Have you ever stumbled upon the term “IKIGAI”?
What is IKIGAI?
Intriguingly it’s a concept that might change how you view your day-to-day life. Consider those mornings when you wake up feeling unenthusiastic and weary. It’s in these moments that IKIGAI becomes vital.
The term IKIGAI originates from two Japanese words: ‘iki,’ meaning ‘life,’ and ‘gai,’ signifying ‘value’ or ‘purpose.’ Thus, IKIGAI represents the four key elements of purpose driven life. This philosophy, deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, enhances daily excitement and purpose. IKIGAI challenges us to ponder two fundamental questions:
What is my purpose waking up every morning?
What is my purpose of life?
IKIGAI focuses on life’s essential goals and values, something we all should deeply understand.
Why live if there is no purpose and reason?
Life isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, we encounter situations that make us miserable. However, the essence of IKIGAI lies in its power to motivate us to look towards the future, no matter our current state. Imagine facing daily traffic jams, challenging tasks at work, or financial burdens. IKIGAI can be your beacon of hope and happiness in these times.
Understanding IKIGAI involves exploring four key elements. These elements, when combined, help you find your life purpose. Start by reflecting on these four key elements:
- What ignites your passion?
- In what areas do you excel?
- What does the world need that resonates with you?
- What activities can sustain you financially?
The essence of IKIGAI lies in the intersection of these elements, creating a perfect equilibrium between Passion, Mission, Profession, and Vocation.
Passion combines what you love with your skills. Mission fuses your passions with the world’s needs. Profession involves skills that offer reciprocal benefits. Vocation blends global needs with potential rewards, extending beyond financial gains to include personal growth and fulfillment.
Focus on what we have been doing and how we feel when we do that.
Reflect on your actions and feelings. Do they bring satisfaction and comfort? Can they positively impact others and evolve into a sustainable income? This process will lead you to your IKIGAI, paving the way for a meaningful career
Setting life goals opens your mind, initiating a journey that, though it may start from scratch, is bound to flourish. IKIGAI transcends the simple notion of following your passion. It embraces challenges, growth, conscious decision-making, and dedication to a cause, skill, trade, or community.
Moreover, IKIGAI is closely linked to overall well-being. It fosters positive relationships and good health, providing more energy than it consumes.
You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success and endowed with the seeds of greatness ~ Zig Ziglar
Each person has an equal opportunity to discover their IKIGAI. In finding it, you unlock a path to productivity and proactivity.
In conclusion, IKIGAI is more than a concept; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about finding joy in what you do, where your passions, abilities, societal needs, and economic opportunities converge. Embrace IKIGAI and transform your life into a journey of fulfillment, purpose, and success.”