In today’s busy world, it’s easy to feel like something’s missing. You might have a job that pays the bills but doesn’t excite you, or you might be passionate about something that doesn’t fit with what the world needs or doesn’t make you money.
This can make you feel stressed and unfulfilled. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
But imagine if you could find a way to combine what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and a job that pays you. This is where the Japanese idea of ‘Ikigai’ comes in. It helps you find your true purpose and live a more meaningful and balanced life.
So, in this article, I’m going to guide you through the concept of Ikigai and show you how you can apply it to your life to discover your true purpose on this earth. Let’s get started!
Understanding Ikigai: What Is It?
“Ikigai” is a term that combines two Japanese words: “iki,” meaning life, and “gai,” meaning value or worth. Together, they signify a reason for living—a reason to get up in the morning.
It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving by doing what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
This concept is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where mental, emotional, and physical well-being are all connected. It’s believed that when you discover your Ikigai, you reach a sense of well-being and fulfillment that goes beyond temporary pleasures, bringing you lasting happiness and true contentment.
The Four Pillars of Ikigai
At the core of Ikigai are four key elements. When these elements come together, they form the ‘sweet spot’—your Ikigai. Let’s break them down one by one for a better understanding.
What You Love:
These are the activities that make you feel excited and happy. It could be anything that brings you joy, like painting, helping others, or even gardening.
Think about the things you enjoy so much that you forget about time when you’re doing them. It’s about finding those hobbies or interests that make you feel truly alive and connected to yourself.
When I think about myself, I realize I love doing creative things like drawing, painting, and making crafts. In the same way, take a moment to reflect on what you love doing. These activities should make you lose track of time and your surroundings because you’re so completely immersed in them.
What You Are Good At:
These are the things you’re really good at, whether they’re skills you’ve learned or natural talents you’ve had since you were young. Maybe you’re awesome at solving tricky problems, or perhaps you’re a great storyteller.
This is about identifying what you’re really good at—the skills that come naturally to you or that you’ve worked hard to master. These are also the things people come to you for advice on and appreciate you for.
For me, creative activities come to mind again, as I’ve been appreciated for them since my school days. I was also good at mathematics and science. Creativity came naturally to me, but I worked hard to become good at mathematics and science.
Similarly, think about the things others have praised you for or sought advice from you on. Those are likely the things you’re really good at.
What the World Needs:
This part is about looking beyond yourself and thinking about what your community or the world needs. It’s about finding out how your passions and skills can make a positive difference. Maybe it’s teaching others, coming up with new ideas, or helping lead important projects.
In my case, I realized that students need to learn engineering because the world relies on engineering solutions in almost every field. However, the study resources are often too complex for self-study. As an engineering graduate myself, I noticed that even when taught by a lecturer, some concepts are hard to grasp due to outdated teaching methods. As a result, students, including myself, found them less interesting. This shows a real need for new and creative ways to teach these topics.
Do some research to find out which skills and talents are in demand today, and see if they align with what you’re good at.
What You Can Be Paid For:
This part focuses on the practical side of things. It’s about figuring out how you can turn your passions and skills into something that earns you money. This step is important because it helps you ensure that what you love and are good at can also support you financially.
So, for me, I pursued my major in engineering because it’s still in high demand in the job market. But instead of working in the industry, I chose a career in engineering research. This path aligns with my passion for research and writing, which I’ve enjoyed since school. Luckily, I found that sweet spot where my passion overlaps with my field of study.
Likewise, try to find a career path that aligns with both your skills and passions if you want to achieve long-term success in your profession.
Please grab your copy of the book “Ikigai” to read more about this
The Intersection of Ikigai: Finding the Sweet Spot
When these four elements intersect, you find your Ikigai—the sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession converge. Each intersection represents a different aspect of a fulfilling life.
Let me explain with a real-life example.
- Passion is found where what you love and what you’re good at overlap. It’s the ideal place where your deepest interests match up with your skills and talents. This is where you feel the most excited and motivated because you’re doing something you both enjoy and excel at.
