---
title: Purpose Inspires People
description: Explore how a strong sense of purpose drives action and inspires courage, illustrated through personal stories and the legacy of Frances Xavier Cabrini.
---

[Blog](https://www.markglicini.com/blog)

# [Purpose Inspires People](https://www.markglicini.com/blog/purpose-inspires-people)

 Written by [Mark Glicini](https://www.markglicini.com/blog/author/mark-glicini) | Oct 22, 2026, 11:01:00 PM

When we have a big enough Why, we will find and do the How.

• Why do we get up with enthusiasm rather than roll out of bed with excuses?

• Why do we suit up and show up each day?

• Why not rest on our laurels?

The answers to these questions matter because a better life comes from better reasons. Higher performances come from higher purposes. By amplifying the reason behind any endeavor, we raise the volume and valor inside each strive.

## All my role models have inspiring reasons why they do what they do, day in and day out.

Here's a story about a couple...

*I recently had dinner with my 99-year-old grandfather and 96-year-old grandmother. They have been married for 76 years. Despite slowing down physically, they remain sharp mentally. Through hell or high water, they attend Catholic mass every morning. When I asked my grandmother how they find the strength to get up and go to church every morning, despite being sore and tired most of the time, she responded, “We want to receive the Lord.” I was expecting her to say, “Because we still feel young at heart,” or, “Because we really like our morning routine.” That rationale is too superficial, even weak, and merely thought-provoking. My grandmother never craved to receive accolades, applause, nor attention for her consistent church-going; she wanted something far greater, “to receive the Lord.” The reason she provided was deep, poignant, and extremely action-provoking. \[As sinful, broken, or anxious human beings may feel from time to time, my grandmother repeatedly points to Jesus Christ as the way to wholeness, the Truth among lies, and the spiritual Life in contrast to fatigue of our flesh.\] My grandfather chimed in, "Every time I receive communion during the Eucharist, I feel fortified."*

It's not just bread and wine in the eyes and hearts of my grandparents.

It's the consubstantial body and blood of Christ.

It's more intense, more profound, more serious than physical matter.

For them, it deeply matters.

—

### When we want a goal badly enough, the necessary actions to achieve it become relatively easy.

Obstacles become ‘the way’ rather than ‘in the way’ if desire overpowers doubt.

Hunger bullies inconvenience.

> ## Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
> 
> ## — Joshua 1:9

A character coach once shared this notion with me: We become braver in two ways → (1) by watching brave action and (2) by taking brave action.

(1) When I watched Cabrini, a heart-wrenching movie about a remarkable woman who, while suffering from chronic lung problems and tuberculosis, embodied relentless bravery by building 67 institutions, including orphanages and hospitals, for those less fortunate. She once stated, “We are bold or we die. That is how I learned to live in America… If we are to build an empire of hope, my sisters, it seems we must first conquer New York… Begin the mission and the means will come.” Her conviction remained unwavering in every condition.

By watching Cabrini heroically battle and overcome extreme discrimination and illness, I was moved to be a better leader for my own Foundation. I started traveling to more states and hospitals. I initiated undertakings without knowing how I would raise funds to complete them. I enrolled others into time-consuming and tear-jerking assignments, set grandiose and unlikely targets… and accomplished way more than I previously thought was possible. Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian nun who became the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a saint, challenged the status quo and secured healthcare for tens-of-thousands of people—primarily poor Italian immigrants, orphaned children, and sick patients. While watching the motion picture of the incredible true story, I contemplated, "Here's a small woman with every justification to give up, give in, and stop trying... yet she persists. How could I not give more, just like Cabrini? Why could I not have a big impact like that? What's stopping me?"

### Optimism obtains objectives.

How much we care is displayed through nonverbal behaviors; Cabrini’s care was evident, inspiring, and contagious.

How should we perform any purpose-filled, heart-based aspiration? Wholeheartedly. Like Cabrini.

(2) Alongside watching brave action, taking brave action increases our own capacity to be courageous. Like strengthening our muscles in a gym or deepening our relationships through communication, we become braver by voluntarily confronting what scares us.

> ## Where your fear is, there is your task.
> 
> ## — Carl Jung

I used to be scared of any and all heights. After skydiving several years ago, I now tolerate elevations with greater ease.

I used to hate public speaking. After doing dozens of workshops, multiple on-stage engagements, and thousands-of-hours coaching, I now look forward to presentations.

I used to be extremely afraid of conflict. After learning people-pleasing is equivalent to lying because it’s the opposite of truth-telling… and after having numerous ‘tough’ conversations, I now view confrontation as healthy, productive, and relationship-building when both sides want to repair.

### A healthy dose of fear remains; panic departed.

Taking brave action galvanizes the Pygmalion effect, a self-fulfilling prophecy of beliefs, behaviors, and infectious initiation internalized and embodied by all people involved. For instance, when a parent praises a child with honesty, consistency, and sincerity, that child will begin to believe in herself more; by believing in herself more, she starts to “go for it” more while simultaneously encouraging classmates and teammates; that initiative and encouragement is contagiously caught by classmates and teammates in such a way that they, too, start taking brave action and cheering on that original child to “go for it” even more. In a positive flywheel effect, belief spreads. Bravery becomes transmittable. Human beings go from merely being to purposefully doing more and more.

One person can change the world.

One action can catalyze that change.

What if that one person was *you*?

> ## Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” and I said, “Here I am. Send me!"
> 
> ## — Isaiah 6:8

 

\- MG

 

🎙️[Click here to listen to Mark Glicini’s monthly episodes of his podcast, ***GRATEFUL*** *and Full of Greatnes*](https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ruq1L8SNPyGmAqLdrVAVQ?si=fe35a92f2ae94518)

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