Finding Your Purpose in Your 20s: A Science-Based Approach in Exploring Your 20s

Over half of young adults (58%) said they didn't have "meaning or purpose" in their lives during the past month, and half said that "not knowing what to do with my life" hurt their mental health.

Mental health issues have emerged among many young individuals who experience an absence of meaning in life, including high suicide rates, increased depression statistics, and rising anxiety symptoms.

Finding your purpose isn't an illusion. In fact, the absence of it keeps making mental health issues a global burden.

In this article, we will examine what finding your purpose means, the science behind it, and practical steps to navigate purpose in your 20s. 

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What Does 'Finding Your Purpose' Really Mean?

Purpose can be defined as your central motivation in life. It encompasses your reason for existence, the definition of your being, and what gives your life meaning.

Have you ever been at a juncture in your life and become extremely curious about your purpose in life?

Have you ever thought to yourself, "What defines me?" "What motivates me?" "What gives me meaning and a sense of fulfillment in life?"  

Finding purpose is a journey of discovery and inner reflection. Picture it as navigating an unfamiliar path where you encounter different crossroads to explore. It starts with self-discovery, in-depth introspection, and honest assessment.

However, your purpose is intricately connected to meaning in life; a unique discovery aligned with your values, beliefs, and principles that govern you. These values guide decisions, behaviors, relational intelligence, and accomplishments in life. 

In discovering your purpose, you'll uncover how your potential, abilities, talents, and skills align with your passion. Your character traits and aspirations will guide you toward activities that resonate with you and support your growth.

Ultimately, finding your purpose means comprehending who you are, your values, your innate character, and your guiding principles, and connecting them with your big 'why' and what fulfills you.

However, from a psychological standpoint, purpose enhances well-being: lower cortisol levels, reduced health issues, and a strong immune system. 

According to research, finding meaning and purpose in life enhances an organized life, mental resilience, and reduced mental health struggles such as depression. 

Now that you've understood the elements of finding your purpose, let's delve into why the 20s are a prime phase for discovering purpose.

Why Your 20s Are the Prime Time to Discover Your Purpose

As a young individual, your 20s are a great advantage.

Transitioning from teenagehood into adulthood automatically means that you have attained some level of independence, and a new way of life different from your past years now stares at you. 

You can now make choices based on your personal preferences and perspectives, which are less structured than they were. In this phase of life, finding your purpose is a defining compass that helps you survive and thrive in adulthood.

As a young adult, you might feel unqualified to walk through life, make the right decisions, and be stable. Here are four primary reasons why you must find your purpose in your 20s:

• In your 20s, your brain is still plastic. Research shows that brain development continues during and even past the twenties. However, most brain patterns and pathways fully develop during your mid-20s. For example, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, risk assessment, and planning, doesn't fully form until your mid-20s. This implies that your brain is more adaptable and receptive to change as a twenty-something. 

• Your 20s might come with big feelings of fear, insecurity, loneliness, confusion, and other mental health issues. However, finding meaning in life gives you an edge over the uncertainties of life, provides more structure, and helps you set meaningful and long-term goals. 

• Simultaneously, because some responsibilities like marriage, parenting, or acquiring a rental property are not in view, you have more time to design your life, own your process, and move at your own pace. 

This time advantage makes it easier to explore your passions, areas of fulfillment, and purpose, helping you achieve outstanding accomplishments both personally and professionally.

This is the stage where you can act based on your convictions, not what anyone tells you to do. You can find and discover what triggers your behavior and then begin to live in alignment with who you truly are. 

You can also unpack your childhood experiences and how they have influenced your passion and perspectives. Your 20s are a solid foundation to make personal strong convictions that match your zeal and motivation in life.

Despite this, navigating your path to purpose is not a one-size-fits-all. Initially, you won't have it all figured out, nor will you get a full glimpse of your life's journey in the middle. It's a lifelong process. 