Example: Let’s say, there’s a person named Sarah who is really good at public speaking, giving advice, and inspiring others. She has also worked on improving these skills by joining her school’s media unit. So, public speaking and motivating others are her passions.
- Mission is found where what you love meets what the world needs. It’s where you discover your sense of purpose by making a positive impact and contributing to something larger than yourself.
Example Continued: In Sarah’s case, many people seek inspiration, motivation, and life advice at some point in their lives. This has become a common need in society, and it aligns perfectly with what Sarah loves doing. Therefore, her mission is to inspire others through her speeches.
- Vocation arises where what the world needs matches up with what you can be paid for. This is where you find a career that is both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Example Continued: people are willing to pay for life advice and inspiring content, especially in today’s fast-paced world where stress and mental health issues are common. Sarah can turn her passion into a source of income while meeting this community need.
For instance, she could start a life coaching program, offer counseling services, or even create a YouTube channel to inspire and help others. This way, she fulfills a societal need while earning an income—this is her vocation.
- Profession is where what you’re good at intersects with what you can be paid for. It represents the practical aspect of your skills, providing financial stability and security.
Example Continued: In Sarah’s case, she recognized this alignment and chose psychology as her major. After graduating from university, she started a counseling service alongside a YouTube channel to help and inspire others using her skills and knowledge. In return, she earns a good income—this is her profession.
NOTE: If you’re confused about the difference between profession and vocation, here’s the deal: a profession focuses on financial stability through your skills, while a vocation connects those skills to a meaningful impact on the world. I hope this clears things up! Now, let’s get back to the topic.
The Benefits of Finding Your Ikigai
Now, I hope you have a clear understanding of the Ikigai concept. Next, let’s explore some of the benefits of finding your Ikigai.
Greater Joy:
When you align with your Ikigai, you feel deep joy and fulfillment. When what you do every day matches your true purpose, you’re more likely to experience lasting happiness. This connection not only lifts your mood but also makes your life more meaningful and enjoyable.
Less Stress:
Stress often comes from doing things that don’t align with what we really want or care about. When you discover your Ikigai, you’re bringing your actions into harmony with what you truly love and value. This can help you feel more balanced and calm, reducing stress and making life more peaceful.
Deep Satisfaction:
When your work and life align with your purpose, you feel a deep sense of satisfaction. It’s not just about feeling good about what you do—it also positively affects those around you. Being in tune with your Ikigai makes you feel more fulfilled and content, and your actions can inspire and benefit others in your community.
Just imagine how satisfied you would feel going to bed each night, knowing you spent the day doing what you love and fulfilling your purpose.
Boosted Drive:
Knowing your Ikigai provides you with clear direction and purpose, which can be a strong motivator. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning and keep going, even when things get tough.
With a clear understanding of what matters most to you, you’re more likely to stay focused and determined, finding the strength to overcome challenges and reach your goals.
Better Well-being:
Research shows that having a sense of purpose can positively impact your overall health. It can boost your immune system, lower anxiety, and even contribute to a longer life.
When you align with your Ikigai, your sense of purpose helps create a healthier and more balanced life, benefiting both your physical and mental well-being.
Self-Development:
Finding your Ikigai helps you become the best version of yourself. It motivates you to keep learning and growing, always striving to improve and reach your full potential.
Why Ikigai Is Important: Lessons from Japan
Japan is famous for its high life expectancy, and many believe that Ikigai plays a big part in this. It’s not just about living longer but also about living better. Japanese centenarians often mention their Ikigai as a key to their longevity. They stay active, keep strong social connections, and keep contributing to their communities well into old age.
Ikigai is more than just personal fulfillment; it’s about creating a life that’s meaningful for both you and others. Whether through work, hobbies, or relationships, living your Ikigai means aligning your life with the values and activities that bring you joy and purpose.
The 10 Principles of Ikigai
To help guide you on your journey, here are ten principles inspired by the concept of Ikigai.
