How to Help Your Young Adult Find Purpose and Direction in a World Full of Distractions
As parents, we dream of watching our children grow into confident, motivated, purpose-driven adults. But for many families, the reality feels far from that. Maybe your young adult is struggling to find themselves, stuck in a cycle of uncertainty, distraction, and overwhelm. screen time, unable to move forward. Maybe you’re wondering how to help or to get them to listen—without pushing them away.
You're not alone.
In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, it’s more common than ever for young adults to feel disconnected from their purpose and direction. And as a parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch.
At Extraordinary Purpose, we’ve worked with hundreds of families in the same place—feeling stuck, unsure of the next step, and desperate for real change. The good news? There is a way forward. And it starts with understanding what your young adult is really going through—and how you can guide them toward some of those most life-changing ingredients: clarity, confidence, and direction.
Why So Many Young Adults Feel Lost
Before you can help, it’s important to understand the challenges that we hear directly from parents and young adults every day.
-
Information overload and constant distraction from social media and comparison culture
-
Unrealistic expectations around career, success, and timelines
-
Pressure to figure everything out immediately—without the support or tools to do so
-
Fear of failure, which can lead to avoidance, procrastination, and emotional withdrawal
-
Lack of purpose, which fuels anxiety, apathy, and disconnection
The result? Young adults who are overwhelmed, under-supported, and unsure how to move forward.
And as a parent, you’re left wondering: How do I reach them? How do I help them believe in themselves again?
3 Ways You Can Support Your Young Adult’s Journey Towards Their Future
1. Create Space for Real Conversations
Instead of leading with telling them what to do, or communicating out of anger or frustration, try leading with curiosity. Try asking questions like:
-
“What have you been thinking about lately?”
-
“What are you feeling excited about or looking forward to?
- What's important to you right now?
-
“Is there something you’ve been wanting to d but feel stuck around?”
When they feel seen—not judged—they’re more likely to open up.
2. Shift the Focus from Pressure to Simple, Small Imperfect Steps
Many young adults are so afraid of making the wrong choice that they don’t make any choice at all. Help them see that growth is a process—not a performance.
Encourage and Nurture:
-
Exploration over perfection
-
Small steps over giant leaps
-
Uniqueness and individuality over comparison
You don’t have to have all the answers—you just have to believe in their ability to find them.
3. Introduce Them to the Right Support System
Sometimes, your young adult needs a voice that isn’t yours. A mentor. A guide. A life coach who can help them learn more about who they are and what's really important to them, clarify their values and goals, build confidence, and take real steps forward.
A life coach for young adults helps bridge the gap between where (and who) they are now and where (and who) they want to be. Coaching creates the structure, accountability, and belief in themselves that many young people are missing.
At Extraordinary Purpose, we specialize in life coaching for young adults who are ready to reconnect with who they are, discover their unique purpose, and build a life that excites them. From career coaching to confidence building, we help young adults move forward—one meaningful step at a time.
A Personal Message to Parents Who Feel Helpless Right Now
If you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s exactly where we are right now,” take a deep breath.
This is hard. And you’re doing a great job just by caring enough to look for answers and seek support.
But you don’t have to carry it all on your own.
We invite you to schedule a free discovery call with us. Let’s talk about your young adult, what’s been going on, and how we can help support them—and you—through this chapter.
Schedule Your Discovery Call Today
More Resources for You:
Remember:
Your young adult doesn’t need to have it all figured out. They just need someone to believe in them, walk alongside them, and help them take the next right step.
And you? You’re already on that path—just by being here.
Learn More About Our Revolutionary Coaching Program for Teens & Young Adults!
