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Blockbuster had the chance to buy Netflix for just $50 million. They laughed. Today, Netflix is worth over $350 billion. Why? Because Netflix had something Blockbuster didn’t: a clear purpose.
At the time, Blockbuster was thriving, making billions in revenue from DVD rentals and late fees. But here’s the problem: they were focused on short-term profits, not long-term purpose. Netflix, on the other hand, had a clear mission—to make entertainment accessible anytime, anywhere.
Success without purpose is just a treadmill—you’re running, but you’re never getting anywhere.
This same principle applies to your life, your career, and your organization.
Clayton Christensen, in How Will You Measure Your Life?, warns that many leaders unknowingly invest in short-term gains—big deals, promotions, quarterly targets—while neglecting what truly matters: relationships, long-term impact, and personal fulfillment. The danger? By the time they realize it, it’s often too late.
So, how does a clear purpose change the game? Let’s explore it through personal leadership, product development, and organizational strategy.
1. Purpose in Personal Leadership: Avoiding the Success Trap
A senior executive I coached had everything—an impressive title, a high salary, and a packed schedule. But behind closed doors, he was exhausted and unfulfilled. His days were consumed by meetings and firefighting, leaving little room for meaningful work or personal growth.
When we drilled down, the issue was clear: he had no guiding purpose. He was chasing external validation rather than aligning his career with his deeper values.
Once he redefined his mission—to serve and mentor young leaders and drive sustainable impact—his priorities shifted. He delegated more, took on strategic projects, and found himself re-energized. His external success didn’t change, but his internal fulfillment skyrocketed.
Without a clear purpose, even the most accomplished leaders can feel lost. Purpose is what keeps you grounded when success alone isn't enough.
2. Purpose in Product Development: More Than Just Features
Great products aren’t just a collection of features; they serve a purpose that resonates deeply with users. Consider Apple’s iPhone. While competitors focus on technical specs, Apple focuses on a simple mission: empowering people through seamless technology. That’s why their products feel intuitive, beautifully designed, and deeply personal.
Contrast this with companies that get lost in feature wars but lack a strong purpose. Remember BlackBerry? They dominated the market in the 2000s but focused too much on security and keyboards while ignoring the bigger purpose—enabling a seamless mobile experience. When the iPhone arrived with an entirely new user experience, BlackBerry's relevance faded fast.
Purpose isn’t about having more features; it’s about solving real problems in a meaningful way. When product teams rally around a shared mission, they make better decisions and build products that truly matter.
3. Purpose in Organizations: The Difference Between Thriving and Failing
An organization without a clear purpose is like a ship without a compass—it may move, but it drifts aimlessly. Amazon is a prime example of a company driven by purpose. Jeff Bezos has been relentless about customer obsession, shaping every decision Amazon makes. From one-day shipping to Alexa, every innovation ties back to their fundamental mission: to be the Earth’s most customer-centric company.
On the flip side, look at WeWork. It started with a powerful mission—to create a community-driven workspace—but got distracted by hypergrowth and reckless spending. The result? A dramatic collapse that left investors scrambling.
Lego, on the other hand, faced a near-bankruptcy crisis in the early 2000s. But instead of chasing trends, they returned to their core purpose: "Inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow." They realigned their products with this vision, focusing on education and creativity. Today, Lego is thriving.
Organizations with a clear purpose don’t just survive market changes—they thrive because they stay focused while adapting to new realities.
Final Reflection: How Will You Measure Your Life?
Clayton Christensen’s book isn’t just about business—it’s about life. Many leaders spend decades climbing the ladder only to realize, too late, that it was leaning against the wrong wall.
A clear purpose won’t just help you succeed—it will make your success meaningful. Whether in your personal leadership, the products you build, or the organization you lead, purpose is the game-changer that keeps you focused, flexible, and ultimately fulfilled.
So ask yourself:
Are you spending your limited time and energy each day on what truly matters—or just reacting and responding to whatever comes your way? What is your purpose in Life?
Acknowledgments & Further Reading
“How Will You Measure Your Life?”, Book by Clayton Christensen