Ikigai: What it is and How to Use it to Create Purpose

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Have you ever looked at someone who genuinely loves what they do and wondered, why don’t I feel that way? For over a decade, I pursued a career where I felt comfortable and moderately fulfilled. Things looked good on paper, but deep down, I wasn’t clear on my career trajectory or passionate about the products I was promoting. Maybe you can relate.

If you’ve been contemplating a career shift or life transition, let me share a powerful Japanese concept that helped me gain clarity and direction: Ikigai—your “reason for being.” In this article, we emphasize the importance of discovering your Ikigai and provide a roadmap to find it.
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What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese mental framework that bridges what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

It’s not just a career or passion, but instead, the intersection of these four pillars that can bring deep satisfaction and meaning to your life.

The 4 Pillars of Ikigai Explained

Now, think about people who radiate joy and purpose in their work. Do you feel the same way? If not, why?

Let’s break down the four pillars of Ikigai in more detail: 

1. What You Love (Your Passion): What makes you lose track of time? For me, it’s connecting with people and helping them grow. When you engage in activities that energize you, you’re tapping into your passion.

2. What You’re Good At (Your Vocation): What skills come naturally to you? Where do others seek your advice? My strength lies in identifying where people feel stuck and helping them move forward.

3. What the World Needs (Your Mission): What problems resonate with you? I realized that our mindset is the key to unlocking untapped potential. Understanding the world’s needs can help you find a mission that aligns with your values.

4. What You Can Be Paid For (Your Career): How can you monetize your passion and skills? For me, the blend of personal development and my love for one-on-one connection led to mindset coaching and creating digital content. 

By reflecting on these four questions, you begin to see where they intersect, and where your Ikigai lives within you.  

Life is a Series of Decisions

Life is a series of small decisions, but few are as impactful as choosing what you do with your time and energy. Your career, relationships, and personal growth are shaped by this one decision. Finding your Ikigai is about moving toward a life of purpose, not perfection.

Think of it like navigating with a compass. Ikigai helps you head in the right direction, even if the destination isn’t perfectly clear.

When you know your “why,” the “how” becomes easier to figure out.

The Benefits of Finding Your Ikigai

- Increased Happiness: Doing what aligns with your purpose naturally uplifts your spirit.

- Reduced Stress: When you focus on what truly matters, external pressures feel less overwhelming.

- Enhanced Motivation: Knowing your “why” makes even the hardest tasks (the “how”) more meaningful and easy to approach. 

- Sense of Fulfillment: You stop chasing external validation and start living authentically.

- Improved Health: Studies show that having a purpose can lead to a longer and healthier life.

- Personal Growth: The pursuit of Ikigai pushes you to grow and serves as the foundation for your continuous evolution.

Finding your Ikigai takes effort and courage. But ask yourself: do you want to look back with regrets, or with pride knowing you pursued what truly mattered?

5 Steps to Discover Your Ikigai

1. Practice Mindfulness: Create space to reflect. Journaling or meditating can help you connect with your inner thoughts and feelings.

2. Identify Your Passions and Strengths: Reflect on what lights you up and where your talents lie. Look for patterns in your life where you’ve thrived.

3. Reflect on the Ikigai Diagram: Use the framework to map out what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

4. Align Your Actions: Start taking small, intentional steps toward the activities that align with your Ikigai. Test different paths and see what feels right.

5. Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends or mentors for insights into your strengths and blind spots. Their perspectives can offer you clarity.

Ikigai: Your Path to Purpose and Fulfilment 

Ikigai isn’t a one-time discovery, it’s an evolving journey. If you’re not feeling fulfilled in your work or life right now, ask yourself: Why not? Is it fear? Uncertainty? Start small. Reflect on the four elements of Ikigai and take one step toward alignment today. The more you explore and align with your passions, strengths, and purpose, the closer you move directionally towards living a fulfilling life.

Your Ikigai doesn’t just help you, it creates a ripple effect. Because when you find your Ikigai, you’re not just working toward something, you’re living with purpose. And when you operate from a place of purpose, the byproduct is that it can also inspire others to do the same.
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