Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a meaningful life
What's the story
Ikigai is a Japanese term meaning "reason for being." It is a combination of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can earn from. The philosophy urges you to discover your purpose and lead a life full of meaning. By comprehending and practicing ikigai, one can lead a more fulfilling life both personally and professionally.
Core elements
The four pillars of Ikigai
Ikigai comprises of four main pillars: Passion, Mission, Vocation, and Profession. Passion is about doing what you love, what brings you joy. Mission is about contributing to the world, leaving a positive impact. Vocation is about using skills that are required and can be marketed well. Profession is about doing something that pays the bills. Finding a balance among them is key to discovering one's unique ikigai, leading to a fulfilling life.
Personal joy
Finding your passion
Finding activities that bring you joy is the first step to discovering your ikigai. These activities are the ones that make hours feel like minutes, pulling you in effortlessly. Be it hobbies or tasks, doing them regularly is the secret to a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment. This quest not only makes your life richer but also lays the foundation of a meaningful journey.
Skill utilization
Aligning skills with needs
To achieve ikigai, aligning your skills with what society needs is important. This is a deep recognition of your strengths and exploring how these can be put to use to solve problems in the real world, or contribute positively to society. It's about finding a synergy between what you're good at and what the world needs and creating value that resonates both personally and socially.
Economic balance
Financial viability in ikigai
While it's important to pursue your passion, it's equally important to strike a balance and achieve financial stability. This means finding innovative ways to earn from your skills or passions, without compromising your values. This balance is at the heart of living by the ikigai principles. It inspires you to explore different avenues of monetization that align with your beliefs and contributions to society, thus, paving your way towards a sustainable and fulfilling life.
Ongoing evaluation
Continuous self-reflection
Ikigai stresses on the need for constant self-reflection and evaluation. It reinforces one's life choices with the four pillars: passion, mission, vocation, and profession. It recommends periodically assessing if your current pursuits resonate with your personal values. This ensures a harmonious balance between what you love doing, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and what you are good at over time.