The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I discuss the importance of using milestones like the end of the year to assess progress and adjust our trajectory toward what we truly want. By comparing baselines from one year to the next, we can quantify the internal and external growth we’ve achieved. I explain how consistent daily practices, rooted in values like gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and effective communication, create positive momentum. I also address why celebrating progress matters, how it prevents us from losing sight of good habits, and how it aligns us with a life of abundance and purpose. Embracing this approach ensures we move closer to our potential every day.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Rudi Riekstins, an entrepreneur, international speaker, and coach with over two decades of experience transforming lives through mindfulness and self-mastery. Rudi shares his journey from a pivotal moment at 16, when he felt called to inspire others, to making his first million at 25, only to discover it didn’t fulfill him. We explore how shifting from external blame to internal accountability reshaped his life and discuss practical tools for rewiring mindset, curating emotions, and navigating challenges. I also reflect on my own experiences of turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and the importance of aligning with a higher purpose.

In this session, I shared how celebration, gratitude, and intention can serve as powerful tools to create a more abundant and connected world. By practicing gratitude as a skill, embracing the diversity of celebrations, and aligning our values with our daily actions, we can build stronger relationships, grow personally, and foster unity. These principles not only enrich our experiences but also help us leave a legacy of inclusivity and purpose. To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at: https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training-1

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Shawn Dill and Dr. Lacey Book to explore how to align your actions with energy through five daily practices that drive exponential success. We discuss the science of energy aggregation, the importance of setting non-negotiables, and how consistency can transform your outcomes. Shawn and Lacey share their insights on balancing health, relationships, and productivity while clearing the interference that holds you back. Together, we unpack how small, intentional habits can turn possibilities into probabilities, helping you build a life of purpose, abundance, and meaningful impact in both personal and professional realms.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Shawn Dill and Dr. Lacey Book to discuss building sustainable success and the mindset shifts necessary for real growth. We explore how to align your values with your goals, why loving the process is essential, and how focusing on authentic connections can amplify your impact. Shawn and Lacey share the strategies that helped them transition from limited opportunities to scaling across industries, including the importance of content, consistency, and leveraging relationships. We also unpack how to balance serving your community with creating a business model that values your time and expertise.

In today’s episode, I explore the principles that have shaped my life and career, from mastering the art of energy alignment to practicing radical humility. I share stories about overcoming personal failures, including losing everything and finding the courage to rebuild. Discover how a mindset shift like “do it now” can save time and increase success, why consistency beats sporadic effort, and the transformative power of gratitude. I also touch on avoiding bad advice, staying focused on value over outcomes, and asking big to unlock limitless potential. These lessons form the foundation of my journey to finding purpose and fulfillment.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital, to explore how AI is transforming the advertising and marketing industries. Martin shares insights on AI-driven advancements in copywriting, personalization at scale, media planning, and operational efficiency. We discuss the massive investments from tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon and how these innovations are reshaping the industry. Martin also reflects on the challenges facing traditional advertising and the evolving role of venture capital in accelerating technology adoption. Insights into leadership and the intersection of technology and creativity make this conversation both timely and inspiring.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Rob Riggle, Marshall Faulk, and Edwin Arroyave to explore the principles that have driven their extraordinary success. From faith and mentorship to resilience and self-belief, each shares personal stories about overcoming challenges, from navigating career transitions to parenting and personal setbacks. Rob discusses the discipline and persistence that fueled his comedy career, Marshall reflects on lessons learned from coaching and life transitions, and Edwin opens up about navigating one of the toughest years of his life with determination and faith. Together, we examine the value of clarity, action, and the pursuit of purpose at every stage of life.

In today’s episode, I explore the balance between giving and receiving, emphasizing how true abundance comes from aligning both. While generosity is celebrated, many overlook the importance of receiving without guilt or hesitation. I share insights on why the most giving people may struggle to achieve abundance and how shifting our perspective can unlock new possibilities. This conversation touches on the power of community, the practice of asking for what you need, and the faith required to believe in limitless opportunities. By embracing what you’re given and asking for more, you can create a fulfilling cycle of limitless giving, receiving, and growth.

