A friend of mine was listening to a podcast about Ikigai and thought I should look into it and write something to share on my blog. I love to get requests, so I was all for it! Of course, I did not know anything about Ikigai, but she gave me enough information to know that it was about finding your purpose and it was a good fit for this blog. What I have discovered, is that Ikigai (pronounced “ee-kee-guy”) is a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being”. And I thought, “Well wouldn’t we all love to know that!” So, here are a few tips on how to find your Ikigai.
According to Wikipedia, the definition of “Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” The word “Ikigai” is usually used to indicate the source of value in one’s life or the things that make one’s life worthwhile. The word translated to English roughly means “thing that you live for” or “the reason for which you wake up in the morning.”
Are you living that way? I know I am searching but haven’t quite gotten there yet.
One of the most asked questions is “What is my purpose?” And one of the most common answers is “to do what you love”. That’s what Ikigai is.
How to find your Ikigai:
Ask yourself these questions.
What do you love to do?
Paint, accounting, talk to people, supervise people, teach, write, research, etc.
What are you good at?
Same as above, or solving problems, handling details, organization, etc.
How can the world benefit from your purpose?
Sell a product, teach others what you know, help with charities, provide you with enough money to donate to great causes, etc.
How can you be rewarded?
Work for others, sell your own products or services, invest wisely, get sponsored, etc.
The diagram shows that if you can combine all four answers into one purpose, then you have hit the sweet spot of Ikigai! You are living the life that brings you the most joy and happiness.
Adapted from image by Mark Winn and Dan Buettner
I’m probably sitting in the space of #1. I love what I am doing, I think I am good at it, and I want to inspire you to make the most of this life. The world needs everyone to love themselves and others. The place I get lost, is getting rewarded for it. I’m still working on that. I get asked a lot if getting paid is what makes me think I am successful, and before I started researching Ikigai, I would doubt my need to be rewarded. But now I see that in order to find my “reason for being”, I’m missing that one piece. It would take away a little pressure.
Another example might be someone who has a job that helps others, you are good at it and you are getting rewarded. The only missing piece is that you don’t love it. You are comfortable but feel empty. You may feel forced and not excited to start each day.
Answer the questions and see if any themes come up. Where do you see patterns? How can you combine all four answers into one job or purpose? If you are too modest to answer #2, ask your family and friends or take a few assessment tests.
If you love what you do, but one piece is missing, how can you add it?
- Take a class to learn new skills that make you better at your job.
- Ask your employer if you can help with charitable projects or make volunteering part of your schedule.
- Research ways to make money or learn a new skill to get yourself a promotion.
- If you are good at your job but don’t love it, look for things you do love and see if you can incorporate that into your role.
- Journal about your ideal job. See what you can do to make it reality.
It doesn’t have to be a job; it can be a side hustle. Start part time and see where it can take you.
Why should you care about Ikigai?
Following your Ikigai keeps your mind and body active.
The concept says that if you are not in all 4 circles, something is missing, you will feel stress and it may affect your overall health. According to WebMD –
- Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard of the workplace. Stress costs American industry more than $300 billion annually.
- Seventy-five percent to 90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
If you are experiencing Ikigai, your life will seem easy, enjoyable and you will live longer. When we feel good about what we are doing, life flows naturally.
In the book, “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”, the authors interviewed 100 centurions that live in Ogimi, Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa is where the concept of Ikigai was born and is also home to the most 100-year-old residents. Coincidence?
In these interviews, they discovered the 10 rules of Ikigai.
- Stay active; don’t retire.
- Take it slow.
- Don’t fill your stomach.
- Surround yourself with good friends.
- Get in shape for your next birthday.
- Smile
- Reconnect with nature.
- Give thanks.
- Live in the moment.
- Follow your Ikigai.
These centurions continue to do what they love for as long as their health allows.
Ikigai is all about finding joy, fulfillment and balance in the daily routine of life. The reason for living. The way to make the most of this life.
Have some fun figuring out what that is for you! Then relax and enjoy every day.
What thoughts come up as you read this post? What area is not feeling fulfilled? How can you find your Ikigai?
I’m going to find a way to get rewarded and then hopefully have another 50 years to enjoy it!
A few quotes from the book –
“Your mind and your body. You keep both busy, you’ll be here a long time.” — Walter Breuning (114)
“My secret to a long life is always saying to myself, ‘Slow down,’ and ‘Relax.’ You live much longer if you’re not in a hurry.”
“Looking back, our days in Ogimi were intense but relaxed—sort of like the lifestyle of the locals, who always seemed to be busy with important tasks but who, upon closer inspection, did everything with a sense of calm. They were always pursuing their ikigai, but they were never in a rush.”
“In order to achieve this optimal experience, we have to focus on increasing the time we spend on activities that bring us to this state of flow, rather than allowing ourselves to get caught up in activities that offer immediate pleasure.”
For more guidance on how to make the most of your life and how to find your Ikigai, Check out my book, The 5 L’s of Living Marvelously. You deserve to love your life!
The 5 L's of Living Marvelously Book