The 5 Layers of a Purpose-Driven Life... The Purpose Pyramid

So many of us ask the same questions at some point: “What is my purpose?” It’s one of those big, almost intimidating ideas, but what if purpose isn’t something you magically stumble upon one day? What if it’s something you build, piece by piece?

That’s where the idea of the Purpose Pyramid comes in. Picture your life’s meaning not as one giant, overwhelming goal, but as a structure with layers you can move through at your own pace. Each layer supports the next, and together, they create a foundation for a life that feels deeply fulfilling. 

Let’s walk through the 5 layers of a purpose-driven life:

1. Values

Your values are the foundation. They’re the principles you stand on when you make decisions, the quiet voice inside that says, “This matters to me.” Without knowing your values, it’s easy to feel lost or pulled in a hundred directions. 

Journal prompt: What 3 values do I want to live by daily?

2. Passions 

Next comes passion. These are the things that light you up, the activities that make you lose track of time, the sparks of curiosity you can’t ignore. Passions show you where joy and meaning intersect. 

Journal prompt: When do I feel most alive?

3. Strengths 

Your strengths are the natural talents and skills you bring to the world. They don’t always have to look flashy - sometimes your greatest strength is listening, organizing, or encouraging others. Recognizing these strengths helps you see how you’re already equipped to live with purpose. 

Journal prompt: What do people often come to me for help with?

4. Impact 

When you combine your values, passions, and strengths, you naturally create impact. This is how your life begins to touch others, whether in small, everyday ways or on a larger scale. Purpose grows when we step outside ourselves and use what we have to serve. 

Journal prompt: Whose life do I want to positively affect, and how? 

5. Legacy 

Finally, legacy, This is the mark you leave behind - the story your life tells Legacy isn’t just about the far-off future; it’s built in the choices you make today. Living with legacy in mind gives you direction and intention. 

Journal prompt: If someone were to describe my life in one sentence, what would I want it to be?

 

Building Your Pyramid 

The beautiful thing about these five layers is that they’re not rigid steps. You can move between them, reflect on them, and return to them as often as you need. Purpose isn’t something you find overnight - it’s something you grow into, one layer at a time. 

If you’re ready to start building your own pyramid of purpose, journaling is one of the most powerful tools you can use. That’s exactly why I created The Breakthrough Journal - to guide you through the kinds of prompts and reflections that help you uncover your values, passions, strengths, impact, and legacy. 

Your purpose is already within you. All you have to do is begin the work of uncovering it.