A Beginner’s Guide to Ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” It’s often described as the thing that gets you up in the morning and keeps you going. The idea of ikigai is to find joy and purpose in life by aligning your passions, skills, and the needs of the world.
Understanding the Ikigai Venn Diagram
The concept of ikigai is often represented by a Venn diagram with four intersecting circles. Each circle represents a different aspect of your life, and where they intersect is where you find your ikigai. Here are the four areas:
What You Love (Passion)
- These are activities that you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about. They bring you happiness and fulfillment.
What You Are Good At (Profession)
- These are your skills and talents. It includes what you can do well and what you can improve upon with practice.
What The World Needs (Mission)
This is about finding a purpose that contributes to society. It’s the impact you want to have on the world and how you can help others.
What You Can Be Paid For (Vocation)
- These are activities or skills that can provide you with a livelihood. It’s important to find something that not only fulfills you but also sustains you financially.
Finding Your Ikigai
The goal is to find where these four areas overlap, as this intersection is considered your ikigai. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find your ikigai:
- Self-Reflection:
- Spend time reflecting on what you love to do. Think about activities that make you happy and energize you. Write them down.
- Identify Your Skills:
- List down the things you are good at. These can be professional skills, hobbies, or natural talents.
- Assess the World’s Needs:
- Consider what the world needs. Look at global issues, community needs, or ways you can contribute to society. Write down the causes or issues you feel strongly about.
- Evaluate Financial Opportunities:
- Think about how you can monetize your passions and skills. Research potential careers, job markets, or business opportunities that align with what you enjoy and are good at.
Examples of Using Ikigai
Here are a few examples to illustrate how you might find your ikigai:
Example 1: The Writer
- Passion: Loves writing stories and articles.
- Profession: Has excellent writing skills.
- Mission: Wants to inspire and educate others.
- Vocation: Can be paid for writing articles, books, or creating content for websites.
- Ikigai: Becoming a professional writer who creates meaningful and inspiring content.
Example 2: The Teacher
- Passion: Loves teaching and interacting with students.
- Profession: Skilled at explaining complex concepts and engaging with learners.
- Mission: Wants to shape the future by educating young minds.
- Vocation: Can earn a living by teaching in schools or offering tutoring services.
- Ikigai: Becoming a teacher who inspires and educates students, making a positive impact on their lives.
Example 3: The Environmentalist
- Passion: Loves nature and outdoor activities.
- Profession: Good at organizing events and raising awareness.
- Mission: Wants to protect the environment and promote sustainability.
- Vocation: Can be paid for running environmental campaigns or working for NGOs.
- Ikigai: Leading environmental initiatives and educating people about sustainability.
Tips for Finding Your Ikigai
- Be Patient: Finding your ikigai is a journey that takes time. Be patient with yourself as you explore different aspects of your life.
- Stay Open-Minded: Be open to new experiences and opportunities. Sometimes your ikigai might be in an area you haven’t explored yet.
- Seek Feedback: Talk to friends, family, or mentors about your strengths and passions. They can offer valuable insights and perspectives.
- Experiment: Try different activities and see how they make you feel. This can help you narrow down what truly resonates with you.
Finding your ikigai is about creating a balanced and fulfilling life by aligning what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This holistic approach can lead to a more meaningful and satisfying life.