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JENN CLOUTIER

THE SUNDAY SHIFT: What a life of purpose really looks like

Published 5 months ago • 3 min read

The white smoke rose.A new Pope was named.And the world held its breath—because this time, it was an American. A collective “Wait, what?” echoed across headlines and group chats. Not because it couldn’t happen. But because we assumed it wouldn’t. We wrote the story before it was told. And don’t we all do that? We pre-judge the moment.We downplay the chance.We tell ourselves what’s likely, so we can avoid the risk of hoping, or stretching, or failing. Here’s the shift:How often are you wrong about what’s possible—especially for yourself?The job you’re “not qualified for”The conversation you think will go badlyThe risk you’re sure you’ll mess upThe life you’d love but talk yourself out of We all have those stories. Often stories that hit us multiple times a day. Stories that shrink us before we even begin. And most of the time, they sound so reasonable, so familiar, we don’t even question them. We allow them to just happen. And we’ll say, “that’s just who I am.” Ideas to PonderWhat if the thing you think isn’t possible… actually is?What if your “I could never” is just a reflex and not the capital-T truth?Where are you still playing small because of a story you wrote too early? 🎯 1 Focus This WeekChallenge one pre-judgment. Pause when you hear that inner voice say, That’s not for me or That would never work. Then ask:What if I’m wrong?What if this could happen?What might be possible if I believed something new? You don’t have to have certainty. You just have to create space for possibility. Sometimes white smoke rises where we least expect it. And the change we didn’t plan for becomes the shift we needed most.

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Hi Reader,

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Welcome to The Sunday Shift!​
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This past week, while vacationing at one of my favorite spots, with white sand and crystal-clear salt water, I listened to a few podcasts. Many of them touched on what it really means to live with purpose, fulfillment, and freedom. And it got me thinking.

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Am I living this life?

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I know only a few—maybe even just a couple—of people who know exactly who they are, who they’ve been, and who they want to become. These people move differently. They make clear decisions. They sniff out inauthenticity. And they live in a way that feels grounded and true.

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They’re not perfect or glowing with joy 24/7. They get annoyed. They get angry. They feel stuck sometimes, just like you and me.

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What I see as a difference is they know their why.

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They’re kind, but they don’t live to please. They don’t perform for approval. They don’t chase other people’s definitions of success. They’re not trying too hard to prove anything. They don’t need to.

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They live with intention. With alignment. With a kind of quiet self-trust that isn’t loud, but is unmistakably powerful. They are the same person when alone and when they are being watched.

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And that? That’s what creates a life of purpose.

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So back to answering my question.

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Most of my life I was in my element living with purpose, fulfillment, and freedom. And just a few years ago, I took a step away from living this way… What was interesting for me is I knew it almost immediately and made changes by doing the deep work while becoming a certified professional coach. I’m now re-entering what it really means to live with purpose, fulfillment, and freedom.

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Ideas to Ponder

  • What does purpose, fulfillment, and freedom mean to you right now—not someday, but today?
  • Where in your life are you operating on autopilot, instead of intention?
  • Who are you?
  • Who are you becoming by the choices you’re making?

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🎯 1 Focus This Week

Do one thing on purpose.

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Nothing dramatic. Maybe it’s saying no (which can be really hard!) Maybe it’s starting the thing you keep putting off. Maybe it’s being fully present for a conversation, a walk, or your own thoughts.

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Get into your flow state. Let it be real, natural. Let it be yours.

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Purpose isn't a destination. It’s a direction and a feeling only you will know. And freedom doesn’t come from doing more. Believe me on this one! It comes from doing what matters.

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Who are you, Reader? Here’s what I know: You are the most powerful leader you’ll ever know. One small shift will help you believe it, too.

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See you next Sunday.

Jenn

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P.S. If this landed for you, forward it to someone who's searching for more purpose in their own life. You never know what one small shift can spark.

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If you were forwarded this, click here to subscribe to get The Sunday Shift every week.

Let’s keep the conversation going—hit reply or connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, The Blog, or Book a 1:1 Call​

82 Wendell Avenue, Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201
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© Jenn Cloutier International LLC 2025. All rights reserved.

JENN CLOUTIER

Jenn Cloutier | Founder | Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor

Bold leadership starts here. Join a growing list of subscribers who get ⚡️ 1 Habit • 1 Story • 1 Focus in a ⏰ 5-minute reset and recharge every Sunday.

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