Finding Your Ikigai
- Jill Harper-Hill
- June 13, 2024
- Mind
Have you ever wondered what makes life truly worth living?
That feeling when everything just seems to click, and you know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be?
There’s a beautiful Japanese concept that captures this essence: Ikigai.
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai (pronounced “ee-kee-guy”) is a Japanese term that combines “iki,” meaning life, and “gai,” meaning value or worth. In short, it’s about finding your reason for being. It’s that sweet spot where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all intersect.
How can finding your Ikigai help you?
Discovering your Ikigai can bring immense joy and satisfaction to your life. It’s not just about career fulfilment but about overall happiness and balance. When you know your Ikigai, you wake up with a sense of purpose, your days are filled with activities that you enjoy and excel at, and you feel a better connection to the world around you.
The Central Pillars of Ikigai
Ikigai is built on four central pillars:
What You Love
These are the activities that make you lose track of time, things that you deeply enjoy and feel passionate about.
What You’re Good At
These are your skills and strengths, the tasks you excel at and often receive praise for.
What the World Needs
This is about identifying issues or causes you care about and want to contribute to, making a positive impact on the world.
What You Can Be Paid For
This pillar involves finding ways to monetise your skills and passions, ensuring a sustainable and rewarding career.
Ikigai in Action
Famed actor and martial artist Bruce Lee once said, “The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering.” Lee’s life was Ikigai in action. He combined his love for martial arts (passion), his exceptional skill in it (profession), his desire to teach and inspire others (mission), and his ability to turn it into a successful career (vocation). Lee’s dedication to his Ikigai not only brought him immense personal satisfaction but also left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world.
Tips for Building on Your Ikigai
Finding your Ikigai is a journey, not a destination.
Here are some practical steps to help you along the way:
· Take time to reflect on your passions, skills, values, and the needs you care about. Write them down and explore how they intersect.
· Try new activities and projects that align with your interests and strengths. Volunteer for causes you care about, take up hobbies, or start small side projects.
· Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about your strengths and passions. Sometimes others can see things in us that we might overlook. Their insights can be valuable in pinpointing your Ikigai.
· Remember, finding your Ikigai is a process that takes time and reflection. Be patient with yourself and allow your path to unfold naturally.
· Once you have a clearer sense of your Ikigai, start making small, intentional changes to align your life with it. It might mean pursuing a new career, dedicating more time to your hobbies, or getting involved in community projects.
Conclusion
Living your Ikigai can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life, and being able to wake up and feel purposeful. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. If you feel inspired or curious to explore how Ikigai might fit into your life, but are not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from a coach or counsellor. Sometimes, a little guidance can make all the difference in your journey to finding your true self and living a life filled with purpose and joy.
