Purpose is the North Star. It guides the journey — but it doesn’t stay still. As we grow, the star shifts. And that’s why the second mountain matters. Read about your purpose here.
Most corporate folks, or employees, in their 40s (and now 30s) get to a point where they increasingly ask, “Why?” Or, more specifically: What’s my purpose now that I’ve “achieved” what society influenced me to achieve – kids, holidays, house and land package (if you’re lucky).
The shift is not just about economics – it’s about purpose over a longer horizon. As we now live longer, we need a purpose that’s durable, renewable, and adaptable. As David Brooks writes in The Second Mountain:
“The second mountain of your life is about contribution. It’s not about building your ego and gathering accomplishments. It’s about shedding the ego and focusing on the things that are truly worthy.”
It could be something to do with people, product, community, a service. That second mountain can stretch decades, not just years. Purpose isn’t a short sprint at the peak of your career – it’s a long climb of meaning, service, and connection.
It’s joy; passion; fun. Purpose is like floating on clouds. Imagine getting up with a spring in your step, able to face challenges like Superman/woman/person … most days.
We are still acclimatising to this new reality. For most of human history, a 50‑year‑old was winding down, not gearing up. Our parents planned to retire around then and statistically didn’t live much longer. Now? Many of us will not only work into our 60s and 70s, but keep leading, innovating, mentoring, and creating in ways that keep us deeply relevant. Wisdom over knowledge. Curiosity leading to innovation.
The key is finding “purpose”, or simply reframing what you are doing. And here’s what I say at the end of my “Wisdom of our Scars” keynote:
If you want to discover – or rediscover – your Purpose, try digging into some of these areas:
- Problem: The Itch You Can’t Stop Scratching (Problem You’re Drawn to Solve).
- Passion: Unlocking Hidden Potential
- Pain as the Pathway
- The Call from the Planet
Whatever it is bubbling around inside you, the apprehension may be connected to fear, or even a plan. Either way it’s going to take courage.
In the Entrepreneurial Program sessions at Compadres, I often see people in their 30s, 40s and 50s arrive at this exact point – the ‘second mountain’ looking for reframing
“Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s the absence of self, over the purpose you have for me on this earth.”
