difference. Interestingly, these people who found purpose survived while others who didn't have a sense of purpose didn't survive. Viktor, the survivor wrote his famous book man's search for meaning, which he had imagined completing while he was at camp. He also imagined of meeting his family and students but sadly his family didn't survive.
Viktor says, purpose gives us the will to live, a reason to get up in the morning regardless of the circumstances. Without it we can die, with purpose we can live with choice, dignity and meaning. Purpose he says is the thing that cannot be taken from us. It enables us to survive and also to thrive.
I too have a reason to wake up everday and help students discern their purpose in life. What is your purpose?
Viktor Frankl despite the harsh treatment in the Nazi concentration camp, separated from his wife and children and basically robbed of everything, realised he had one freedom, the freedom to chose how to respond to the horrors around him . So he chose to make a difference. So, he woke up everday and give others kind words, a crust of bread and hope. This inspired some in the camp, to make a difference. Interestingly, these people who found purpose survived while others who didn't have a sense of purpose didn't survive. Viktor, the survivor wrote his famous book man's search for meaning, which he had imagined completing while he was at camp. He also imagined of meeting his family and students but sadly his family didn't survive.
Viktor says, purpose gives us the will to live, a reason to get up in the morning regardless of the circumstances. Without it we can die, with purpose we can live with choice, dignity and meaning. Purpose he says is the thing that cannot be taken from us. It enables us to survive and also to thrive.
I too have a reason to wake up everday and help students discern their purpose in life. What is your purpose?
June 29, 2017
"Most people die with their music still inside of them."
"Purpose: an active expression of the deepest dimensions within us--where we have a profound sense of who we are an why we are here."
Purpose=direction and energy. Be deliberate about your purpose.
When older adults were interviewed about their purpose, they all wish they had been 1)more reflective 2)more courageous 3)clear earlier about their purpose.
"Purpose...it's the little flame that lights a fire under your ass."
"Using our gifts to serve others, observed Schweitzer, leads to happiness: 'The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.'"
"Purpose: an active expression of the deepest dimensions within us--where we have a profound sense of who we are an why we are here."
Purpose=direction and energy. Be deliberate about your purpose.
When older adults were interviewed about their purpose, they all wish they had been 1)more reflective 2)more courageous 3)clear earlier about their purpose.
"Purpose...it's the little flame that lights a fire under your ass."
"Using our gifts to serve others, observed Schweitzer, leads to happiness: 'The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.'"
April 5, 2014
I was fortunate to have met Mr. Leider as he led our work team through a powerful discussion on leadership. His assessment was equally as profound. Later I realized that he was a master of disguise as he was able to introduce very spiritual and meaning of life concepts into business curriculum.
His book was fundemental to my personal growth journey!
His book was fundemental to my personal growth journey!
December 29, 2018
Good tips
The book has many nuggets of wisdom. Does make you think. I was however expecting more action-oriented tips. The checklists in the resources section are good. Some more of those to help tease out purpose would be better.
The book has many nuggets of wisdom. Does make you think. I was however expecting more action-oriented tips. The checklists in the resources section are good. Some more of those to help tease out purpose would be better.
January 16, 2026
- Having a reason to get up in the morning is associated in numerous scientific studies with better mental and physical health, and greater longevity - i.e. having a life purpose (a sense of meaning in life) reduces healthcare costs
- Purpose can add not only years to your life but life to your years
- Think of your life/career as a spiral staircase with many steps behind you and many ahead. Your purpose evolves. We move to new phases to make way for new growth to emerge
- We’re born with an innate tendency to self-preserve and self-gratify. But our genes also tell us that true happiness requires a genuine sense of purpose greater than and beyond ourselves.
- A life of purpose is not self-absorbed soul-searching. It is simply getting on with caring and compassion (a natural desire to soothe others’ suffering).
- “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” - Luke 6:31
- Purpose can add not only years to your life but life to your years
- Think of your life/career as a spiral staircase with many steps behind you and many ahead. Your purpose evolves. We move to new phases to make way for new growth to emerge
- We’re born with an innate tendency to self-preserve and self-gratify. But our genes also tell us that true happiness requires a genuine sense of purpose greater than and beyond ourselves.
- A life of purpose is not self-absorbed soul-searching. It is simply getting on with caring and compassion (a natural desire to soothe others’ suffering).
- “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” - Luke 6:31
February 27, 2023
Worthy topic for sure, for my taste dwelled on the spiritual side a bit much. Couple of great tools to help identify and did a great job to lay out benefits to one's health and well being for doing the work. I don't necessarily subscribe to the belief that we are all inherently endowed with purpose and meaning that we just have to discover, I believe it to be an intentional exercise to figure out so we can spend more time in the zone.
January 22, 2018
Başlarda diğer kişisel gelişim kitapları gibi olduğunu düşünsem de sonlara doğru yaptırdığı interaktif çalışmalarla etkileyici hale geldi. Kitabın kaynakçası, içeriğindeki bol deneysel örneklemeler ilgi çekiciydi. Okunması gereken yeni kitaplar konusunda bana birçok fikir verdi; ki bu bile başlı başına çok önemli benim için💡 Çeviride yer yer sıkıntılar vardı. Ama çok rahatsız etmedi.
