Most people are just trying to survive—but what happens when surviving isn’t enough? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt opens up about the harsh reality facing so many: rising costs, unstable jobs, and systems that feel rigged from the start. He shares his own story of hitting dead ends, watching AI and economic shifts erase opportunity almost overnight. But instead of giving in, he chose to build something different. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about choosing purpose over panic. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this conversation might help you see a new way forward.

Quotes:

"Your purpose is so embedded in you—so deep in the flesh—that your DNA cannot be sold." — Christopher Pitt

" You would think that would be a good thing, but helping people can be hard. Helping people is the hardest business I've ever been in my entire life." — Christopher Pitt

"You have 99 reasons to stop; your job is to find the one reason to keep going, and most times that one reason is when you look in the mirror. " — Christopher Pitt

"The most valuable thing you have is your time, and that is what purpose requires from you—to give up the most valuable thing in your life." — Christopher Pitt

"You can't save your way out when you're struggling. You need a strategic plan to get you out of there." — Christopher Pitt

Key Takeaways:

• Map out a side income strategy using your current job's skills and network, aiming to create revenue streams outside your primary employment.

• Identify a personal pain point or challenge from your past that could become the foundation of a purpose-driven business or mission.

• Create a 30-day personal challenge focused on understanding your core motivations and breaking through self-imposed limitations.

• Develop a 2-3 year strategic plan that includes specific goals for business ownership, real estate investment, or alternative income generation.

• Audit your current financial ecosystem and identify at least one concrete step to protect yourself against potential job market disruptions caused by emerging technologies.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] Why purpose matters more than just making money

[05:08] How personal pain shaped a mission to build

[10:14] What no one tells you about helping people

[14:47] How poverty mindsets keep people from change

[21:04] What ai means for your job and your future

[25:47] Why ownership is the only way out of the trap

[32:19] What to do now if you want real stability

Conclusion:

Work rooted in purpose often asks more of us—it calls for emotional strength, personal sacrifice, and a willingness to turn hardship into action. In today’s shifting economy, especially with the rise of AI, financial stability depends less on traditional paths and more on ownership and diverse income sources. Escaping cycles of poverty takes more than a plan; it takes a shift in thinking. Letting go of self-doubt, pushing past gatekeepers, and taking full responsibility for one’s future are key steps toward lasting change. It's not easy, but it’s necessary.

Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success.

Links:

Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/

Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/

Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s