This stage allows you to explore and work more to discover what sets you apart from others. The truth is that this journey could take time and consistent pursuit; however, don't be discouraged.

Let's delve deeper into the intersection between purpose and well-being.

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What Science Says About Purpose and Well-being

High rates of depression have been linked to feelings of hopelessness. A large number of young individuals have resorted to toxic behaviors such as alcoholism, engaging in toxic relationships, isolation, procrastination, and self-harm, etc., out of a deep quest for meaning in life that never sees the light.

A study also revealed the direct relationship between social hopelessness and suicidality among college students. On the flip side, purpose has been seen to bring positive orientation about life, hope, and goal-oriented actions. 

Cultivating and sustaining a good coping mechanism in life is also a marker of purposeful living.

For better context, developing positive coping strategies isn't a standalone reality. These coping strategies are behavioral and cognitive abilities to manage stressful events, adapt to difficult situations, and bounce back from life's pressures. An individual's coping strategy is hinged on their drive, self-perception, and acquired skills towards achieving a goal.

This science-backed evidence reveals that finding your purpose helps you build resilience. Research shows that individuals who find meaning in life experience more positive emotions and fewer mental health issues.

Purpose enables you to respond to stress with positive rather than negative emotions, improving your well-being. 

You will attain greater satisfaction, happiness, and a strong sense of identity when you develop a sense of fulfillment.

How, then, do you turn these facts into real-life experiences? What practical steps do you need to take to find your purpose? Let's look into that!

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Practical Steps to Finding Your Purpose in Your 20s

Taking the big leap to practise introspection and self-discovery to find your purpose doesn't have a static formula. Everyone's purpose is unique, and you must take practical steps distinct to you. Here are 5 practical steps to finding your purpose in your 20s:

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1. Reflect on Core Values

Embark on a self-discovery journey.

The most important thing to do is establish a solid sense of identity. Who really are you? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What personality and character traits do you exhibit? What defines the kind of person that you are?

Knowing yourself and establishing your identity is a good starting point for understanding your values, beliefs, preferences, thought patterns, and personality type. 

This is also the phase where you actively explore the things that matter most. Get to the roots of the things you like. Seek to know one thing you can naturally and seamlessly do without any reward or supervision.

What thoughts keep your mind active and engaged? What are your pain points, and what problem are you passionate about solving?

What aspect of life or your passion gives you unfiltered satisfaction? What roles do you naturally take in group settings? What keeps you up late at night and still wakes you up early in the morning, ready to keep moving?

As you reflect and practice self-awareness, you will begin to understand the experiences that shaped you, how those experiences have influenced your mindset, and whether they now motivate you to solve problems.

For instance, some people found purpose through their pain and the challenges they have faced in life. For example, someone who experienced severe poverty might become an advocate for low-income individuals and marginalized communities.

Purpose is beyond finding a career path. However, career possibilities can be expressed after discovering a purpose. Nonetheless, ensure that finding your purpose isn't first associated with external drive or motives.

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2. Set Goals Aligned with Your Discovery

You already have a glimpse into your purpose, so what's next? The next thing to do is set goals that'll take you to where you're going.

Ask yourself, "What skills do I need to get equipped with to fulfill my purpose?" "What steps do I need to take that would bring me closer to meaning in life?"

After knowing what matters most to you and you're ready to tread the path of purpose without external validation, it's time to set goals.

Setting goals means creating milestones that align with your life's purpose. You're essentially designing your own process and implementing practical actions to make your purpose a reality.

Start by brainstorming ideas. Break big visions into chunks based on activities, timelines, or projects. 

For example, if you're passionate about creating an NGO focused on educational equality, you can set practical goals. These might include learning NGO management, volunteering in the field, and gaining knowledge about impacting the educational sector.

Gain appropriate skills and refine them. Commit yourself to learning via internships, networking, or traveling.

3. Consult Professional Help

Because you already have a picture of your purpose, finding the right people and mentors who can guide you is easy. 