- Stay Active, Don’t Retire: Continuing to engage in meaningful work, even into old age, keeps the mind and body active.
- Take It Slow: Life is not a race. By slowing down, you can appreciate the journey and find more meaning in your daily activities.
- Don’t Overeat: Moderation in all things, including food, can contribute to better health and longevity.
- Surround Yourself with Good Friends: Strong social connections are vital for happiness and well-being.
- Keep Moving: Regular physical activity, even in small amounts, can greatly improve your quality of life.
- Smile: Maintaining a positive outlook can help you navigate life’s challenges with grace.
- Reconnect with Nature: Spending time in nature can boost your mood and improve your overall well-being.
- Express Gratitude: Taking time to appreciate the good things in your life can enhance your happiness.
- Live in the Moment: Focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
- Follow Your Ikigai: Let your passions guide you towards a life of purpose and fulfillment.
How to Find Your Ikigai: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Finding your Ikigai is about discovering what makes you truly happy and fulfilled. Here’s a practical guide to help you get started:
Be Present and Reflect:
Take some time each day to focus on your feelings and thoughts. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to your breath or being fully engaged in your activities.
Think about what makes you happy and what doesn’t. This reflection will help you figure out the things you truly love doing.
Explore and List Your Interests, Skills and the World Needs:
Take some time to brainstorm and make four lists. Here’s what each list should include:
- What You Love: Activities that excite and energize you.
- What You Are Good At: Skills and talents you’ve developed.
- What the World Needs: Problems and challenges that matter to you.
- What You Can Be Paid For: Ways to monetize your strengths and passions while addressing those issues.
You can refer to Sara’s example and reflect on your own life. Look for overlaps among these lists, and where they intersect, you’ll find your Ikigai.
Try Meditation:
Spend a few minutes each day meditating. Meditation can clear your mind and make it easier to see where your passions and skills intersect with what the world needs. It also helps you stay focused on activities that align with your purpose.
Start Taking Action and Experiment:
Begin with small steps to align your daily activities with your passions and skills. For example, if you love drawing and are good at it, draw more often or share your work.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different hobbies or projects. Pay attention to how these activities make you feel and adjust based on what resonates with you.
Ask for Feedback and Be Patient:
Talk to friends, family, or teachers about what they think you’re good at and what they see you enjoy. Their feedback can offer new perspectives and ideas.
Remember, finding your Ikigai takes time. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to the process of discovering what makes you happy.
Reflect Regularly:
Set aside time to think about your experiences and progress. Keep a journal to write down your thoughts and track how you’re moving towards your Ikigai. This helps you see your growth and areas where you still want to improve.
Conclusion: Your Ikigai Journey Begins Now
Finding your Ikigai might take some time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it. As you start to understand and embrace your unique purpose, you’ll find that life feels more meaningful, work becomes more satisfying, and your days have more direction and peace. Remember, discovering your Ikigai isn’t a fast process but a journey of self-discovery and growth. Enjoy the journey, and it will lead you to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
If you want to read more about the Ikigai concept, please click here to grab your book
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ikigai really work?
Yes, Ikigai can really help people. It’s about finding what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can make money from. When these things come together, it can make life more satisfying and meaningful. But remember, discovering your Ikigai is a personal journey and can take some time.
Is Ikigai good for beginners?
Yes, Ikigai is great for beginners! It helps people understand their passions and strengths, and find direction in life. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make a change, Ikigai can be a useful guide.
What is the main idea of the Ikigai book?
The Ikigai book explains the idea of Ikigai, which means “reason for being” in Japanese. It talks about finding your Ikigai by figuring out what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. The book offers practical tips on how to live a more purposeful and happy life.
What is an example of Ikigai in real life?
An example of Ikigai could be someone who loves teaching, is good at explaining things, sees that more people need help with learning, and can earn money as a teacher. This person has found their Ikigai by matching their passion, skills, and what the world needs with a job that supports them.
