By Arnold H. Glasow
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"Make your life a mission – not an intermission." This bold, thought-provoking line from Arnold H. Glasow continues to inspire those searching for purpose and drive in their everyday lives. People are naturally drawn to this Arnold H. Glasow quote about purpose because it offers a fresh reminder to live with deep intention and direction. In a world where distractions pull us off course, the practical and emotional clarity of Glasow’s words spark motivation when we need it most.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At first glance, Arnold H. Glasow’s quote seems straightforward, yet there is much more beneath the surface. On a literal level, a "mission" suggests something important and meaningful that you dedicate yourself to — a pursuit that energizes you, challenges you, and gives real value to your days. In contrast, an "intermission" is only a pause, a break from action, often meant for waiting and resting before something else takes place.
This Arnold H. Glasow quote about purpose urges you not to treat your life as if it is just the time between major events or as a passive pause, but instead to see it as your main story, your real mission. The message is not about working relentlessly, but about being present and making conscious choices that give your days meaning. Life is more than downtime or filler between highlights; it can and should be full of moments that matter — to you and to the people around you.
Digging a little deeper, this quote encourages you to reject the mindset of simply waiting for things to happen and instead become the author of your own mission. It pushes against the comfortable rut of drifting through routines, waiting for excitement or fulfillment to show up. Glasow’s call is for active living, regardless of whether your mission is a grand goal or a quiet, persistent commitment to kindness and accountability. By embracing this approach, you move from surviving the weeks and months to making every moment count — truly living, not just existing.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Choose a Personal Mission Statement
Spend some time reflecting on what motivates or excites you, even in small ways. Try turning that feeling into a short statement or intention you can return to. Maybe your mission is to help others learn, to build stronger relationships, or to bring creativity into your day. Having a clear purpose statement gives your actions a sense of direction and brings the Arnold H. Glasow quote about purpose to life.
2. Avoid Living on Autopilot
It’s easy to get caught in comfortable routines, scrolling aimlessly through your phone or waiting for the weekend to feel good. Use this quote as a reminder to engage intentionally. Look for ways to make routine tasks meaningful — whether you are cooking, working, or running errands, ask yourself, "How does this connect to my larger mission?" This simple check-in can help shift your mindset out of "intermission" mode.
3. Seek Growth in Your Challenges
A mission means facing challenges head-on instead of avoiding them or waiting for problems to solve themselves. When you hit an obstacle, try approaching it as a meaningful part of your mission rather than an inconvenience. This shift in perspective can help you build resilience, learning from setbacks rather than treating them as interruptions to your life.
4. Share Your Mission With Others
Life’s missions often become richer when shared. Let friends, family, or coworkers know what matters to you. Invite them into your process or ask about their missions. By making purpose part of your conversations, you inspire others and create connections rooted in meaning — not just passing time together without intention.
5. Take Small but Consistent Actions
Living with mission does not require huge, dramatic moves. Sometimes it’s the daily habits — practicing gratitude, lending a hand, or keeping a promise — that keep you on track. Regularly ask yourself: "How did I live my mission today?" These little steps grow into a fulfilling life made of meaningful action, moment by moment.
By applying the wisdom of Arnold H. Glasow’s quote, you turn ordinary days into meaningful adventures. Your life becomes something you actively shape, not just a waiting period for better things to come.
✨ The Motivation Message
You have everything it takes to live on purpose! Your story is not just a gap between highlights — it’s the mission itself. Every day brings a new chance to show what matters to you, and those little choices add up to a life filled with real significance. Don’t let yourself drift or hit pause and wait for meaning to find you. You can make every moment count! 😊
When you choose to be intentional, even in small ways, you shift the energy of your entire day. That spark — your mission — is yours to define. It does not need to be daring or world-changing; it only needs to be true for you. Take charge, start today, and let your sense of purpose shape everything you do. We’re rooting for you — go out there and make it happen!
About Arnold H. Glasow
Arnold H. Glasow, who was born in 1905 and died in 1998, was an American business writer and humorist celebrated for his sharp insight and wry observations on life and success. He spent much of his career publishing motivational newsletters and books that offered practical advice, delivered with warmth and wit. Glasow built a reputation for distilling big ideas into short, memorable lines that resonated across generations.
A central theme in Arnold H. Glasow’s work is the importance of approaching life with both intention and humor. Instead of merely drifting, he believed in the value of pursuing worthwhile goals and learning every step of the way. The quote "Make your life a mission – not an intermission" perfectly highlights his broader message: living with a sense of purpose elevates both your actions and your attitude. Glasow’s words continue to inspire those looking for substance beyond surface success, urging everyone to make their own lives meaningful and significant.