In this session with Jeremy Newsome, we explored the vital relationship between abundance and prosperity. Abundance reflects a mindset of generosity and belief in unlimited resources, while prosperity focuses on financial health and wealth management. Together, we shared actionable strategies to harmonize these aspects, including intentional investment practices, the importance of giving and receiving and leveraging community engagement. By aligning generosity with thoughtful financial strategy, we can create a life rich in opportunities and lasting success. To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at: https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training-1

In today’s episode, I’m joined by actor and musician James Maslow and UFC legend Forrest Griffin. We talk about the interplay of hard work, luck, and the courage to take risks. Forrest shares how moments of bad luck can pave the way for unexpected success, recalling how a staph infection led to one of the defining victories of his career. James reflects on finding growth in setbacks, the importance of discipline, and making decisions that shape a fulfilling life. We also explore staying grounded amid responsibility and success, balancing ambition with personal priorities, and the value of leaving everything a little better than you found it.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Craig Siegel, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and host of The CLS Experience Podcast, and Todd Herman, a world-renowned expert in peak performance and personal leadership. We discuss the role of discipline and consistency in achieving success, as well as the transformative power of singularity of focus. I share thoughts on controlling impulses and how aligning purpose with a relentless desire to be what you can be helps overcome life’s challenges. Todd dives into the importance of ego death as a key to unlocking the next level, offering strategies for reinventing yourself to reach new heights.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Allana Pratt of the Intimate Conversations Podcast to explore the transformative power of facing life’s deepest shadows. Together, we discuss the pain and growth that come from acknowledging our past and turning vulnerabilities into strengths. Allana shares her journey of breaking free from subconscious patterns of trauma, while I recount my own experiences of healing from childhood abuse and rediscovering self-love after losing over $100 million. We reflect on the balance of masculine and feminine energy, the importance of self-forgiveness, and how these lessons shape not just our personal lives but our professional impact as well.

In today’s episode, I share my journey from growing up poor in Akron, Ohio, to making and losing over $100 million. I reflect on how my early struggles shaped my relationship with money, taught me the value of faith, and ultimately helped me understand what truly matters. From my childhood dream of buying my mom a house and car to learning the importance of gratitude and persistence, this episode explores the lessons that come from chasing potential and embracing life's challenges. I discuss how prioritizing what feeds us, rather than what bleeds us, can transform our lives, businesses, and relationships.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Arjun Dhingra, a mortgage expert with nearly two decades of experience and a National co-head coach for Team USA TaeKwon-Do. We tackle the challenges businesses and individuals face when things don’t go as planned, especially in turbulent markets. I share how commitment, purpose, and faith outweigh setbacks, offering a practical approach to forgiving ourselves, finding progress in pain, and overcoming self-doubt. Arjun and I discuss surrounding yourself with the right people, creating intentional teams, and prioritizing what matters most—starting with your health and family. Mistakes, when approached with the right mindset, can be powerful tools for growth.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Heidi Golledge, the visionary CEO of Jobot, a company reshaping the recruitment landscape with AI-powered innovation. Heidi shares how Jobot combines cutting-edge technology with human insight to align talent with the right companies and cultures. We discuss the evolution of AI in recruitment, tackling biases in hiring, and improving engagement by matching skills, knowledge, and desire. Heidi explains how Jobot scales permanent hiring and leverages data to identify industry trends while fostering a positive work culture. Her insights reveal how AI can empower businesses and individuals to unlock their full potential.

Today’s episode is focused on "How to Sell Your Way Through Life.” I shared insights on how selling is more than a business strategy—it’s a life skill that enhances every aspect of our personal and professional experiences. By focusing on building trust and creating emotional connections, we can create meaningful relationships and achieve sustainable success. Selling isn’t about persuasion; it’s about creating value, inspiring trust, and building genuine connections that leave a positive impact. To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at: https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training-1

In today’s episode, I sit down with Rene Rodriguez, a renowned leadership advisor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author known for blending behavioral neuroscience with practical business strategies. Rene shares how gratitude and faith influence personal and professional success, offering insights on reframing relationships, setting boundaries, and finding alignment in life. We explore how comfort and confidence stem from earning the right to ask, the importance of understanding value in negotiation, and why appreciation is essential for overcoming conflict. I also share lessons from my journey, including navigating setbacks, balancing ambition with faith, and maintaining ease during life’s challenges.

