Discover Your Bigger Why to Fuel Persistence

At 25, Maria felt adrift in her new marketing role. She was good at research and storytelling but wondered if those skills mattered beyond campaign stats. One evening, she sat quietly, notebook open, and listed her strengths: demystifying data, empathetic listening, crafting narratives. Under each, she jotted who benefited: her intern who felt confused by spreadsheets, her friend who needed advice, the local charity’s newsletter.

When she penned three missions—launching a student data-club, mentoring colleagues, writing for a nonprofit newsletter—her heart fluttered at the final idea. The next morning, over latte steam, Maria emailed the charity asking if they needed volunteer writers. An hour later, they replied, inviting her to pitch article ideas.

Maria’s workdays took on new energy. Even tough deadlines felt easier when she thought, “This story might empower someone.” That sense of purpose softened any panic and focused her mind. She noticed that, even under stress, her will to persevere was stronger. Planning conversations with nonprofit editors gave her the same thrill she once chased through promotions.

Scientists call this “self-transcendent purpose”—using your core strengths to serve something larger. Studies link it to greater persistence, healthier stress responses, and richer creativity. By exploring your bigger why, you transform routine efforts into meaningful strides forward.

Begin by listing three core talents you rely on without effort, then note who benefits when you use them. From there, brainstorm three real-world ways to contribute one strength—be it tutoring, advising, or creating content. Finally, select the idea that sparks the most excitement and identify one concrete action to get started—an email, a phone call, a signup. Each small step aligns your daily work with deeper purpose. Try this exercise tonight to bring your bigger why into sharper focus.