What is Ikigai? Finding your life purpose!

Ikigai (生きがい) is a Japanese concept that combines the two words “iki” (生き), meaning life, and “gai” (がい), meaning value or worth. It represents the idea of finding purpose or meaning in life, often associated with a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and contentment. The concept suggests that when you discover your “ikigai,” you are more likely to lead a fulfilling and satisfying life.

Ikigai is often depicted as a Venn diagram or overlapping circles, where four elements intersect:

1. What you love (your passion): This is something you are genuinely passionate about and enjoy doing.
2. What you are good at (your talent or skill): These are activities or tasks you excel at or have developed expertise in.
3. What the world needs (your mission): This involves identifying the needs of society or the world that you can contribute to or address.
4. What you can be paid for (your vocation): This refers to the activities or skills for which you can earn a living.

When you can find the intersection of these four elements, you are said to have found your ikigai, which represents the sweet spot of purpose and fulfillment in life. It’s important to note that ikigai is a dynamic concept that can change over time and may not always involve a single pursuit but rather a combination of activities and passions that give your life meaning.

It is often associated with longevity and good health, as people who feel a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives tend to be happier and healthier. It has become a popular concept in self-help and personal development literature, emphasizing the importance of finding balance and meaning in one’s life.

Pay attention to the things you are drawn to naturally in life, they are often connected with your path, passion and purpose in life.

Steps:

1. Self-awareness:
   • Start by reflecting on your interests, passions, and what activities make you feel truly alive and engaged.
   • Consider your strengths, talents, and skills. What are you naturally good at, and what activities come easily to you?
   • Reflect on the things you’ve always wanted to do or achieve in life.
2. Identify your values:
   • Think about your core values and principles. What matters most to you in life? What do you believe in?
   • Consider the kind of impact or contribution you want to make to the world or to the lives of others.
3. Explore your mission:
   • Ask yourself what you believe the world needs. What problems or challenges do you feel passionate about addressing or solving?
   • Consider how you can use your skills and talents to contribute to a cause or make a positive impact.
4. Determine what you can be paid for:
   • Identify activities or skills for which you can potentially earn a living. This may involve assessing your current job or career and whether it aligns with your passions and values.
5. Look for intersections:
   • Create a Venn diagram or list where you explore the overlap between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
   • Explore the areas where these elements intersect. This is where you may find your Ikigai.
6. Experiment and adapt:
   • Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different activities, careers, or hobbies.
   • Your Ikigai may evolve over time, so be open to adaptation and change.
7. Seek feedback:
   • Talk to friends, family, mentors, or counselors to gain insight into your strengths, passions, and potential areas of contribution.
   • Sometimes, others can provide valuable perspectives you may not have considered.
8. Practice mindfulness:
   • Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, to deepen your self-awareness and clarity about your purpose.
9. Pursue your Ikigai:
   • Once you’ve identified your Ikigai or a combination of activities and passions that align with it, take steps to integrate them into your life.
   • Set goals and create a plan to pursue your purpose with dedication and enthusiasm.
10. Embrace the journey:
    • Remember that finding your Ikigai is an ongoing process. It may take time, and you may encounter challenges along the way.
    • Embrace the journey and find joy in the pursuit of your purpose.

Advantages

1. Increased Fulfillment: Finding and pursuing your Ikigai can lead to a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose in life. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning and face each day with enthusiasm.
2. Enhanced Well-being: People who live according to their Ikigai often report higher levels of happiness, satisfaction, and overall well-being. This can contribute to improved mental and emotional health.
3. Reduced Stress: When you’re engaged in activities that you love and are passionate about, you’re less likely to experience chronic stress. The sense of purpose can help you cope with life’s challenges more effectively.
4. Increased Motivation: Provides a strong intrinsic motivation to pursue your goals and passions. You are more likely to stay committed and motivated when you are doing something that truly matters to you.
5. Improved Health: There is some evidence to suggest that living with a sense of purpose (similar to Ikigai) can have positive effects on physical health and longevity. It may lead to healthier lifestyle choices and reduced risk of certain health conditions.
6. Enhanced Creativity: Engaging in activities that align with your Ikigai can boost your creativity and problem-solving abilities. When you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
7. Stronger Relationships: Pursuing your Ikigai often involves connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passions and values. This can lead to the formation of meaningful relationships and a sense of community.
8. Increased Resilience: Knowing your purpose and having a clear sense of what matters to you can make you more resilient in the face of adversity. It provides a guiding light during tough times.
9. Enhanced Productivity: When you’re doing what you love and what you’re good at, you’re more likely to be productive and efficient. This can translate into success in your chosen pursuits.
10. Legacy and Impact: Living your Ikigai often involves making a positive impact on the world or the lives of others. It allows you to leave a meaningful legacy and contribute to a cause greater than yourself.
11. Sense of Contentment: Encourages you to appreciate the present moment and find contentment in the journey, rather than solely focusing on future goals. This mindfulness can lead to a greater sense of contentment and inner peace.
12. Personal Growth: Pursuing your Ikigai often involves continuous learning and personal growth. It can lead to a sense of self-improvement and a deeper understanding of yourself.

