Discovering Inner Forces: Purpose

Clarity of and commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the world 

In a world that can feel increasingly chaotic and confusing, it can be easy to lose sight of what really matters

That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a sense of purpose—a clear and inspiring reason for why you do what you do. When you know your purpose, you can approach the world with intention and focus, making a meaningful contribution to the lives of those around you. 

There are countless benefits to having a sense of purpose. When you know your purpose, you: 

If you’re not sure what your purpose is, don’t worry — there are many ways to find it. Answering these questions can help you zero in on your purpose.

What am I passionate about? 

What do I want my contribution to the world to be?

Your sense of purpose is waiting to be discovered — all it takes is a little exploration on your part. Once you find it, hold onto it tightly; it will be your North Star, guiding you through even the darkest of times.

So what are you waiting for? Start searching for your purpose today! 

In case you are still feeling stuck, here are a few more ideas to get you started:

Oftentimes, the best way to find out if you’re interested in something is to talk to someone who is already interested in it. Ask them why they like it, what they get out of it, and what their favorite part is. You might be surprised by how much you have in common with them. 

It can be scary to try something new, but it’s also one of the best ways to find out what you’re passionate about. By trying new things, you open yourself up to new experiences and new perspectives. Who knows, maybe the thing you’re most passionate about is something you’ve never even heard of before! 

If there’s something you’ve always been interested in but never had the chance to explore, now is the time! Whether it’s a hobby or an academic subject, if you’re curious about something then go ahead and give it a try.

The worst that can happen is that you’ll find out it’s not for you—but chances are good that you’ll end up loving it! 

Finding your passion can feel like a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that everyone has something they’re passionate about—you just haven’t found yours yet! By talking to people who are passionate about something, trying new things, and following your interests, you’re sure to find what gets you excited and makes you want to learn more.

So don’t give up — keep looking until you find your passion… it just may lead you to your purpose.

Co-Authored With AI

Making Waves Education Foundation generated this text in part with artificial intelligence. Content has been reviewed, edited, and revised to our organization’s liking and we take ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.

Wave-Maker Success Framework

A framework for achieving college, career, and life goals

About Making Waves Education Foundation

At Making Waves, we are committed to educational equity. Making Waves Education Foundation is a Bay Area nonprofit that supports Making Waves Academy – a public charter school with more than 1,100 5th through 12th grade students – and leads college and career programming with more than 430 college students.

Knowing the opportunities that come with a college degree, we partner with historically underrepresented and underserved students to help make college affordable and graduation attainable. Centering the journeys of our students, our personalized approach includes college and career coaching, scholarships, and financial planning.

Our alumni network includes more than 730 college graduates, who earn their degrees and land jobs at more than twice the rate of their first-generation, low-income peers, with 85% graduating debt-free.