Podcast Summary
In this second solo episode of the 52 Life Lessons series, Tim Borys digs deep into the foundation of meaningful work and life: your WHY. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to thrive—not just survive—this episode is a powerful reflection on purpose and performance.
Tim shares personal stories of burnout, the myth of passion alone, and why so many talented people struggle—not because they aren’t capable, but because they’ve lost connection to their deeper purpose. Backed by research and real-world insights, this episode shows how clarity of purpose isn’t just motivational fluff—it’s performance fuel.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Surviving isn’t thriving. Without a clear why, people fall into routines that leave them feeling stuck, exhausted, and unfulfilled.
Burnout often signals disconnection from purpose. Even passion isn’t enough without structure, systems, and strategy to support it.
Purpose fuels resilience. When things get hard, your why keeps your mindset and habits aligned.
Happiness isn’t an outcome—it’s a process. Nearly 40% of your happiness is within your control through behavior, mindset, and intention.
Companies that embed purpose perform better. Initiatives like EY’s “Connect Day” and Google’s (now-defunct) 20% Time show the power of aligned work.
Knowing your why doesn’t solve all problems—it gives them meaning.
Episode Links & Resources
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Tim: https://timborys.com/book-tim/
Buy Tim’s Book: The Fitness Curveball (Amazon Link)
Podcast Highlights
Please note: This highlight is generated by a computer and may contain errors.
Welcome to the Working Well Podcast. This is Lesson 2 in the 52 Life Lessons series. Today we’re talking about something foundational: your why—your purpose, the reason you show up each day.
The Danger of Purpose-Less Grinding
Grinding without clarity isn’t noble—it’s exhausting. And while you can exist without purpose, if you want to thrive—emotionally, mentally, professionally—you need to live into your why.
I’ve experienced all sides of this: not having a purpose, losing connection to it, and finding it again. And every time I lost sight of my why, burnout followed.
Purpose Doesn’t Fix Everything—But It Changes Everything
The thing is, your purpose doesn’t solve everything. But it does make the journey more meaningful. When you’re thriving, your purpose is part of that. And when times get tough, it’s your purpose that gives your mindset and habits the fuel to push through.
Stuck in “Life Zombie” Mode
Too many people today are stuck in “life zombie” mode—repeating routines without joy, energy, or passion. Routines are helpful, but only if they serve your growth and fulfillment.
I’ve been one of those people. Many of my coaching clients have too. The pandemic made this widespread—we called it “languishing.” Not in crisis, but far from thriving.
The Triangle of Thriving: Mindset, Habits, Purpose
Thriving means raising your baseline of clarity, happiness, health, and purpose. And to do that, you need a triangle: mindset, habits, and your why.
Your mindset is your brain’s operating system.
Your habits are the structure that brings it to life.
And your why? That’s the emotional fuel.
Each part supports the others. When your why is missing, you burn out—even if you’re talented and ambitious. You can grind with willpower for a while, but without that emotional connection, you eventually run out of steam.
Passion Alone Isn’t Enough
Passion alone isn’t enough. I used to say, “I’m not in it for the money, I just want to help people.” And while that was true, I neglected key parts of my business—systems, strategy, and clear financial goals. My heart was full, but my business model was running on fumes.
Ironically, by ignoring those fundamentals, I helped fewer people—not more. I had to learn to align my purpose with performance. Rebuild from the inside out. Clarify my values. Balance freedom with focus. And connect my passion with a plan that actually worked.
That shift allowed me to help people more deeply—and sustainably.
When Your Why Is Strong
When your why is strong, it fuels your habits and mindset, especially when life gets tough. And if one part of the triangle falls, the whole system feels it. That’s where many talented people lose momentum.
The Science of Purpose and Happiness
Now let’s talk science. Purpose and happiness aren’t just motivational ideas. Research shows about 40% of happiness is in your control—not determined by genetics or circumstance, but by daily actions, behavior, and mindset.
You can actively increase fulfillment by connecting with your purpose, building relationships, doing kind things, and living into your why.
Purpose Improves Performance
Purpose also improves performance: you get more energy, creativity, resilience, and better decision-making. Companies like EY and Google used this insight through initiatives like Connect Day and 20% Time—giving employees time to pursue meaningful work. The results? Higher engagement and innovation.
Unfortunately, even Google’s 20% Time faded due to growing workload demands—something to think about as engagement drops.
Meaning Over Comfort
Knowing your why won’t eliminate your challenges—but it will give them meaning. And that meaning gives you the strength to keep going with clarity, connection, and fulfillment.
Coming Up Next…
Next episode, we’ll explore how to find your why and tools to live it daily—not just understand it. Because knowing your why isn’t enough. You have to live it—every day.
If this resonated, share it with someone who needs it. And if you or your team want help connecting with your why, reach out—I’d love to help.