Disadvantages

1. Uncertainty: The process of finding your Ikigai can be uncertain and challenging. It may take time to identify your passions, talents, and purpose, and this uncertainty can cause stress and anxiety.
2. Pressure to Find Your Ikigai: The idea of finding one’s Ikigai can create pressure and expectations, especially if you feel that you must identify a single purpose or passion. This pressure can be counterproductive and lead to frustration.
3. Conflicting Priorities: Balancing your Ikigai with other life responsibilities, such as work, family, and financial obligations, can be challenging. It may not always be feasible to dedicate all your time and energy to your passions.
4. Financial Concerns: Pursuing your Ikigai may not always align with a stable or lucrative career path. This can lead to financial concerns and the need to find a balance between following your passion and meeting financial needs.
5. Resistance from Others: Friends, family, or societal expectations may not always support your pursuit of Ikigai. This can create tension and resistance from those who don’t understand or value your chosen path.
6. Fear of Failure: When you’re deeply invested in your Ikigai, the fear of failure can be more pronounced. This fear can be paralyzing and may deter you from taking risks or trying new things.
7. Difficulty in Finding Alignment: It may be challenging to find a perfect alignment between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The ideal Ikigai may not always be easily attainable.
8. Overemphasis on Passion: Some people may become overly fixated on their passion, to the detriment of other important aspects of life, such as relationships, health, or personal growth.
9. Changing Ikigai: Your Ikigai can evolve over time as your interests, values, and life circumstances change. Adapting to these changes can be challenging and may require significant adjustments.
10. Social Isolation: Pursuing your Ikigai may involve unconventional or solitary paths. This can lead to feelings of isolation or disconnect from others who may not share your interests.
11. Burnout: Overcommitting to your Ikigai and neglecting self-care can lead to burnout. It’s essential to find a balance between pursuing your passion and taking care of your physical and mental well-being.
12. External Validation: Relying on external validation or success metrics to define your Ikigai can be detrimental. It’s important to focus on intrinsic motivation and personal fulfillment rather than seeking approval from others.

Examples

1. The Artist:
   • What they love: Creating art, expressing themselves through painting and sculpture.
   • What they are good at: They have honed their artistic skills over the years and have a unique style.
   • What the world needs: Art can inspire, provoke thought, and bring beauty into people’s lives.
   • What they can be paid for: They earn a living by selling their artwork and conducting art classes.

   Ikigai: Creating art that expresses their innermost feelings and sharing it with the world.

2. The Teacher:
   • What they love: Teaching and guiding students to learn and grow.
   • What they are good at: They have expertise in a particular subject and effective teaching methods.
   • What the world needs: Education is essential for personal and societal development.
   • What they can be paid for: They work as educators in schools or universities.

   Ikigai: Inspiring and educating the next generation.

3. The Social Entrepreneur:
   • What they love: Identifying and solving social problems.
   • What they are good at: They possess strong problem-solving and leadership skills.
   • What the world needs: Solutions to pressing social issues like poverty, inequality, or environmental sustainability.
   • What they can be paid for: They create and manage businesses or nonprofits that address these problems while generating revenue.

   Ikigai: Making a positive impact on society through entrepreneurship.

4. The Caregiver:
   • What they love: Taking care of others, providing support and comfort.
   • What they are good at: They have empathy, patience, and caregiving skills.
   • What the world needs: Compassionate and dedicated individuals to care for the sick, elderly, or those in need.
   • What they can be paid for: They work as nurses, caregivers, or in healthcare-related roles.

   Ikigai: Providing care and support to those who require it, enhancing their quality of life.

5. The Nature Enthusiast:
   • What they love: Being in nature, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
   • What they are good at: They have outdoor survival skills and knowledge of the natural world.
   • What the world needs: Environmental conservation and awareness.
   • What they can be paid for: They work as nature guides, educators, or in eco-tourism.

   Ikigai: Promoting a deep connection to nature and encouraging its preservation.