The Pieces of the Purpose Puzzle
Finding Meaning after an Executive Career Can Come in Many Forms—No Single Grand Calling Required
By Michael Le Roy, MyNextSeason Advisor, Board Director, and former President of Calvin University
When executives step away from their corporate roles, a natural question often follows: What is my purpose now? People often feel they need to identify a grand, defining purpose for what comes next.
But here’s the truth: Purpose doesn’t have to come from one source. You determine what’s meaningful to you, and many pursuits can be worthy of your attention.
Working with executives, I have seen that purpose in retirement rarely shows up fully formed. More often, it unfolds gradually—through rest, curiosity, and an evolving collection of activities.
Why Purpose Feels So Elusive After Leadership
Leadership roles shape days, relationships, and identity. They come with built-in structure, a sense of responsibility, and clear impact markers. Over time, purpose became something you lived every day, reinforced by the work itself and the impact you made. Without that familiar structure, it’s common to feel a bit adrift as you begin to redefine what purpose looks like now.
Letting Go of the One Big Purpose Myth
Instead of searching for a single defining purpose, imagine your next season as a hand of cards—four to six pursuits you choose to play over the coming years. Some may prove to be power cards. Others may be set aside as your interests or circumstances change. This flexibility is not a weakness; it is one of retirement’s greatest advantages.
Retirement researcher and financial advisor Wes Moss refers to these pursuits as core pursuits—meaningful, recurring activities that give retirement structure, identity, and joy. His research shows that the most fulfilled retirees average about three to four core pursuits, while less satisfied retirees tend to rely on one or two.
Your Purpose Portfolio
To build your portfolio, start with curiosity rather than commitment. Consider engaging with people and activities that genuinely energize you. Aim for a mix that spans social, physical, creative, and service-oriented domains. Wherever possible, embed your interests in a set context, such as a group or class, to create both accountability and connection.
It’s also worth asking a simple but powerful question: If my life became more limited, what would I regret not having explored? Those answers often point to pursuits worth prioritizing.
Purpose Evolves Over Time
Your life will continue to change, and so will your purposes. Some cards will enter your hand unexpectedly. Others may no longer fit.
Revisit your purpose portfolio periodically. Keep what continues to serve you. Discard what no longer fits. Choose replacements intentionally.
Remember, you define your purpose, and it’s something you are allowed to build and change, one thoughtful choice at a time.
