William Damon, a renowned professor of education and the director of the Stanford Center on Adolescence, often shares a poignant story about a student who took a summer job at a fast-food restaurant. While many might view such a position as mere drudgery, Damon emphasizes that it can be transformed into a meaningful experience. He recalls, We talked about how his job wasnt just about flipping burgers, explaining how the student recognized the impact he could have on customers. There are people coming in for a meal who have been working hard. Your job is to put a smile on their faces. This shift in perspective completely changed the student's approach to service, allowing him to find significance and purpose even in a seemingly mundane role.

Damon, whose influential works include *The Path to Purpose: How Young People Find Their Calling in Life*, defines purpose as an intention to accomplish something that is at the same time meaningful to the self and consequential for the world beyond the self. This concept of purpose is essential for providing individuals with a sense of direction and meaning in their lives. Research has revealed numerous personal benefits associated with having a sense of purpose, including increased energy, motivation, emotional stability, and resilience. Damon points out that these advantages often stem from focusing on the well-being of others rather than oneself. One of the biggest benefits of purpose is that it endows people with resilience because youre not thinking about yourself all the time, he explains. Even when you face failures or financial setbacks, those who possess a strong sense of purpose tend to persist and recover better from their challenges. He offers valuable insights for anyone eager to cultivate a more meaningful life.

When discussing purpose, Damon distinguishes it from common concepts like goals, passions, wishes, and dreams. While these elements hold their own value, they do not equate to having purpose. Youve got to turn those dreams into action plans, he advises. This could involve acquiring new skills related to a particular interest and identifying ways to apply those skills in the world. For instance, someone with a passion for plants might take the time to educate themselves on botany, eventually finding a role in conservation, advocating for green spaces, or engaging in community gardening. Damon notes, A purpose is a goal, but a specific kind. Its not short-term or self-oriented. He also highlights that while a purpose can ignite passion, it is not always accompanied by excitement. Meaningful work may sometimes feel tedious, yet it remains significant.

Damon co-authored *Education: A Global Compact for a Time of Crisis* with psychologist Anne Colby, where they identified a common pattern among individuals who successfully align their interests and talents with their purpose. These individuals often undergo two critical realizations: firstly, they recognize that there is something in the world that needs improvement or innovation, and secondly, they feel a personal desire and capability to contribute to that change. You dont have to radically change the world, Damon emphasizes. You can simply add to the world. If I go in and teach, and just one kid in my class says, Thats really interesting, that one little spark in a students eye provides me with purpose.

Furthermore, Damon reassures individuals that they do not necessarily need to seek out a different job to find purpose. While some may associate purpose with high-stakes commitments or prestigious positions, he believes that nearly any job can become a calling. I never advise people to quit their job, he states. Almost any job can be a calling. By reexamining their current rolesmuch like the student who learned to view his fast-food job through a lens of serviceindividuals may uncover hidden meanings. However, he acknowledges that sometimes a job is simply a means to pay the bills, and ones true purposes might lie within family commitments, charitable activities, or faith-based endeavors.

Damons recent study, which surveyed over 1,000 students from 11 different colleges and universities over three years, yielded surprising results: more than half of the students reported that they were in college primarily to discover their purpose, rather than solely to prepare for a job. The study, published in *Applied Developmental Science* in September, also revealed that most colleges are not adequately providing the kind of education that fosters a sense of purpose. Effective strategies, such as one-on-one advising and experiential learning opportunities, are vital for teaching students about purpose.

We are beginning to see some interesting developments in higher education surrounding this issue, Damon remarks. Since the study's release, he has received interest from various educational leaders who have recognized the connection between a sense of purpose and improved student retention rates, as well as a more holistic educational experience.

Ultimately, Damon stresses that finding ones purpose is a deeply personal journey. Finding purpose in life is really an individual discovery, he asserts, emphasizing that it cannot be dictated by others, such as parents or employers, without risking a lack of commitment. Introspection and practical experiences play crucial roles in this journey. Think a lot about who you are and what you believe in, he advises. From there, connect your personal insights with broader community needs. Step outside your comfort zonevolunteer, tutor, or engage in community efforts. Seek mentors or role models who can guide you. Over time, compile your experiences and reflections to assess what truly holds meaning for you.

Importantly, Damon reminds us that discovering purpose does not adhere to a rigid timeline. While some individuals find their calling early in lifelike the cancer researcher motivated by a personal loss or the pianist who uncovered his passion at a young agemost people will navigate a longer, more complex path toward identifying their purpose. Research indicates that only about one in five young people possess a fully developed sense of purpose, with slightly fewer adults in midlife or older showing the same clarity. Moreover, an individual's purpose can evolve over time, with many undergoing renewed searches for meaning during transitional life phases, such as when children leave home for college or upon reaching retirement. It can be challenging to find a place where your talents and interests can be useful in todays ever-changing world, Damon acknowledges. The economy is constantly shifting, new fields are emerging, and life can be tough to navigate. But one of the most rewarding aspects of life is indeed having a purpose.

Tracie White is a senior writer at Stanford. For inquiries, email her at traciew@stanford.edu.