Living with Purpose
A Guide to Meaning, Fulfillment, and Leaving the World Better Than You Found It
“Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’” – Viktor Frankl
In my research and in life, I often encounter people who feel overwhelmed by the idea of purpose in life. Some believe it’s reserved for an elite few—the activists, the artists, the visionaries. Others assume it’s something you stumble upon, like an epiphany waiting to happen. Some even dismiss it as overly idealistic or cheesy, failing to recognize that purpose plays a crucial role in shaping how well our lives go. But purpose is not a privilege, nor is it something that simply reveals itself overnight.
Purpose is a way of life, an orientation towards the world, a framework that helps us set goals, think about the future, navigate challenges, and shape our interactions with the world around us.
This topic was a clear focus of the most recent Socrates Café episode with my lab-mate, Breanna Sampo. We discussed how the idea of purpose is often misunderstood, even though research shows that only one in three adults report having a clear purpose. Among teenagers, the number is even lower—only about one in five reports living a life of purpose. But why does this matter? And how can we shift our thinking about purpose to make it accessible to everyone?
Why Purpose Matters for a Well-Lived Life
Studies have shown that having a purpose in life is associated with greater psychological (mental) well-being, better health, and even increased longevity (purposeful individuals live longer, healthier lives).
People with purpose:
Experience higher life satisfaction and more resilience.
Have better relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.
Are more likely to engage in meaningful work and contribute to their communities.
In the Adolescent Moral Development Lab, where I work with about 15 researchers studying purpose in youth and adulthood, we’ve seen how transformative it can be. People who cultivate a sense of purpose with their goals tend to navigate hardships with more clarity and motivation. They don’t just react to life—they move through it with intention.
Defining Purpose as I Know It
According to leading scholars William Damon and Kendall Bronk, purpose is not just a vague sense of meaning—it has three essential dimensions:
A Stable and Long-Term Intention – Purpose isn’t a fleeting passion; it’s something you build and sustain over time. It's a future-oriented goal that may or may not be attainable.
A Contribution Beyond the Self – True purpose involves impact—on a community, a cause, or something greater than oneself. Making a difference in the lives of others is what separates purpose from meaning.
Personal Significance – Purpose must feel deeply meaningful to the person who holds it. While purposeful goals aim to make a difference in the broader world, they also hold personal value.
This definition challenges the common myth that purpose is just about finding your passion. Instead, it suggests that purpose is something we develop through intentional action, reflection, and contribution. It can involve passion, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
For some, purpose might mean connecting people to the resources they need, dedicating time to a cause, or working to build a better life for their family. Others might find purpose in mentoring youth, contributing to scientific advancements, or creating art that inspires others. The ways in which purpose manifests are diverse, but at its core, it is about finding meaning in what we do and how we impact others.
How Purpose Develops Over Time
Purpose isn’t something that strikes like lightning—it’s cultivated through exploration, setbacks, and growth. Personally, I’ve noticed my own sense of purpose deepen since I began studying it. Seeing how purpose develops in others has helped me reflect on my own journey and recognize that it’s an evolving process, not a fixed destination. I've personally been studying the search for purpose—the process through which people explore, define, and refine what matters most and how they live that out in their day-to-day. This happened alongside my own search for purpose, and I hope to share these experiences in future posts.
Viktor Frankl’s Insight on Purpose
During the darkest moments of his life in a concentration camp, Viktor Frankl found purpose in helping others maintain hope. His famous idea—that we do not simply seek pleasure but rather meaning—reminds us that purpose is often found not in avoiding suffering, but in how we respond to it. If you'd like to hear more about his tremendous search for purpose amidst suffering, consider reading Man's Search for Meaning.
Reflection & Practical Takeaways
Purpose isn’t a privilege, and it is attainable for everyone—it’s something we all have the ability to cultivate. Here are some ways to start developing your own sense of purpose:
Search for Purpose Activity:
Identify Three Moments of Meaning – Think of three times in your life when you felt deeply fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you helping?
The Beyond-Self Test – Consider: How does what I do contribute to something bigger than myself?
Write a Purpose Statement – In one sentence, describe what drives you. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just a starting point. Then, as you learn more about your own purpose or engage with some of the search for purpose activities I will soon share, revisit this statement.
Reflection Questions:
What activities make you feel energized and engaged?
If you could dedicate your time to one cause, mission, or group what would it be?
How has your sense of purpose changed over time?
Join Us on the Journey
At Paving the Way, we believe purpose isn’t just an abstract idea—it’s the foundation for a meaningful and fulfilling life. Our mission is to make purpose accessible, helping people from all walks of life explore and cultivate their own sense of direction. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or refining an existing path, we’re here to provide the tools, insights, and inspiration you need.
By engaging in this conversation, you’re not only deepening your own understanding but also contributing to a movement—one where we collectively reframe purpose as something attainable and essential. Let’s build a world where purpose is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.
Subscribe to Paving the Way for more insights on living a purposeful, flourishing life, and consider sharing this with a friend who might benefit from this discussion.