In today’s episode, I discuss the key to sustainable success by focusing on progress over perfection. I explain how to evaluate tasks based on scalability, prioritize efficient delegation, and build a culture of empowerment through shadowing and supervision. I share strategies to recognize open and closed minds, foster a supportive community, and align values, practices, and execution. Through simple tools like asking better questions and utilizing time effectively, I reveal how leaders can create exponential growth while maintaining balance. Whether it’s improving communication, encouraging ownership, or maximizing productivity, the message is clear: progress stems from behavior, and success comes from consistent learning and intentional effort.

In today's episode, I explore the infinite loop of giving, receiving, and asking with faith. I discuss why giving isn’t an automatic guarantee of receiving, how to find opportunity in what feels like punishment, and the importance of gratitude and forgiveness in creating success. By shifting perspective and embracing challenges, I share how to see protection and promotion in every situation. I also break down the power of asking as a demonstration of faith and how it connects to abundance. When you align giving, receiving, and asking, you unlock the potential to create more than enough for yourself and others.

In today’s episode, I share how to create content that resonates and strategies to amplify its reach. I explain why capturing authentic moments can be more impactful than creating from scratch, the value of tapping into legacy brands to build strong communities, and how platforms like YouTube TV are shaping the future of streaming. I also talk about breaking through the noise in today’s crowded digital world by focusing on post-production and meaningful connections. From leveraging gratitude to cultivating long-term growth, I explore actionable steps to maximize your impact and unlock new opportunities.

In today’s episode, I share insights from a recent meetup in Chicago where we explored why so many people feel stuck in repetitive cycles and how to break free. From rethinking time as a construct to applying prioritization as an antidote to overwhelm, we discussed practical strategies for progress in personal and professional life. I also shared stories about redefining relationships, asking for help, and using daily non-negotiables to harmonize competing priorities. Whether it’s leveraging structured habits as a superpower, learning to apply your "why," or embracing abundance over overwhelm, this conversation is packed with actionable steps to create meaningful change in your life.

In today’s episode, I sit down with David Grutman, the visionary behind Groot Hospitality, whose renowned restaurants and nightclubs like Komodo, LIV, and Papi Steak have redefined hospitality with unforgettable experiences. David shares his approach to creating emotional connections through ambiance and service, his philosophy on building lasting relationships, and the values that guide his collaborations with icons like Pharrell Williams. We also explore how he balances innovation with longevity, the importance of cultivating entrepreneurial teams, and why taking things personally drives his success.

In this Office Hours episode with Chad Sanschagrin, we explored the importance of self-love, authenticity, and vulnerability in personal and professional growth. Chad shared how aligning actions with core values and breaking free from destructive persistence can lead to a more fulfilling life. I reflected on the power of embracing our struggles and staying true to ourselves, even in fear or doubt. This conversation reminded me that our stories define how we navigate challenges and connect with others. By leading authentically and fostering self-belief, we can create meaningful connections and strive to become our best version. To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at: https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training-1

In today’s episode, I explain how to break free from limitation and live a life of abundance by focusing on what truly matters. Inspired by timeless principles, I outline practical steps to define your purpose, align your actions with your goals, and transform obstacles into opportunities. By reframing the past, committing to non-negotiables, and maximizing the use of your time, you can create meaningful progress each day. This framework empowers you to overcome fear, prioritize effectively, and live in harmony with your higher self, ensuring every moment contributes to a reality of growth, happiness, and fulfillment.

In today’s episode, I share insights from my journey of losing over $100 million and rebuilding my life with a focus on gratitude, accountability, and alignment with divine timing. I explore the power of being intentional with the 24 hours we are all guaranteed daily and how studying time can unlock productivity, accessibility, and gratitude. By taking inventory of my skills, knowledge, and desire, I transformed my setbacks into opportunities for growth. I also reflect on how believing in something bigger than ourselves through faith can guide us toward progress.

