"Sometimes, life breaks us open—not to end us, but to show us how to rebuild from a place of deeper purpose and alignment."

We all know someone who fits the description “privileged and broken”—maybe even me or you: ambitious, educated, often well-connected, but somehow… financially, emotionally, relationally, or spiritually broken. The irony of being “privileged and broken” is almost paradoxical, but it’s a very real experience for many. Perhaps you grew up with certain advantages, achieved early career success, or gained access to opportunities that others only dream of. My husband and I certainly knew this well—we were living our dream lives, each at the peak of our careers. He was a professional athlete, and I was an international fashion model. Life was abundant, and we had three beautiful children.

But everything changed one afternoon when our youngest child fell into our family pool and drowned. In that instant, our lives took a heartbreaking turn, and slowly, we became “privileged and broken”—spiritually, emotionally, and energetically. Our vision for the future shattered after 15 years of a dream life together. We spent over three years lost in grief and self-pity, and eventually, our financial stability crumbled as well. This experience taught me that even when we feel lost and broken, there’s a way back to ourselves—a way to reinvent, rediscover purpose, and find true alignment.

Or consider a different story—one I know resonates with so many. Take a corporate leader named Sarah, a woman who had it all planned out. Highly recruited by a Fortune 500 company right out of college, she dedicated herself to building a bright future within the organization. She climbed the ladder, becoming a trusted leader, a face of the brand, someone her colleagues respected. Then, on the eve of her 40th birthday, she learned her position would be merged with another department, and she’d be let go. She’d given everything to this career, and in a moment, her security and identity vanished. Suddenly, Sarah found herself “privileged and broken,” wondering who she was outside of her career and how to start again.

"If you’re feeling stuck, or if life has left you broken in some way, this message is for you."

Let’s explore how to move from stagnation to authentic thriving, how to find alignment, and how to connect to a purpose that guides you to a new beginning, a “big-life-game.”

Step 1: Facing the Truth – Letting Go of Entitlement

To begin the process of reinvention, we have to get real. Privilege can provide comfort, but it can also create subtle feelings of entitlement, making us feel like we “deserve” certain outcomes simply because of our background, connections, or past achievements. I’ll admit, for us, it was hard at first to see ourselves in this way—“privileged and broken” felt surreal and unfair. But this journey, one that started in grief and felt raw, taught me that facing the truth is essential.

For Sarah, too, it was tough to admit that her success wasn’t guaranteed. She’d worked tirelessly for this position, and now it was gone. The first step toward reinvention for both of us was seeing ourselves honestly, where we were right now—not where we once were or where we thought we’d be. Embracing humility helped us reconnect with our true selves and opened us to new possibilities. When we approach this step with an open heart, it becomes the foundation for transformation, allowing us to reconnect to our big-life-game—the vision and purpose we’re here to pursue.

Step 2: Shifting the Perception of Privilege – From Guarantee to Launching Pad

Real transformation begins when we view privilege as a launching pad rather than a guarantee. Imagine if our privileges—education, networks, or early career success—were simply resources to be used, not promises of a smooth road. Regardless of how privilege came into your life—whether from family, early accomplishments, or strong connections—it’s time to see these experiences as tools rather than relying on them for validation or security.

Reflect on your own experiences, knowledge, and background. How can these aspects of your life support you in creating something meaningful and aligned with who you are now? For Sarah, stepping back allowed her to look at her connections and career skills as assets, things she could draw on to support her in a new direction. This perspective shift can transform our sense of privilege into fuel for moving forward, toward that big-life-game—a life of meaning, purpose, and alignment.

Step 3: Building an Authentic Mindset – Asking Real Questions

Now that we’re looking at privilege as a resource, let’s go deeper. Authentic growth begins by asking ourselves clarifying questions: Who am I outside of “my privilege”? Who do I want to be now? What do I truly want, not just what I think I should have?

These questions bring freedom, allowing us to redefine success for ourselves. We can leave behind old ideas and expectations that don’t serve us, and instead align with what’s real. This is the time to ground ourselves in authenticity and ask, What is my big-life-game? For Sarah, these questions led her to see her situation as an opportunity to design a life she hadn’t fully explored before, rather than a loss. For me, these questions were the first step to reclaiming my sense of purpose. Remember, you’re not proving anything to others—this journey is for you.

Step 4: Taking Aligned Action – Creating a Path to Purpose

Once you’ve taken inventory of your strengths and resources, it’s time to act. This isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about meaningful steps that lead you toward alignment with your purpose. Each step, no matter how small, connects you with a path that supports your goals and big-life-game.

At The PEP Institute, we often start with the Personal Excellence Profile (PEP) assessment to create an honest snapshot of where we are now. This helps identify strengths, growth areas, and possible directions. From there, ask yourself, “How can I use what I have now to create something meaningful?” Let this question guide your actions, rooted in purpose rather than privilege.

For Sarah, taking aligned action meant reconnecting with her professional community, exploring her creative interests, and meeting new mentors. For me, it was about leaning into what I loved and was skilled at, returning to college to study in areas aligned with my calling to encourage, inspire, and empower others through coaching and mentoring. Every action, however minor, is a step forward. Consistent steps build a foundation for resilience, fulfillment, and authentic thriving—all components of a life aligned with purpose.

Step 5: Aligning with Who You Are – Flourishing with Intention

Reinventing ourselves means finding that harmony between privilege and purpose, using every part of our experience as fuel for growth. When we’re grounded in alignment, thriving becomes second nature. This journey is about taking ownership, letting go of entitlement, and focusing on our big-life-game—a vision that lights us up and fuels us forward.

Each of us holds the power to pivot, shift, and reinvent ourselves. This journey isn’t just for us; as we flourish, we lift those around us. Let’s decide to shine, together, knowing that flourishing isn’t just for the privileged or the lucky. It’s a choice—a daily decision to live authentically, aligned with our purpose and big-life-game, and in joy.

With love and encouragement,

Chloé Taylor Brown