David J. - July 1 2024
Discovering Your Ikigai: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment
Ikigai (EE-kee-guy) is a Japanese concept that means "reason for being." It embodies finding your purpose and direction in life, contributing to happiness and longevity. Originating from Okinawa, known for its residents' long life spans, ikigai emphasizes a balanced approach by merging what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
The ikigai model can be a powerful tool for self-discovery. Here’s how it works:
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1. What You’re Good At
Reflect on your strengths through journaling.
Seek feedback from colleagues, friends, and family.
2. What You Love
Reflect on past experiences to uncover your passions.
Visualize your future, imagining what people will say about you at 80.
Identify core values through exercises like “Who Am I?”
3. What the World Needs
Ponder what the world truly requires, considering both pain and joy.
Expand your perspective by reading, traveling, and exploring new topics.
4. What You Can Be Paid For
Look within your current job for opportunities.
Consider completely new paths, balancing bold dreams with practical steps.
Understanding the Intersections:
These areas of inquiry lead to four intersections and outcomes:
Passion: Where what you love intersects with what you're good at.
Mission: Where what you love intersects with what the world needs.
Vocation: Where what the world needs intersects with what you can be paid for.
Profession: Where what you’re good at intersects with what you can be paid for
Applying the Ikigai Model:
Using the ikigai framework involves more than just identifying these areas. It’s about continually asking the right questions and reflecting on the answers. The journey toward finding your ikigai may not be straightforward, but it’s a path worth exploring.
Final Thoughts:
Ikigai encourages us to look deeply into our lives and aspirations, blending passion, mission, vocation, and profession into a coherent, fulfilling existence. While you may not perfectly align with the center of the ikigai model, moving closer to it can provide immense clarity and satisfaction.
Good luck on your journey to discovering your ikigai!
