IKIGAI
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being.” It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The importance of ikigai lies in its ability to provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, contributing to overall well-being and happiness. It encourages a balanced life where personal passions align with professional pursuits and societal contributions.
In today’s world, a few of us do what we like, a small amount of those actually get paid well for it. So most of us end up doing something we either dislike, or live in an underappreciated state. The combination of livelihood and happiness is one of the most powerful feelings we could have, hence the japanese living long and purposeful lives. In order to find your Ikigai, we just need to answer these simple questions:
Steps to Find Your Ikigai
Identify What You Love:
List activities and interests that bring you joy and satisfaction.
Reflect on what you enjoyed doing as a child and what you love doing in your free time.
Recognize What You Are Good At:
Identify your skills and talents.
Consider feedback from others about your strengths and areas where you excel.
Determine What the World Needs:
Think about problems or needs in your community or the world that resonate with you.
Consider how your passions and skills can address these needs.
Explore What You Can Be Paid For:
Identify ways to monetize your skills and passions.
Research potential career paths or business opportunities that align with your interests and strengths.
Find the Overlap:
Look for commonalities between what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
This intersection is your ikigai, your reason for being.
Taking a step toward your Ikigai might be difficult and scary, usually needing you to step away from an already established job. But if you do take that step, you will find yourself much happier and free. If you need help, reach out!
