IKIGAI (ee-key-guy) “Iki” to live & “gai” reason.
A reason to live. A meaning in life. Something to keep you motivated along this beautiful journey we call life. Ikigai. A Japanese concept of having a purpose in life.
Your actions have meaning and provide a sense of fulfilment.
Ikigai is about feeling that your work, makes a difference in people’s lives.
Michiko Kumano, a renowned Japanese psychologist, believes that Ikigai is a state of wellbeing which one can reach after having devoted time and effort in actions they enjoy.
But how can one reach Ikigai? How can they find that purpose in life?
While pursuing Ikigai, one must consider the four major spheres which overlap with each other and share one, single area. Ikigai is right there in the middle of those four spheres.
There is not one single answer or a specific category for each sphere. One general diagram can be found below.
However, when pursuing your own personal Ikigai, those spheres can change meaning. You should find Ikigai in the middle of the four pillars/spheres, of what you deem important in life. It might take time and self-reflection. In any case, such a diagram will help you find what adjustments and small tweaks you might have to make in your life and actions, to achieve Ikigai.
The four main areas
- What you love
- What you are good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
The content that goes in each category is for you to discover and assign. This is a journey you must take alone, and find the answers which will give you that purpose in life. Ikigai.
Where “what you love”, overlaps with “what you are good at”, you will find Passion
Where “what you love”, overlaps with “what the world needs”, you will find Mission
Where “what you are good at”, overlaps with “what you can be paid for”, you will find Profession
And where “what the world needs”, overlaps with “what you can be paid for”, you will find Vocation
Don’t waste any more time. Grab a pen and brainstorm. Ask yourself those questions and write down anything that comes to mind. Self-reflect and find what you believe important in life.
Are you ready to find Ikigai?
Do you feel it’s time to find that sense of purpose in life? Can you make your work matter and give it a purpose?
I think you are ready. It remains for you to believe it.
