Life is an experience where you go through different things. If you feel like you are sometimes questioning yourself or struggling to find a deeper purpose and meaning for your life, consider the Japanese concept of Ikigai.
Today's life has more moving parts and it is more complex than it was before. It's easy to get lost in the details of life.
Sometimes when we run into quandries, problems, or sometimes the adversity that we encounter through life can help us better direct us into finding our purpose or Ikigai.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It refers to finding purpose and fulfillment in life by aligning four key elements:
What you love (Passion) – The things that bring you joy and enthusiasm.
What you're good at (Profession) – The skills or talents you possess.
What the world needs (Mission) – The areas where you can contribute to others or society.
What you can be paid for (Vocation) – The activities that can provide financial reward.
Where these four aspects overlap, you find your Ikigai, the sweet spot where your passions, skills, contributions to the world, and career come together. It’s a holistic approach to life, encouraging balance between personal satisfaction and external needs.
Ikigai is not attributed to a specific individual as an invention but rather stems from traditional Japanese culture. The concept has deep roots in Okinawan culture, where it has been practiced for generations. Okinawa, a group of islands in Japan, is known for its high life expectancy, and many attribute this longevity to the practice of finding one's ikigai—having a purpose or meaning in life.
In Japanese, "Ikigai" (生きがい) is a combination of two words:
"Iki" (生き) – meaning "life" or "to live"
"Gai" (甲斐) – meaning "worth" or "value"
Together, Ikigai (生きがい) translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to live." It reflects the idea of finding purpose, fulfillment, and meaning in life, and is often considered as the motivation that makes life worthwhile.
Though the idea of ikigai has been part of Japanese philosophy for centuries, it gained global popularity through books and research in recent decades. For example, the book "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles has popularized the concept internationally.
Ikigai isn't an invention but an evolved cultural idea that continues to be interpreted and explored by scholars and enthusiasts.
Achieving Ikigai can be a personal journey that involves introspection and balancing different areas of life. Here’s a structured approach in 10 steps that can help you find your Ikigai:
1. Identify What You Love
Reflect on activities, hobbies, and interests that make you happy and energized. Ask yourself: What makes me excited to wake up in the morning?
2. Discover What You're Good At
Analyze your strengths, talents, and skills. Consider what you’ve been successful at, both personally and professionally. Ask: What am I naturally skilled at or enjoy improving?
3. Explore What the World Needs
Look beyond yourself to consider what contributions you can make to society. Ask: How can I serve others or address a need in the world?
4. Understand What You Can Be Paid For
Find practical ways to monetize your passions and skills. This could be through a job, freelancing, or starting a business. Ask: How can I make a living while doing something I enjoy?
5. Find the Overlaps
Identify where these four aspects (love, skills, need, and pay) intersect. This is where your Ikigai exists. It may not be immediately obvious, so take time to reflect on possible combinations.
6. Start Small
Once you’ve identified potential areas of Ikigai, start with small steps to integrate them into your life. You don’t need to make drastic changes right away—gradual progress is key.
7. Embrace Continuous Learning
Be open to learning and improving in the areas you’re passionate about. Expanding your knowledge and skills can deepen your sense of purpose.
8. Balance Work and Play
Make sure your Ikigai isn’t solely focused on work. Balance it with leisure and play, ensuring that all areas of your life—career, relationships, health—contribute to your fulfillment.
9. Stay Resilient
The pursuit of Ikigai is a journey, not a quick fix. There will be challenges and setbacks. Cultivate resilience and adaptability as you work towards balancing the four elements.
10. Live with Purpose Every Day
Consistently remind yourself of your Ikigai and integrate it into your daily routine. It could be as simple as practicing gratitude for what you love or refining your skills with dedication.
By following these steps, you can progressively align your passions, skills, societal contributions, and financial needs to live a more fulfilled and purposeful life.
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