How Purpose Keeps You from Quitting

Facing a devastating event can shatter your dreams—but it doesn't have to be the end of your story.

NFL quarterback Alex Smith faced a career-ending injury that threatened both his dreams and his life.

I watched the highlight on YouTube. It was November 18, 2018. Alex's team was playing the Houston Texans. In the third quarter, with 7:56 left on the clock, Alex took the snap and backed up to find the open receiver. Two linebackers charged at him full speed, tackling him simultaneously. What should have been a routine play turned into a nightmare.

Alex suffered a compound fracture in his right leg, breaking both the tibia and fibula. The bone broke through his skin, leaving an open wound. The infection set in, and he developed sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body reacts severely to infection.

The damage was so severe that Alex had to make an agonizing decision: amputate his leg or fight to keep it. He chose to save his leg. After 17 surgeries (yes, 17!) and months of grueling rehabilitation, the road ahead seemed impossible. Doctors doubted he would ever play football again.

But Alex was locked in. "I will play again," he said.

His steely determination became the driving force behind his recovery.

Against all odds, two years later, Alex made an extraordinary comeback. He played 8 games that season and led his team to the playoffs, earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors.

Though he retired the following season, his "comeback" season remains a testament to the power of purpose.

Alex told himself: "I will recover and play football again."

Purpose was his secret sauce: it fueled his tenacity.

When you hit a wall, purpose will drive you to overcome it.

My Wall

While I didn't face a life-threatening injury, this past summer, I hit my own wall.

What was my wall? I faced the reality of my own leadership shortcomings.

I’m honored to serve as lead pastor in a beautiful church community. With over 20 years of experience in non-profit and church ministry, one thing is certain: leaders will always face challenges. Period.

But this past few months, I had a wake-up call: I realized I had been living with a victim mentality.

There. I said it. And oddly enough, it feels good to name my weakness.

It’s not easy to admit weakness, but I’ve found that confessing my vulnerabilities fuels growth. (I think Jesus nailed it when he said, "those who humble themselves will be exalted" – Matthew 23:12).

Looking in the mirror, I was forced to confront the painful truth of my mindset. And, to be honest, I considered quitting. Now I understand why so many pastors feel the urge to walk away.

My emotional pain was raw, but I had a choice: avoid the truth or face it.

Though it was difficult, I chose to embrace the truth.

I don’t like pain, but I’m learning that pain clarifies my priorities. I began asking tough questions: Why am I here? What’s my purpose in my church?

Then came the most soul-searching question: What is the purpose of my life?

On August 18, 2024, after a period of deep reflection, I wrote these words in my journal:

"My mission in life: to help people thrive in life and leadership. Boom!"

This simple statement saved me from emotional quicksand. Clarifying my purpose kept me from quitting.

Like Alex Smith, I’m locked in. Why? Because purpose fuels me.

I don’t HAVE to get up each morning; I GET to!
I don’t HAVE to drive my kids to school; I GET to!
I don’t HAVE to serve people in my church; I GET to!
I don’t HAVE to make plans for my family and church; I GET to!
I don’t HAVE to start a blog to help people thrive in life and leadership; I GET to!
I don’t HAVE to shower; I GET to! Just kidding. I have to shower. No shower, no good!

You get the point.

Purpose transforms duty into delight.

Start with Delight

Let’s make this practical.

How do you discover your purpose? Start with delight.

Simon Sinek famously said, "Start with why." (By the way, if you haven't read it yet, his book is a must read!)

I agree with Simon, but I’d add a little twist: Start with delight.

Here’s how:

1. Carve out an hour this week to spend alone.

2. Grab a journal (or your laptop if you're a technophile—personally, I use a ReMarkable 2; it's glorious!).

3. Go to a quiet place—your home office, the library, or if you need some background noise, Starbucks (earbuds in!).

4. Make a list of your top five sources of delight—your core values. Some of mine are: my relationship with God, integrity (always doing the right thing in the right way), my wife, my kids, and learning.

5. Once you’ve identified your top five values, write out your life’s purpose statement. This may take time, and that's okay. It took me some time, too, to land on mine: "To help people thrive in life and leadership."

6. Review your mission regularly. I review mine 2-3 times a week.

7. This last practice is the secret sauce that keeps my fire burning: I practice meditation (specifically: biblical meditation). My ideal cadence: every day. Sometimes I miss a day, but that's ok. Daily meditation is a game changer! Why? Because it taps me into the most powerful force in the universe—love! As a person of faith, I GET to sit in the never-ending, loyal, and refreshing love of the Creator (Lamentations 3:22-23)! Sitting in this rejuvenating love energizes me. Every. Day.

Perhaps you don't consider yourself religious. That's ok. I'd encourage you to tap into the energy of anchoring yourself in purpose every day..

Anchoring himself in purpose energized Alex Smith.

It’s working for me.

It can work for you, too.