A Moment of Clarity from the Great British Baking Show

Recently, I heard a clip from Prue Leith, one of the beloved hosts of The Great British Baking Show. She said something that truly resonated with me—and it’s been on my mind ever since. In discussing the invitation to participate in an "American" version of the show, Prue reflected on the differences between American and British baking competitions.

She pointed out that American baking shows tend to be more competitive. The contestants rarely collaborate or support each other, and the driving force is often the promise of big-money prizes. In contrast, The Great British Baking Show celebrates the art of baking itself, where the winner is awarded a simple title and a small, humble prize—a cake stand or an apron.

As my wife and I watched the show (we’re huge fans), I realized I’ve often said to her, “This show is just pure encouragement!” It’s not about cutting down your competitors or being the best at all costs. It’s about passion, creativity, and community—all things that should be at the heart of any pursuit, especially the pursuit of your "why".

In the U.S., we tend to value competition over collaboration, winning over process, and big rewards over the intrinsic satisfaction of doing something meaningful. This is particularly evident in how we approach our careers, our goals, and even our relationships. But Prue’s observation about the differences between the American and British baking shows is more than a comment on reality TV—it’s a reflection on how we approach our lives.

As we chase our dreams, it’s important to remember that pursuing your purpose should be more like a baking competition in Britain—a celebration of process rather than just the result. Finding and following your "why" is not a race, nor should it be burdened by unnecessary competition or pressure. Instead, it should be a journey filled with patience, self-compassion, and joy—much like the humble yet inspiring spirit of The Great British Baking Show.

Here are a few key lessons from Prue's wisdom that can help us all adopt the right attitude as we pursue our own purpose and passions.

1. Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Finish Line

In The Great British Baking Show, the contestants are celebrated for their creativity, their effort, and their unique perspectives, regardless of who wins. It’s not all about a big check or an over-the-top prize; it’s about the artistry of the process. Baking, in this context, is a way of expressing passion and purpose.

When we’re chasing our “why,” we need to adopt the same mindset. Pursuing your purpose is not just about the destination—it’s about the journey itself. So often, we focus too much on the “end goal” or on “winning” at whatever we’re doing. But in doing so, we forget to enjoy the process, to learn from our mistakes, and to celebrate the small wins along the way. Just like in baking, the joy is found in creating, learning, and growing—not just in the final product.

Takeaway: In your pursuit of purpose, slow down and enjoy the process. Celebrate each step of growth and each lesson learned, not just the outcome.

2. Collaboration Over Competition

One of the standout differences Prue Leith pointed out is that in American baking shows, there’s very little collaboration among contestants. It’s all about outdoing one another, with a sharp focus on being the best. In contrast, The Great British Baking Show fosters a sense of community, where bakers share tips, support one another, and help each other out. They compete, but they do so together.

When you’re pursuing your purpose, it’s easy to get caught up in the competition—comparing yourself to others, feeling like there’s not enough room for everyone to succeed. But in reality, your “why” is uniquely yours, and no one can take that from you. When you collaborate—whether by asking for help, sharing ideas, or supporting others on their journey—you build a community around your purpose. This not only makes the process more enjoyable but helps you grow and succeed in ways that might have been impossible on your own.

Takeaway: Collaboration is key. Don’t see others as competitors; see them as allies in your shared journey toward purpose.

3. Keep a Sense of Humor and Lightness

Another notable aspect of The Great British Baking Show is the humor. The contestants often laugh at themselves, make jokes about their mistakes, and create a lighthearted atmosphere. Sure, there’s pressure—after all, they’re still competing—but they don’t take themselves too seriously.

When pursuing your “why,” it’s easy to get bogged down by the seriousness of it all. We place so much pressure on ourselves to succeed and be perfect that we forget it’s okay to make mistakes and have fun along the way. The pursuit of purpose doesn’t need to be grim or intense. It should be filled with curiosity, exploration, and even joy—a lightheartedness that allows you to be flexible with your goals and kind to yourself in the process.

Takeaway: Don’t forget to laugh along the way. Embrace imperfection and enjoy the process. Life is too short to take yourself too seriously!

4. Small Wins Matter Just as Much as Big Ones

Finally, let’s talk about the reward. On The Great British Baking Show, the winner is crowned with a modest prize—a cake stand or an apron. There’s no multi-million-dollar payout, no flashy trophy. The real reward is the experience, the opportunity to share their love of baking with others, and the sense of personal growth they’ve achieved throughout the competition.

When you pursue your purpose, it’s important to remember that the biggest rewards don’t always come in the form of external recognition or financial success. Sometimes, the real rewards are found in the small moments of achievement: a new skill learned, a challenge overcome, or a deep sense of personal satisfaction that doesn’t need to be validated by anyone else.

Takeaway: Celebrate your small wins. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Pursue your purpose for the joy and fulfillment it brings, not for the external rewards.

Conclusion: Pursuing Your “Why” with the Right Posture

Pursuing your purpose doesn’t need to be a cutthroat race. It doesn’t require a big paycheck or a flashy prize at the end. Just like the contestants on The Great British Baking Show, the process is just as important—if not more important—than the result. When you approach your journey with passion, patience, and a willingness to collaborate, you’ll find that the pursuit of your “why” is not only more rewarding, but also more joyful.

So, take a step back, lighten up, and remember that the journey is as important as the destination. And, just like those bakers on the show, be kind to yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward. Your purpose is waiting, and it’s meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.

Key Takeaways:

1. Celebrate the Journey: Focus on the process of finding your purpose, not just the end result.
2. Collaboration Over Competition: Embrace a mindset of community rather than comparison.
3. Keep a Sense of Humor: Don’t take yourself too seriously—allow room for laughter and imperfection.
4. Small Wins Matter: Recognize and celebrate the small moments of growth on your journey to living your purpose.