William Damon, a prominent educator and director of the Stanford Center on Adolescence, often shares a compelling anecdote involving a student who took a summer job at a fast-food restaurant. While many might view such employment as mundane, Damon highlights a transformative perspective. He recounts, We talked about how his job wasnt just about flipping burgers. The student realized that this role had a greater significance: 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 viewpoint not only made the job enriching but also instilled a sense of purpose in the student, who began to see his work as a vital service to others.

Damon, whose notable 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 definition underscores the idea that having a purpose not only brings personal fulfillment but also provides a clear direction in life. Numerous studies corroborate the myriad benefits associated with a strong sense of purpose, including heightened energy, increased motivation, emotional stability, and remarkable resilience. Interestingly, Damon notes that the path to these benefits often involves a focus on serving others rather than self-interest. 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, individuals who possess a strong sense of purpose tend to persevere and effectively bounce back from their challenges. With these insights, Damon aims to guide anyone seeking deeper meaning in their life.

Its essential to recognize that finding purpose isnt simply a lofty dream. While goals, passions, and wishes are valuable, they differ significantly from a true sense of purpose. Damon emphasizes that its important to translate these dreams into actionable plans. For instance, if you have a passion for plants, consider furthering your education in botany or horticulture. This could lead to hands-on opportunities such as working to preserve endangered species, advocating for green spaces in urban environments, or helping maintain a community garden. A purpose is a goal, but a particular kind, Damon states. Its not short-term or self-oriented. An important aspect of this journey is accepting that purpose may not always ignite excitement; even meaningful tasks can feel tedious at times.

In their collaborative work, Education: A Global Compact for a Time of Crisis, Damon and psychologist Anne Colby examine how individuals can channel their interests and talents into a meaningful purpose. They found that as individuals engage with the world, they typically experience two key realizations: first, that aspects of the world require improvement, correction, or enrichment; and second, that they possess both the desire and the ability to contribute to these improvements. You dont have to radically change the world, Damon reassures. You can add to the world. If I go in and teach, and just one kid in my class says, Thats really interesting, that one little light in a students eye provides me with purpose.

Interestingly, Damon stresses that discovering ones purpose doesnt necessitate a shift in employment. While some may find purpose in high-stakes careers, he believes that meaning can often be found in various jobs. I never advise people to quit their job, he insists. Almost any job can be a calling. By re-evaluating how one views their job, like the aforementioned burger flipper, individuals might uncover a deeper significance in their work than previously recognized. However, its also essential to understand that sometimes a job is merely a means to an end, and ones true purpose might be pursued through family, charitable work, or faith-based activities.

Damons recent study, which surveyed over 1,000 students from 11 colleges and universities over three years, yielded surprising findings. He discovered that more than half of the students were pursuing higher education primarily to find purpose, not just to acquire the skills needed for employment. Published in the journal Applied Developmental Science in September, the study also revealed a concerning gap: most colleges were not effectively providing the type of education that nurtures purposesuch as personalized advising or hands-on field experiences. We are beginning to see some interesting developments in higher education surrounding this issue, Damon notes. Following the publication of the study, he has received inquiries from various leaders in academia, many of whom recognize that fostering a sense of purpose can enhance student retention and facilitate a more comprehensive educational experience.

Ultimately, Damon emphasizes that the journey to finding purpose is deeply personal. Finding purpose in life is really an individual discovery, he states, underscoring that it cannot be imposed by others, be it parents or employers. For a purpose to be meaningful, individuals must engage in introspection and practical experiences. Think a lot about who you are and what you believe in, he advises. Following this reflection, connect your insights with the broader community. Step outside of your comfort zone: volunteer, tutor, or participate in community service. Seek out mentors or role models, and gather field experience. Once you have gathered these experiences, reflect on them to ascertain what truly resonates with you as meaningful.

Its crucial to acknowledge that finding ones purpose can take time. While some individuals, like a cancer researcher motivated by a personal tragedy or a gifted pianist who discovered their passion early on, may find their calling early in life, many others face a more winding path. In fact, studies indicate that only about 20% of young adults possess a fully developed sense of purpose, with slightly fewer older adults reporting the same. Furthermore, ones sense of purpose can evolve over time, often prompting new searches for meaning following major life transitions, such as children leaving for college or entering retirement. It can be challenging to find a place where your talents and interests can be useful in todays ever-changing world, Damon reflects. The economy is constantly changing; new fields are developing. Life is hard, and we dont always have an easy ride. But one of the great things in life is purpose.

Tracie White is a senior writer at Stanford University. Email her at traciew@stanford.edu.