Connect with leaders and role models who can give you timely insights and wisdom on finding purpose in your 20s. They can also provide resources, teach you how to upskill, and because they've gone ahead of you, you can learn from their lived experiences.

While it's beneficial to glean knowledge from role models in your industry or the same career path, you can also learn from in different niches through the principles they operate by and their several achievements.

Therapy is also a safe place where you can gain clarity. Sitting with a therapist can help you discover what you should be doing at the moment by helping you connect meaningful dots and arrive at an outcome. 

What if therapy doesn't make it to the top of your list? You can try Brightn. The app's personalized health, wealth, and purpose approach provides exceptional insights on how to find meaning in life.

It also contains countless resources from experts and Brightn's library on how to navigate your purpose step-by-step.

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4. Build Meaningful Relationships

The relationships you keep now in your 20s go a long way and could determine how well you explore your passions.

You can build a community of like-minded individuals actively pursuing purpose, making it easy for you to be cheered up and keep moving. You can also practice accountability by joining or establishing a community of people with similar interests and passions.

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5. Track Energy and Fulfillment

It's easy to continue through life without taking time to reflect on your journey so far.

You must track your purpose journey and identify specific landmarks you have conquered. This is equivalent to tracking your goals, the milestones you've set, or even taking inventories of how many projects you've been able to execute.

Tracking your fulfillment might feel exhausting, and that's why you must set measurable goals and have KPIs that can give you accurate metrics of specific parameters.

This form of tracking could look like asking yourself specific questions, like "Am I really fulfilling my purpose?" "Do I feel satisfied doing this?" "Am I making a real-life impact with my skill?"

Amazingly, you can use journaling with prompts to reflect on your journey and how well you have performed. 

Curious about how to find prompts for seeking your purpose? Install the Brightn app on your device and explore our excellent journaling experience.

While you now understand the practical steps to take in finding your purpose, let's see how to stay grounded and find clarity in purpose.

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How to Stay Grounded While Figuring It Out

Figuring out your purpose in your 20s might feel challenging, especially when you keep hitting roadblocks. Here's how to stay grounded while figuring it all out:

1. Create Daily Routines

Finding your purpose requires more focus and determination to be well-guided in carving out a path for yourself.

Creating a routine means planning your daily activities, which further helps you cultivate healthy habits that empower you to fulfill your purpose to satisfaction. 

Also, you must create structures that'll make your goals and your activities more coordinated.

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2. Practice mindfulness and journaling.

Finding your purpose could come with chaos as you try to find internal and external clarity.

Getting a glimpse into what you're called to do is an adventure and could come with different transitions. Mindfulness is a stress-relieving practice that keeps you grounded and keeps your mental well-being in check.

Meditation, a fragment of mindfulness, is a coping mechanism that helps you stay resilient and achieve inner calm. 

Also, journaling works alongside meditation perfectly as it helps you express your emotions and declutter your mind.

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3. Celebrate Small Wins And Milestones Along The Way

Every single step matters. 

Don't trivialize your journey and every milestone you hit. Celebrate your little wins and practice gratitude- no matter how small. One major reason you might not be stirred up to celebrate is comparison. 

Instead of looking to others in comparison, which would trigger negative emotions, look up to others and be inspired. By doing this, you'll be able to celebrate yourself every step of the way.

You're Already in the Process of Becoming

Finding your way through your  20s can feel scary, with several uncertainties and unfamiliar events. And trying to discover your purpose amidst all that can also feel like a heavy weight.

Nonetheless, your 20s are the prime time to practice self-discovery and a more profound knowing of the reason for your existence. 

Cultivate meaningful relationships that'll help you thrive. Learn from professional and top industry leaders. At the same time, give your time to exploring resources on purpose, just as Brightn provides on the seamless and friendly app.

Accelerate your journey into finding purpose. Give Brightn a try today!

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