In today’s episode, I explore the power of curiosity, resilience, and faith in navigating life’s challenges. I share lessons from my journey, including the value of being more interested than interesting, the importance of detaching from specific outcomes, and how consistent practice builds progress. I discuss the mindset shift that helped me recover from losing everything, emphasizing the power of focusing on daily priorities, recognizing patterns, and making better choices. From teaching my children to learn, grow, and enjoy life, to finding clarity in moments of failure, this episode offers a framework for thriving through setbacks and staying aligned with your potential.

In today’s episode, I share the story of my rise to extraordinary financial success, the devastating fall that came with losing over $100 million, and how I rebuilt my life with greater purpose. I reflect on how the relentless pursuit of wealth led me away from what truly matters and how hitting rock bottom forced me to realign my priorities. Gratitude became the foundation of my recovery, alongside intentional daily practices and learning to embrace both giving and receiving. By shifting my mindset from scarcity to abundance, I found a new path to fulfillment and a deeper understanding of success.

In today’s episode, Neil Haley and I discuss pivotal lessons from my journey, including the power of consistency and kindness, recovering from losing $100 million, and finding meaning through pain and challenges. We explore how AI accelerates progress while emphasizing human connections, the importance of high-order thinking skills, and strategies to stay aligned with your goals. I also share why Go Fund Yourself is a game-changing entrepreneurial show, how singularity of focus and impulse control drive success, and the transformative impact of healthy reactions to fear. Drawing on experiences from my lowest moments, I reflect on the wisdom and faith that guide my purpose and decisions today.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sir Martin Sorrell, the visionary founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital. With decades of experience shaping the advertising industry, Sir Martin shares his approach to building a purely digital advertising powerhouse. We explore his strategies for leveraging technology, adapting to market shifts, and scaling businesses with a focus on top-line growth. From disrupting traditional models to creating content ecosystems driven by data and efficiency, Sir Martin offers insights into the future of marketing and digital media. His candid perspective on leadership, innovation, and navigating the digital economy is truly unmatched.

In this episode, I share how gratitude can transform your mindset and open the door to greater abundance in every aspect of life. I specifically focus on the infinite loop of giving and receiving, explaining how shifting from scarcity to an abundant belief system creates endless opportunities. By embracing gratitude as a mindset, heartset, and skillset, you can align your thoughts and actions to achieve fulfillment and purpose. This episode provides actionable steps to help you live in a world of more than enough, where possibilities are limitless. To join future free Friday Training sessions, register at: https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training-1

In today’s episode, I share lessons from my journey growing up with a single mom, dreaming of playing football, and ultimately navigating a life shaped by ambition, setbacks, and unexpected advice. From learning the importance of capturing ideas that resonate—or even those that frustrate—to discovering the value of being more interested than interesting, I explore how lessons from my past shaped my pursuit of success. I reflect on moments of triumph and failure, including building wealth, losing it, and regaining perspective. Along the way, I reveal the impact of meaningful relationships, self-awareness, and the pursuit of skills and knowledge in achieving fulfillment.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Deborah Duncan, the host of Great Day Houston, to discuss how we can redefine success and find meaning through adversity. I share my journey from making millions at a young age to losing it all and facing the hard truths about my life and values. Deborah and I explore how gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and inspiration became the foundation of my transformation, helping me rebuild my life and empower others. We also touch on the importance of balancing external achievements with inner fulfillment and why staying true to core principles can guide us through life’s toughest challenges.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets, Golden Nugget Casinos, and Landry’s. Tilman shares how his businesses—spanning restaurants, hospitality, and professional sports—were uniquely challenged during the pandemic and the tough decisions he made to navigate those uncertain times. He reflects on the importance of resilience, making calculated decisions, and maintaining a strong mindset when everything seems to be falling apart. We discuss his hands-on approach, how he prioritizes leadership and culture, and the lessons he's learned from decades of deal-making. Tilman’s humility, work ethic, and focus on empowering others offer insights for anyone seeking to succeed under pressure.

