# When Success Isn't Enough: Finding Purpose in Midlife

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-midlife-chrysalis-7361713/when-success-isn-t-enough-finding-purpose-in-midlife
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-midlife-chrysalis-7361713/when-success-isn-t-enough-finding-purpose-in-midlife.md
Podcast: [The Midlife Chrysalis](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-midlife-chrysalis-7361713)
Published: 2026-06-17T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themidlifechrysalis/episodes/When-Success-Isnt-Enough-Finding-Purpose-in-Midlife-e3knn1j
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/105945268/podcast/play/121412083/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-5-13%2F426051816-44100-2-40cc8fe7a70d8.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-midlife-chrysalis-7361713/episodes/when-success-isn-t-enough-finding-purpose-in-midlife
Duration seconds: 1621

## Resource

Many successful people reach midlife with a surprising question: What's next? In this episode of Wisdom Wednesday, Chip Conley shares what he's learning from leading the Purpose Fellowship, a year-long program helping people redefine purpose beyond career, achievement, and old identities. Chip explores why so many high achievers struggle to find meaning after success, how hidden patterns influence our choices, and why purpose is often much broader than we realize. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why purpose is not just one thing for your entire life How career identity can keep people stuck The role of the "shadow" in shaping behavior and decisions Why the shift from ego to soul becomes important in midlife Four practical ways to reconnect with meaning and fulfillment If you're navigating a life transition, questioning your direction, or looking for a deeper sense of purpose, this episode offers valuable insights and practical wisdom. Listen now and start exploring what your next chapter could look like. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – The Midlife Chrysalis & Purpose 00:30 Welcome with Chip Conley and Derek Gehl 01:04 Chip's health update and prostate cancer treatment 02:05 MEA Homecoming, Richard Rohr workshop, and finding purpose 03:39 Why purpose matters and common misconceptions 05:17 Big P vs. Small P Purpose 06:46 The origin of the Purpose Fellowship 08:22 Why successful people struggle to find what's next 09:49 Building a Portfolio of Purpose 10:26 The Power 24 Assessment Tool 11:46 The lawyer who became a pastry chef 13:06 Who joins the Purpose Fellowship? 14:52 Common purpose challenges in midlife 15:46 Why achievers struggle to let go of success metrics 16:01 The “Stylus” metaphor and finding new music in life 17:02 Self-reflection, identity, and the…

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