In a world that teaches our young adults to chase success through “likes” on their social media, it is no wonder that young adults are struggling to become independent and launched. The solution is to use the power of purpose for our young adults.
Purpose isn’t just a big goal or a dream job—it’s a sense of direction. It’s the answer to “Why does what I do matter?” For young adults, especially during times of change and uncertainty, having a clear sense of purpose can be the difference between drifting and thriving.
Why purpose matters for young adults.
The years between adolescence and full adulthood are a time of self-discovery, exploration and experimentation. It’s also a time when mental health struggles, identity confusion, and pressure to “figure it all out” can weigh heavily. Studies show that young people with a strong sense of purpose tend to have better mental health, stronger resilience and more motivation to pursue long-term goals. Purpose gives decisions more clarity, setbacks more lessons, and relationships more depth.
Purpose doesn’t mean perfection.
It’s easy to confuse purpose with pressure—thinking it has to be a polished mission statement or a life plan set in stone. Purpose can be simple and evolving. It might start as a desire to help others, to create something meaningful, to advocate for change, or even just to explore and stay curious. The key is not in having all the answers but in staying connected to what genuinely lights them up.
What Does “Struggling to Launch” Mean?
It’s more common than people think. A young adult may be technically capable—smart, talented, have friends—but still find it hard to take the next steps into adulthood. This could look like:
- Trouble finding or keeping a job.
- Trouble in school.
- Social withdrawal or isolation.
- Loosing friendships and relationships.
- Anxiety about making decisions.
- Dependence on family; emotionally or financially.
- Lack of motivation, direction or confidence.
- Feeling stuck.
Often the missing piece isn’t about skills or discipline—it’s about needing coaching and connection.
Sometimes it takes a structured program to start the trajectory.
According to the State of Young People 2024 report, nearly 8 in 10 young adults believe seeking help from others greatly supports emotional challenges. A specific “struggling to launch” or “failure to launch” program gives direction, structure and coaching in nurturing and fun environments—providing the power of purpose:
Structure Without Rigidity
One of the core challenges for many struggling young adults is managing time, responsibilities and self-discipline. Launch programs offer structure, expectations and consistency, while still allowing room for growth, self- expression and individual pace. Think of it as scaffolding.
Life Skills Training
From doing laundry and grocery shopping to setting a budget and navigating job applications, life skills don’t always come naturally. Depending on the needs, hands-on coaching in real-world experiences help to empower young adults to take control of their own lives.
Mental Health Support
There might be some underlying anxiety, depression, ADHD or trauma that make independence feel overwhelming. Most programs incorporate licensed therapists, psychiatric support, mindfulness or emotional regulation training to help participants manage what’s going on internally.
Executive Function Coaching
Struggling to start tasks? Forgetting appointments? Avoiding responsibilities until they pile up? Executive functioning delays are common and frustrating. Trained coaches help students build routines, learn organization systems, and develop better follow-through.
Community and Connection
Isolation is both a symptom and a cause of failure to launch. Purpose grows from belonging and community fosters belonging. This article confirms how important community is for a sense of purpose, especially in the young adult ages. In addition to looking inward, purpose is discovered by seeing the difference you make in someone else’s life. Being a friend, a mentor, a teammate, and a volunteer shows young adults to contribute. Contribution is often the spark that ignites purpose.
Vocational or Academic Guidance
Young adult programs often include career exploration, internships, apprenticeships, resume building, and education planning.
Parental Involvement (with Boundaries)
Parents are often exhausted and unsure how to help without enabling. Many programs offer family coaching or parent workshops that help caregivers set healthy boundaries, improve communication, and shift from crisis-management to long-term support.
Purpose isn’t a destination; It’s a direction.
The goal of a Struggling to Launch program is not to “fix” a young adult or rush them into adulthood. It’s to help them connect with their sense of self, develop the confidence to try, and gradually build the skills that make independence possible. They will intrinsically grow into their own power of purpose.
The ripple effect of living with purpose.
Young adults who live with purpose are more likely to build careers they care about, nurture authentic relationships, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Even when things are uncertain, purpose acts like a compass—steady and true.
If your young adult is struggling, finding the right therapeutic approach can make a lasting difference. As a Therapeutic Consultant, I help families identify the best programs and treatment providers for all things mental health. Schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss options.
© Therapeutic Educational Consulting
Photo credit, Jacob Wackerhausen
