The Journey to Finding Yourself and Your Purpose
1/15/2026
By Serena M.
If you feel like you are lost in life or unsure about who you are or what you are doing with your life, take a deep breath in. You are not alone, and you are most definitely not behind. I know I have definitely felt this way plenty of times before as well. Finding who you are and discovering your purpose isn’t something that is going to magically happen in one day. It is a journey, and every step you take throughout the process matters.
You Don't Need to Have It All Figured Out
One of the biggest myths in life is that you are supposed to know exactly who you are and what you want to be when you grow up. The reality is that most people change careers multiple times in life, and feeling uncertain about your path is completely normal and valid.
Your teens and early twenties are supposed to be about exploring, trying new things, and learning what works for you. You are not supposed to have all the answers right now.
Start by Exploring Your Interests
To find your purpose, you first have to figure out what excites you and what you like. What topics do you like to explore in your free time? What problems in the world make you want to jump in and help? If you find something you love to do, you will never work a day in your life.
Explore new hobbies, try volunteering, take a cooking class, and join organizations that interest you. No matter if you have a positive or negative experience, you will learn something about yourself in the process. Exploring your interests is how you discover your passions and what makes you unique.
Use Your Values As Your Compass
The key to finding your purpose is understanding your values. Do you like being creative or helping people? Do you want more independence or guidance? Do you want to have a family or focus on your career? Knowing your values makes big decisions like these in life easier.
Think about the moments in your life when you felt truly happy or proud of yourself. What values did you honor in those moments? Identifying your values helps you to build towards a life that is uniquely authentic to YOU.
Your Purpose Grows as You Grow
Something really important to understand as you are thinking on all of this is that your purpose isn’t marked by one single destination that you will reach. Your purpose in life is going to evolve alongside you as you grow into who you are and change as an individual. It is okay if your purpose looks different at 16 than at 25. Life is all about growing and learning continuously.
Some people find their purpose in their career, others find it in relationships, hobbies, volunteering, or even in creative pursuits. There is no single definition for leading a meaningful life.
Baby Steps Lead to Giant Leaps in the End
You are allowed to start small here; you don’t need to make any drastic life-changing decisions today. Set yourself small goals that align with your interests or values. Try one new thing this month, or have a conversation with someone doing work that interests you.
When it comes to finding yourself, don’t worry too much about the process. Focus on showing up, staying curious, and being willing to learn from your experiences along the way. There is no one timeline you have to follow. Here, you just have to trust the process, stay patient with yourself, and remember this is YOUR journey, not anyone else’s.
About the Author: My name is Serena. I am a transition-aged youth in Northeast Ohio who is learning how to navigate adulthood one step at a time alongside all of you. I have faced my fair share of challenges, but I have learned from each experience. I want to share how I see the world, advocate for myself, and keep moving forward. My story is still being written, and it’s rooted in growth, resilience, and figuring things out as I go.