Why Your Biggest Goal Might Be Holding You Back | The LIV Lab Episode 21 ft. Dr. Jordan Grumet

We’re always told to dream big: land the perfect job, get into the most prestigious school, or chase the ultimate achievement. But what if those big goals — the ones meant to drive us forward — are actually holding us back?

In this episode of The LIV Lab, I sit down with Jordan Grumet — a hospice doctor, author, and personal finance podcaster — to talk about something we all feel pressure around: purpose.

Jordan shares his journey from becoming a doctor after losing his father, to burning out in medicine, to finding deeper meaning in hospice care. We discuss his idea of Big P Purpose versus little p purpose, and why chasing small things that light us up often leads to more joy and impact than striving for huge, unattainable goals.

Our conversation also dives into the future of work, the power of storytelling, and the role money plays in building a meaningful life. Jordan explains why money should be seen as a tool instead of the goal, how financial independence opens up space for purpose, and why authentic connections matter more than wealth or achievements. What I loved most is that he doesn’t frame purpose as something you must find, but as something you can build step by step.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:14 Dr. Jordan Grumet's Early Life and Career

04:40 Transition to Hospice Care and Financial Independence

07:44 Discovering Purpose and Financial Independence

10:03 The Purpose Paradox and Social Media's Role

20:43 Big P vs. Little p Purpose

29:31 Finding Purpose and Purpose Anchors

32:29 Baseball Cards and Childhood Joys

33:04 The Art of Subtraction

33:43 The Spaghetti Method

34:07 Reflecting on Childhood Passions

37:23 Goal Setting and Purpose

41:23 Money and Happiness

45:53 Financial Independence and Purpose

53:03 Incorporating Purpose into Your Career

01:00:55 Final Thoughts and Advice