Purpose Points are the key narrative scenes in your book that’ll have your readers nodding along and saying, “Yep, been there.” They make the book cohesive, and when you’re teaching your reader something (which you always are!), Purpose Points are essential for making your lessons stick.

Here’s how they break down and how the align to the Heroine’s Journey stages, which you’ll find in the parentheses to the right of each Purpose Point’s name. At the end of each description, you’ll find an emoji to help you remember them.

1. Hook — (Seeing the Potential): Imagine it like this: You’ve got a successful business, amazing clients, and the income to prove it. But something feels off. Maybe you’re working 60-hour weeks while your “self-care” consists of dry shampoo and yesterday’s yoga pants. Your readers will see themselves in this moment and know they’re in the right place.
   
2. Inciting Incident — (The Call to Change): This is where life throws you a curveball that makes you question everything. Maybe it’s losing that big client because you were too burnt out to show up fully, or realizing your kid can’t remember the last time you made it to their soccer game. Whatever it is, it’s the wake-up call you can’t ignore.
   
3. 1st Turning Point — (Inner Wisdom Emerges): You finally listen to that little voice inside saying “there’s got to be a better way.” It’s that first real step toward change, even if it’s tiny. Like finally admitting your current business model is killing your soul, or deciding to block off Fridays for family time no matter what.​
   
4. 1st Pinch Point — (Embracing Vulnerability): Life tests your new commitment. Your biggest client asks for a Friday meeting. Your revenue dips as you adjust your schedule. But instead of backsliding, you find strength in staying true to your new path.​
   
5. Transformation — (This Is Who I Am): The clouds part and suddenly everything becomes crystal clear. You realize what you thought you wanted (like a 7-figure business) isn’t what you actually need (like a sustainable business that lets you thrive). This is where your true journey begins.​
   
6. 2nd Pinch Point — (Reclaiming Power): One final challenge pushes you to prove you’re ready for full transformation. Maybe your old ways try to creep back in during a stressful launch, but now you’ve got the tools and confidence to handle it differently.​
   
7. 2nd Turning Point — (Wisdom into Action): Everything you’ve learned crystallizes into clear action. You’re not just talking about work-life balance; you’re actually creating it. Your new way of doing things isn’t just theory anymore—it’s your lived reality.​
   
8. The Triumph (Harmonious Integration): This is your “I’ve got this” moment. That crisis that would’ve sent old you into a tailspin? You handle it with grace while still making it to your kid’s recital. You’re flowing between different roles with ease.
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9. Resolution — (The Empowered Heroine): Welcome to your new normal. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. And the best part? Your transformation naturally inspires others to change too. You’ve become someone who creates positive change wherever you go.
   
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Weave these Purpose Points into your book, and you’ll have readers staying up way past their bedtime, highlighter in hand, because your words are speaking their language. They also help you apply the Heroine’s Journey much easier because they offer a self-check for the work you did last time.

Check Out: 7 Triggers of Writing Imposter Syndrome: Reclaim Your Confidence

Add Purpose Points to Your Book

Go back to the note you took on your Heroine’s Journey last time and double-check that each stage of the Heroine’s Journey meets the requirements of its associated Purpose Point. If it doesn’t quite hit the target, this is the time to see how you can strengthen that moment.

Remember, these moments will make or break your book!

So don’t try to breeze past this exercise; I cannot stress enough how critical it is to get these right! Spend the half hour or so you need to do this exercise properly before you move on.

• Hook: What’s that “I’m fine” facade your readers are all too familiar with?
• Inciting Incident: What’s the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back?
• 1st Turning Point: How do you take a stab at change without really changing?
• 1st Pinch Point: What well-meaning attempt at self-improvement falls hilariously flat?
• Transformation: What makes you realize you’ve been wearing a mask, and it’s time to take it off?
• 2nd Pinch Point: How do you reconnect with the ‘you’ you used to be (or always wanted to be)?
• 2nd Turning Point: What new boundary makes your inner people-pleaser squirm (in a good way)?
• Climactic Moment: How do you navigate a major challenge with your newfound balance?
• Resolution: How has your journey created a ripple effect in your world?

Spend quality time on this exercise. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating moments that resonate deeply with your readers. These Purpose Points are the difference between a book that sits on a shelf and one that changes lives.

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Your book is taking your readers on a journey. Purpose Points are your roadmap for that journey. They ensure that your readers don’t just learn from your book, but experience it.

By nailing these Purpose Points, you’re not just writing a book; you’re crafting an experience. You’re giving your readers those “aha” moments that will keep them engaged, inspired, and coming back for more. And isn’t that why we write in the first place?

So, as you craft your nonfiction masterpiece, keep these Purpose Points in mind. They’re your secret weapon for creating a book that doesn’t just inform, but transforms. Now, get out there and start writing. Your readers are waiting for those life-changing moments only you can provide.

You’ll be so glad you put the effort in here when you get to the writing stage!