Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept meaning "the reason for living" or "the reason for being". In Okinawan culture, ikigai is conceived as "a reason to get up in the morning".
In our society we are increasingly moving away from the idea that possessions, or money, bring us happiness. Discovering your Ikigai involves knowing your purpose, going in the direction of what makes sense to you in life. It is one of the principles of Traditional Japanese Medicine as it provides well-being and health and according to the latest research also greater longevity.
Your passion is what you love and you are good at, but if it is not useful to society you will live with a feeling of little relevance.
Your profession is what you are good at and what you are paid for, but if you don't love what you do you can feel empty.
Your mission is what you love and what the world needs, but if you cannot be repaid you will live with economic uncertainty.
Your vocation is what the world needs and you can be rewarded, but if you are not good at it you will always live with uncertainty.
The Ikigai is born from the intersection of the 4 great areas in your life:
- What you love
- What you are good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be compensated for
I invite you to discover your Ikigai. Take 10 minutes to answer the following questions:
- Think of 5 activities that you are excited about doing.
- Think about 5 activities that you are good at
- Think of 5 activities that are necessary today.
- Think of 5 activities that you can get paid for.
Observe if there are any activities that appear in all 4 areas. If none appear, for the activities that appear in more areas, make the appropriate modifications to finish adjusting them in the remaining areas. Be honest with your answers and see what comes up.
Over the next few weeks continue to reflect on these questions. You might even consider using a notebook to write down your ideas, and see how they evolve.
To discover your ikigai you may need some time. The greater your determination the faster you will find it. They say that the most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you discover your purpose. I hope today has been an important day for you. Any questions, comments or support I am here.
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