February 25, 2020
"Purpose is important." There, now you don't have to read the book, because that's literally all it says. Nothing about how to find your purpose, just that it's important to have one. Which, you kind of already know if you're picking up this book?
February 1, 2024
Really enjoyed this author’s insights and research data used throughout the book. Purpose helps us understand what is core to our life and helps us discover what we truly care about. Thought provoking read.
March 23, 2024
…and I found my purpose
An eye opener and a road map steering towards a life of fulfillment. The book coaches you on how to find purpose. Finding your purpose (as it did for me) helped me define my goal. My path towards my life’s goal is better outlined with Purpose.
An eye opener and a road map steering towards a life of fulfillment. The book coaches you on how to find purpose. Finding your purpose (as it did for me) helped me define my goal. My path towards my life’s goal is better outlined with Purpose.
July 19, 2025
Truly enlightening. I'm glad to know that I already have a defined purpose. Obviously, it's still in development, but I feel that if you really want to find a purpose, you must be honest with yourself and do these activities and self-examination, and without a doubt, something could come out of it.
October 12, 2017
Well worth the read.
June 11, 2020
All the examples seemed really similar. I expected more content about getting at my purpose.
December 3, 2023
This was the foundation for the other books in the series. I listened to all of them and then bought this one.
November 25, 2024
Having heard this author speak in a small group, his insights are quite clear and beneficial. However, I’m not a fan of his writing.
August 16, 2025
Not memorable. Not helpful. Forgettable.
April 9, 2023
This was a great read. Very powerful messages on how to spend your time. Richard Leider has interviewed so many people over 65 that this book resonated for me being over 73.
May 12, 2025
The Power of Purpose started out strong and gave me high hopes, but sort of fizzled out in the end.
Leider does a great job convincing us of the importance of finding purpose in our lives. Purpose and meaning are essential to a living a worthwhile life and even for our health and longevity. After expounding on how paramount having purpose is, I was hopeful he would delve more into how to cultivate meaning in our lives.
Overall well written book about the significance of developing a sense of purpose but lacking in details of how to discover our purpose. 3.5 stars.
Leider does a great job convincing us of the importance of finding purpose in our lives. Purpose and meaning are essential to a living a worthwhile life and even for our health and longevity. After expounding on how paramount having purpose is, I was hopeful he would delve more into how to cultivate meaning in our lives.
Overall well written book about the significance of developing a sense of purpose but lacking in details of how to discover our purpose. 3.5 stars.
February 24, 2019
Seminal researcher and author on the subject of purpose. I have so many pages with highlighting and notations on them, just wanting to remember everything I’ve read. He approaches Purpose in all contexts - personal, work, and community. He resolves that the Power of Purpose is fueled by compassion. If you’re at the place in your life where you are asking deeper questions about who you are, what matters most, and what you’re here to contribute in the world, then this book will help you move along that journey. I didn’t give it five stars because at some points I felt it got repetitive, but all in, he did a great job of blending concepts, research, case studies and his own journey toward Purposeful living.
December 1, 2016
This book has definitely changed my view of life. First chapter is quite difficult for me to comprehend, it's very philosophical I'd say. But after all it was totally worth reading. After reading this book I realized that sometimes, for some of us, purpose is something that we have to decide ourselves, We do not wait, we do not keep looking for it. It is our life. We run things, keep going, and take control. Be useful to others and live passionately. For years I wondered what I'm doing here. What is my purpose in life? What's it all about? The answers to my questions are in this book.
December 26, 2014
A found a few nice insights sprinkled in here, but at the end of the day, the subtitle writes a check that the text doesn't cash: "Find meaning, live longer, better"? That's kind of over promising.
And too often the examples of people finding meaning are quitting there jobs to run charity races for cancer or something. That's nice, but I was hoping for something a little more practical.
And too often the examples of people finding meaning are quitting there jobs to run charity races for cancer or something. That's nice, but I was hoping for something a little more practical.
Read
January 22, 2016Richard is a friend of the Hudson Institute and has evolved this inspiring material since 1985 and has provided strong examples based on many interviews.Many helpful lists and assessments to deepen meaning in your life and work. I find that I am drawn back to this book each year over the past five years around the Holidays.Enjoy it!
Want to read
January 3, 2009In my search for meaning in my life, I picked up this book. Purposeful living is my desire, and serving is my mission. Time to get reading so I can fine tune my purpose and blossom to be all the God would have me be.
May 21, 2018
The first 75% of the book is all stuff you have heard a million times. A little more interesting and relevant to my life toward the end of the book where it starts to discuss disconnecting, loving what you do, and being exciting about waking up in the morning!
August 28, 2009
Four friends are in the process of following the study guide for this book. We've just finished Session III and are ready to prepare for Session IV. Valuable insight is produced working together.
October 6, 2011
Reread Oct. 5, 2011
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews