By Will Kirsop, Founder and Student Coach at Many Roads
For centuries, humanity has grappled with a fundamental question: What is our purpose in life? From ancient philosophers to modern psychologists, this quest has transcended cultures and eras. Today, science affirms that discovering purpose is not just a philosophical ideal—it’s a tangible path to better health, wellbeing, and success.
For college students navigating an increasingly complex world, discovering purpose can be transformative. Supporting them in this journey isn’t just about self-reflection; it’s a profound investment in their resilience and ability to thrive.
Historical Perspectives on Purpose
The concept of purpose has deep roots across cultures and history. In ancient Greece, Aristotle described eudaimonia—a life of flourishing and virtue—as humanity’s ultimate aim. Similarly, the Japanese concept of ikigai highlights the intersection of what we love, what we’re good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for.
These ideas resonate with Helen Keller’s wisdom:
“True happiness… is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”
This enduring pursuit reflects a universal truth: purpose shapes how we connect with others and contribute to the greater good.
The Science of Purpose
Modern research defines purpose as a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something personally meaningful that also contributes to the world. It involves three components:
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Personal meaning: What deeply resonates with us.
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Goal orientation: A sense of direction or ambition.
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Aims beyond the self: Actions that benefit others and society.
Studies consistently link purpose to improved wellbeing, mental health, and academic engagement. Students with a strong sense of purpose experience higher optimism, hope, and life satisfaction. Even the act of exploring purpose can lead to greater fulfillment and resilience.
Helping Students Discover Their Purpose
Adolescence and young adulthood is a pivotal time for identity formation and self-discovery. Students benefit greatly from mentors, parents, and educators who can guide them through this journey. Practical approaches, like the Life Crafting framework, offer structured steps to help with purpose discovery:
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Identify their values and passions.
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Reflect on their ideal future.
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Set actionable goals.
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Commit publicly to their plans.
These tools equip students to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity, laying the foundation for a life of meaning and fulfillment.
Conclusion: Living the Questions
As Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Purpose is not just about self-discovery—it’s about sharing our gifts with the world to make a lasting impact.
When we help students uncover their purpose, we give them the confidence to face life’s challenges and the vision to leave their mark on the world. Imagine a generation of young people with the clarity to set meaningful goals, the courage to chase them, and the heart to make a difference. It all starts with asking the right questions and giving them the space to explore.
By guiding students to discover their unique gifts, we empower them to live meaningful, impactful lives—and in doing so, we enrich our families, schools, and communities.
Explore More: Tools like Life Crafting can set the foundation for students to thrive. Learn how to bring this framework to your family or community by connecting with Will at will@manyroads.co
Will Kirsop is the founder of Many Roads, a coaching business dedicated to helping teens discover their purpose and thrive. With a background in education, psychology, and business, he has coached hundreds of students to success, many from leading schools across the U.S. Will’s evidence-based approach empowers teens to identify their strengths, build resilience, and navigate challenges with confidence, fostering growth and fulfillment.