Purpose is Contagious
It was mid-October, two years ago, when Brian Ingram and I reconnected after not talking for about a year and a half (but that’s a story for another time, hehehe). I shared an idea with him that had been on my heart:
We’re going to bring people together in the community for real conversations about purpose.
A space for meaningful connections, where brave conversations happen. A place where people can grow, even when it’s uncomfortable. And we should call it PurposeDriven.Coffee.
That was the vision. It wasn’t all mapped out, but it was clear enough. And you know what Brian said?
“I’m in.”
Fast forward to January 2023—people showed up. And they didn’t just show up once, they’ve kept coming back. Every first Friday morning of the month, in two locations now, and every event has been sold out for nearly a year. We’ve got 250 people gathering each month. These aren’t just casual meetups—they’re spaces for real, raw, and life-changing conversations.
It’s been incredible, and honestly, it’s humbling. Each month, I get a front-row seat to witness lives being transformed. People are walking in with questions and uncertainty, and they’re walking out with clarity, connection, and a deeper sense of purpose. It’s a powerful thing to witness.
And it’s growing. Thanks to Matt Bergmann, we launched a second location in Victoria, Minnesota, this past April, and it’s been amazing to see the energy and connections that have formed there. We’ve created something that people need, and there’s a waiting list to prove it.
So, what’s happening here?
Purpose is contagious.
As Howard Schultz said,
“
When you’re surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible.
When people gather around a shared mission, that energy becomes infectious. And before long, others are catching on—feeling that pull to connect, contribute, and grow in their own purpose.
When one person catches hold of a vision for something bigger than themselves, that energy spreads. Others start to catch on, and before you know it, there’s a community built around that shared purpose.
Now it’s time to take this to the next level. We need more locations. More places where people can gather to have these deep, meaningful conversations. Minnesota, the rest of the country, and eventually around the world. We’re growing, and you could be a part of it.
Where should we go next?
And do you want to help make that happen?
This expansion is about more than just numbers. It’s about multiplying impact. It’s about people living out their purpose and, in doing so, inspiring others to do the same. When we gather for PurposeDriven.Coffee, the ripple effect is undeniable. Purpose spreads.
As William James once said, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” Purpose isn’t a solo endeavor. It impacts everyone it touches. And when you live it boldly, you spark something in others—encouraging them to do the same.
Your purpose for good...
And this idea—this truth—that purpose is contagious is at the very core of the 100 Year Manifesto.
Your life is an echo into eternity. The way you live out your purpose, the actions you take, the words you speak—they all ripple outward, shaping the world around you and leaving an impact that lasts far beyond your lifetime. Your purpose is your legacy.
But here's the thing: Your life isn’t just about you.
It’s about what you do for good. It’s about the impact you make in your community, in the lives of others, and in the world. So let’s pause for a moment and really reflect on that.
What good are you doing?
Your words. Your actions. Your life.
Using your life as a force for good requires you to connect with something larger than yourself. And it begins by asking some key questions:
- What causes are you truly passionate about? I’m not talking about specific organizations here because those can come and go. I’m talking about causes—those deeper movements and issues that stir something in your soul.
- What issues or areas of interest evoke such a strong feeling that you can physically sense it inside you? Whether it’s excitement, joy, sadness, or pain—what makes you feel something real and visceral?
Those are your clues. That’s where your purpose lies.
When you find those causes, you’ll see how living your 100 Year Manifesto isn’t just about your own fulfillment—it’s about making an impact, for good. These causes give you a reason to act, a way to contribute to the world that will create generational change.
For me, the causes I’m deeply passionate about are eliminating mental health stigmas, suicide prevention, and amplifying people and organizations doing good in the world.
These are the areas where I pour my energy because they evoke that strong response in me, and they connect to my larger purpose.
Now, let me ask you—what causes stir something deep in you?
This matters because when you live out your purpose, it doesn’t just benefit you. It inspires others. It shows people what’s possible, and it creates a ripple effect that echoes outwards.
So, let’s start thinking bigger. It’s time to take our purpose into more spaces, to build more connections, and to spread the contagious power of purpose far and wide. Together, we can create a movement that echoes into eternity.