In today’s episode, I explore the transformative power of gratitude and its profound impact on our lives. Gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you—it’s a process that combines appreciation, acknowledgment, and asking. I break down how these practices unlock a cycle of positive biochemical reactions, fostering abundance and reducing the interference of fear and negativity. By recognizing the lessons in challenges and learning to ask for what we want, we align ourselves with a universe of infinite possibilities. Gratitude is the fastest, simplest way to change your life, and in this Thanksgiving episode, I share practical exercises to deepen its role in creating fulfillment and success.

In today’s episode, I speak with Helene Beck, host of the Coming from the Heart podcast, about the transformative power of kindness and purpose. I reflect on pivotal moments, including the lessons my father taught me and the wake-up call that forced me to confront the person I had become. Losing everything became the catalyst for rebuilding my life with intention, focusing on values like generosity and authenticity. Helene shares her journey of rediscovery and how personal challenges inspired her mission to connect with others. Together, we explore how meaningful change begins with self-awareness and how aligning our actions with kindness can lead to lasting success.

In today’s episode, I speak with Vivek Ranadivé, owner and chairman of the Sacramento Kings, entrepreneur, and visionary behind Bow Capital. Vivek shares his incredible journey from arriving in America with $50 in his pocket to becoming a leader in technology and professional sports. He reflects on how his fascination with innovation and teamwork helped him turn dreams into reality, from studying at MIT to reshaping basketball culture. Vivek explains his approach to leadership as a “jazz band conductor,” fostering creativity and collaboration, and the philosophy that pushing boundaries leads to success.

To celebrate the launch of 2 Minute Drill Season 6, this episode breaks down what it takes to deliver the perfect pitch. Later in the episode, I am joined by some of our incredible guest judges to discuss how credibility, emotional connection, and transparency can turn a good pitch into a great one. These insights are designed to help you clearly articulate the value you are providing and to increase your odds at success. To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at: https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training

In today’s episode, I join Chad Sanschagrin, founder of Cannonball Moments, during his Keep Telling Yourself webinar series. We discuss the transformative power of shifting your narrative, building faith, and embracing gratitude as a daily practice. Chad shares his unique insights on leadership, growth, and his journey from top-performing sales professional to sought-after speaker and coach. I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned from losing $100 million and how I’ve used that experience to create a life of abundance and purpose. Together, we explore the importance of declaring your worth, surrounding yourself with the right community, and finding strength through faith to make a greater impact.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Shawn Dill and Lacey Book, two incredible entrepreneurs and business coaches, as we dive into the challenges and rewards of building a team that grows with your business. I share my own strategies for evaluating team performance and managing the emotional expense of hiring and firing, while Shawn and Lacey discuss their innovative approach to employee development, including an annual exercise where team members present their roles, responsibilities, and goals. We explore how to align individual and company growth, why titles should be fluid, and how fostering collaboration over competition creates lasting success for everyone involved.

In today’s episode, I connect with Larry “Duce” Raymond, a barbecue pioneer whose path mirrors my own in unexpected ways. From losing everything to rebuilding stronger, we share how the toughest setbacks can become the foundation for incredible growth. Duce opens up about navigating the near-collapse of his catering business, while I reflect on the lessons learned from losing $100 million and finding a better version of myself. Together, we discuss the importance of mindset, self-image, and faith in overcoming challenges, as well as the value of surrounding yourself with the right people to unlock your full potential.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Karen Hall, host of The Hero Within Podcast, to share my journey from a life driven by financial success to one filled with gratitude, forgiveness, and purpose. I open up about how growing up in scarcity pushed me to chase wealth, only to discover that money couldn’t buy happiness. Despite reaching unimaginable financial heights, I lost everything—and hit rock bottom. My wife’s unwavering belief in me became the turning point, inspiring me to take stock of who I truly wanted to be. Now, I focus on empowering others with the lessons I learned, hoping to help others find fulfillment, healing, and happiness beyond material success.

