Purpose can be defined as an overarching intention that is personally meaningful to you but also impacts the world around us. Acting like an unseen compass, purpose can help us organise our lives, provide clear direction, and inspiring us to realise our greatest potential. Having a deeper understanding of who we are—our values, interests, aspirations, and our abilities—will allow us to have greater impact on the world around us. For students, finding and discovering purpose is particularly important as they balance academics, personal lives, and plans for their future. But how do we uncover our purpose? Start with the fundamental question: Who am I?

Discovering your life’s purpose and how you will influence your community requires first figuring out who you are. Self-awareness acts like a roadmap—it guides you in making thoughtful decisions, setting meaningful goals, and finding your purpose. For students, this means not only understanding their academic strengths but also exploring who they are outside the classroom. Whether it is discovering hobbies, personality traits, or values, knowing yourself can help you make decisions that lead to fulfilment and achievement.

One of the simplest ways to start learning more about yourself is by identifying what brings you joy and fulfilment. Think about it: What do you enjoy doing so much that that time seems to slip away? Whether it’s reading, drawing, playing sports, or solving puzzles, these activities can provide insights into our passions and interests.
For parents, it’s important to encourage children to explore new activities, especially those that pique their curiosity. Trying new activities can help children uncover their hidden interests and abilities.

Reflective Question: What activities make me feel excited and happy?

Understanding self-awareness involves recognizing not only what brings you joy but also your values, personality, and skills. These elements are the cornerstone of your identity:

• • Values – What matters most to you? Is it compassion, honesty, or imagination?
  • Interests – What subjects or causes pique your curiosity? Do you like science, music, or learning about the environment?
  • Personality – Are you more introverted or extrovert? Do you prefer working alone or in groups?
  • Skills – What are your strengths? Problem-solving, hands-on activity, or listening to others are all possibilities.

Parents play an important part in nurturing their children by prompting them to reflect on these questions, enabling them to better understand their unique abilities and how to apply them.

Reflective Question: How would I describe my values, interests, personality, and skills?

Once you have a clearer understanding of who you are, the next step is setting goals. Goals give you direction—they help you decide where you want to go and what you want to achieve. Your goals don’t have to be big or complicated. Start small and think about small objectives for the current year, whether related to school, home, or friendships.

Then, look further ahead to the next 5–10 years. What do you hope to achieve? How do your goals align with your values and interests? This is where your self-awareness pays off—the better you know yourself, the better you can set meaningful, achievable goals.

For parents, helping children break down big goals into smaller, actionable steps is a great way to support them in their journey.

Reflective Question: What are my goals, and how do they align with my passions and values?

Understanding yourself not only helps you set personal goals but also allows you to contribute to your community. Once you have a clear sense of your purpose, you can think about how you want to make a difference, whether at home, in school, or in the broader community. Self-awareness and goal-setting become tools for making a positive impact.

Parents, it’s important for you to support and motivate your child to get involved in activities where they can both learn and give back. This will not only help them develop a sense of accountability but also create a strong bond with the community.

Reflective Question: How do I want to make a difference at home, in school, or in my community?

The journey of self-discovery is a process of reflection and exploration. The better we understand our likes, values, personality, and goals, the clearer our path to purpose becomes. By deepening our self-awareness, we not only grow as individuals but also equips us with the ability to make a positive difference in the world around us.

For both students and parents, embracing the journey of self-awareness is essential. The more we understand ourselves, the more we can contribute meaningfully to our communities and shape a future that we can genuinely take pride in.

Remember, finding your purpose is a lifelong journey, so be open to growth and change. As you evolve, so will your purpose—enjoy every step of the process.

References: Our reading list for this article

1. 1. Education and Career Guidance Branch, Student Development Curriculum Division 1 (SDCD1), Ministry of Education, Singapore. (2022 October 14). My Next Step Forward After My PSLE [PDF]. Retrieved 14 October 2024 from the Ministry of Education website: https://www.moe.gov.sg/-/media/files/programmes/ecg/whats-next-psle.pdf
   2. Gongshang Primary School. (n.d.). Education and Career Guidance. Retrieved 14 October 2024 from Gongshang Primary School website: https://www.gongshangpri.moe.edu.sg/education-and-career-guidance/.
   3. 5 ways to help students develop a sense of purpose. (n.d.). Retrieved 14 October 2024 from InnerDrive Ltd website: https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/blog/develop-a-sense-of-purpose/.
   4. Yemiscigil A, Yılmaz M.S., and Lee M.T.. (2023 Sep 15). How to Find Your Purpose. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved 15 Oct 2024 from HBR website: https://hbr.org/2023/09/how-to-find-your-purpose.
   5. Caprino K. (2019 Jul 30). Discovering Your Purpose Starts With Recognizing Who You Are And What You Care About Most. Forbes Media LLC. Retrieved 18 Oct 2024 from Forbes website: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2019/07/30/discovering-your-purpose-starts-with-recognizing-who-you-are-and-what-you-care-about-most/
   6. Cook-Deegan P. (2016 Jan 11). Seven Ways to Help High Schoolers Find Purpose. The Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved 17 Oct 2024 from The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley website: