Finding Ikigai

One of the most popular topics in recent leadership, personel development and career articles is about finding your Ikigai. Ikigai comes from Japanese and in terms of its literal meaning, translates to “the thing that makes life worth living” or the reason for being.

There can be many reasons that make life worth living, but from a career perspective, Ikigai emerges at the intersection of what you love, your skills, what the world needs and what you can get paid for. At this point a person Works with passion, makes a living, contributes to society, and finds satisfaction in themselves.

According to Dan Buettner, the Japanese don’t have desire to retire, and as long as their health allows, they want to continue doing the work they love for as long as possible. People engaged with their Ikigai maintain their optimism regardless of the circumstances and continue to enjoy life. Ikigai is seen as one of the reasons why people live long lives.

So, how can we find Ikigai, which has such tremendous impact on our lives?

Ikigai is found solely through self discovery, emotional awareness, and self awareness. For example, someone who loves singing may not have the skill for it. Or someone may think they love singing, but it could be an externally imposed desire. In reality, they may desire and need the feeling they get from singing, not the act of singing itself.

A person can only find their true Ikigai when they turn inward, achieving awareness that allows them to distinguish their true feelings and desires from what they have been taught and societal expectations.

Finding Ikigai is not a goal, it is an enjoyable journey for those who want to find it. It’s a pleasurable journey of experimentation, starting from scratch, following their talents, the things they love, and results they produce.

So how do you know when you have found your Ikigai, the thing that gives meaning and makes life worth living?

If while doing what you believe to be your Ikigai, you don’t notice how time passes, and if there is a reason that excites you to wake up in the morning, then we can say you have found it.

Here’s to everyone finding work and a life purpose that excites them to start each day with enthusiasm.