In today’s episode, I join Shawn Lynch and Jenry Kelley from The Success Formula Podcast to share the pivotal experiences that reshaped my understanding of wealth, purpose, and resilience. I discuss my journey from immense financial success to devastating bankruptcy, revealing how losing everything became the greatest turning point in my life. We cover the early days of my career, the drive for success, and the relentless ambition that ultimately led to my downfall. Through that hard-earned lesson, I came to understand the true meaning of fulfillment, fueled by faith, gratitude, and the strength to rebuild from zero.

In today's episode, I’m joined by master mentalist Oz Pearlman, who brings his powerful blend of charisma, perception, and mind-reading to the table. We talk about how Oz’s background in magic shaped his unique skill set, helping him captivate audiences and build deep connections without relying on props. I share some of my own experiences with using perception in public speaking, and Oz and I explore how his techniques aren’t just about entertainment; they create lasting moments that translate into value for leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams alike. From reading minds to reading rooms, this conversation shows how perception can be a powerful business tool.

In today’s episode, I explore the power of adaptability and the importance of aligning intentions with actions. I share my approach to overcoming challenges by reframing feelings of being "stuck" as opportunities for growth and learning. From using a flexible framework for decision-making to navigating life's uncertainties, I emphasize how consistent behaviors—not outcomes—create progress. I discuss the role of gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and effective communication in managing relationships and expanding our capacity for success. Whether addressing the discomfort of tough questions or embracing the lessons in setbacks, I offer insights into creating alignment with the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at: https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training-1

In today’s episode, I sit down with Chris Nichols of The Nichols and Dimez Show, where he uncovers the unique intersections of tech, sports, and business. We talk about the strategic role of venture capital and the importance of building quantitative value into every pitch, a skill that became my cornerstone as I transitioned from tech to CEO of a global sports agency. Chris and I also explore the differences between being a founder and a CEO, the unexpected lessons from past mentors, and the power of leveraging relationships. From sports to startups, we dive into the mindset that creates lasting impact and growth.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by real estate entrepreneur Ryan Pineda, who has invested over $100 million and built seven successful businesses. We explore the challenges of building a community in today’s competitive landscape and how leveraging existing brands can elevate your business. Ryan shares insights on his experiences creating Wealthy University and I discuss my decision to license the legacy of Napoleon Hill to build a new, powerful community. We dive into the financial and personal struggles that come with entrepreneurship and how to find opportunities, even in difficult times. Together, we discuss the mindset required to build long-lasting success and resilience.

In today’s episode, I sit down with John Assaraf to talk about the hard-earned lessons I learned from building, losing, and rebuilding a $100 million empire. I open up about the realities of overcoming setbacks, the shift in values that shaped my journey forward, and how gratitude and resilience became the foundation of a truly fulfilling life. We get into the daily habits that keep us moving forward, the mindset needed to bounce back from failure, and the importance of defining success on your own terms—creating a path that brings genuine purpose and clarity in the face of life’s biggest challenges.

In today’s episode, I join Rhett Power and Cynthia Johnson on Best Seller TV to share the journey from owning 33 homes in San Diego to losing everything—and the powerful lesson my mother taught me in the wake of that loss. We discuss the ideas behind my book, Connected to Goodness, focusing on gratitude, resilience, and the importance of being true to yourself, even when the cost seems high. From aligning thoughts, actions, and beliefs to embracing the concept of “I am,” we explore how setbacks reveal the deeper purpose within us. Together, we consider how collective energy, faith, and intentionality can help rebuild a life with meaning and fulfillment.

In today’s episode, I talk with Ralph Adamo of The Power of Integrity podcast. I reflect on a pivotal moment when a simple empty jacket gifted to me by my father reminded me of what truly matters, leading to a profound shift in how I view success and fulfillment. From reaching extraordinary financial heights to losing everything, I discuss how embracing integrity and authenticity became my foundation. Ralph shares his insights on leading with purpose, and together we dive into the impact of staying true to core values in business and in life. We explore how grounding ourselves in honesty can transform our journeys, relationships, and ultimate sense of purpose.