Books That Have Helped Me Reflect on Purpose

It’s a season of transition for me as I prepare to finish my PhD. It’s the end of one chapter and the start of another. (Even beyond a new chapter: it’s a new book!)

One thing I’ve been thinking about is how purpose is seasonal.

Being a one-woman band means being equipped to play different songs. Some are fast, some are slow, some are jazz, some are rock. And the genre of the song determines how you play.

So in this piece, I wanted to revisit some books on purpose that have helped me in the past and hopefully discover a few new ones too. As I list them, I hope they’ll also spark something in you about what purpose looks like in your season.

1. The Purpose Driven Life — Rick Warren

I remember when this book first came out while I was still a kid. The first line was unforgettable: “It’s not about you.”
Your purpose isn’t centred on yourself. There’s a bigger picture that our lives fit into. I’m looking forward to revisiting this one and being reminded of that truth again.

2. The Path to Purpose — Valerie Nezianya and Kareem Lee

This devotion was critical to helping me navigate my transition into a PhD. It’s a 21-day devotional that invites you to journey with God and discover who you are.

3. God at Work — Ken Costa

This one explores how faith and work intersect. It’s a reminder that calling isn’t just about ministry. It’s about how we show up in every space, including the workplace. Purpose doesn’t disappear in the everyday; it’s often found and honed there.

4. Intentional Living — John Maxwell

This book talks about the intentionality of purpose. I find it helpful for those in-between seasons when you’re not sure what’s next but still want to make each day count.

5. Purpose in Crisis — Samuel Ekundayo

This one’s message has stayed with me for years: that sometimes, our greatest ideas and breakthroughs are birthed in the middle of necessity or pressure.
Dr Sam reminds us that crisis can be a catalyst, that what feels like a breaking point may actually be the birthplace of purpose.

6. From Drift to Drive — Chris Robinson

I listened to this as an audiobook and was struck by his emphasis on focus, not coasting. It’s easy to go through life just drifting, especially when things feel familiar. But to live with purpose, we need drive: focus that’s anchored not only in the present, but also in the long term.

7. Reposition Yourself — T.D. Jakes

This one is about shifting and responding to transitions, something I deeply relate to right now. T.D. Jakes talks about how seasons change and how we can position ourselves to respond with wisdom instead of fear.

Bonus: Listen to Your Life — Valerie Burton

I haven’t read this one yet, but I’ve listened to Valerie Burton’s short YouTube videos for a while. Her words often get me thinking. I’m looking forward to finally reading one of her books and experiencing her coaching in written form.

I will start with The Purpose Driven Life. It’s simple and grounding, a reminder that purpose starts when we remember it’s not about us, but about the music.

As one quote goes, “It’s not about how good you sound, but about how beautiful the music is.”