In a world filled with constant hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters to us. The Japanese have a concept called “Ikigai,” which translates to “a reason for being” or “a reason to wake up in the morning.” Ikigai is a profound and holistic approach to finding your true purpose in life—a harmonious intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. In this article, we’ll explore the depths of Ikigai and guide you on a journey to uncovering your own unique life purpose.
Discovering What You Love
While there are many different definitions of ikigai floating around, one thing remains clear: it’s not about having a purpose or goal in life. It’s about discovering what truly makes you happy and then finding ways to integrate it into your daily routine. This may sound simple enough but it requires some serious soul searching — which can be challenging when we’re busy with family and work obligations.
Identifying What You’re Good At
I was recently discussing the concept of ikigai with a friend. He was curious about how he could find his ikigai, so we talked about some of the major factors that are important in determining what your ikigai might be. The first step in finding your ikigai is discovering you have one. The second step is identifying what it is.
Ikigai also involves recognizing your strengths and talents. What skills do you possess that come naturally to you? These can be technical skills, interpersonal skills, or a unique combination of both. Understanding your strengths enables you to leverage them in a way that contributes positively to your journey of self-discovery.
Determining What the World Needs
When you find your Ikigai, life becomes more meaningful and fulfilling because it’s aligned with who you are at the core. Your actions become aligned with your values and beliefs so there’s no longer a struggle between doing what’s right vs. what feels good. You know who you are and what matters most to you — and this gives you an inner strength that propels you toward success in any area of life.
Contributing to the world around you is a key element of ikigai. Consider the needs of your community, society, or even the global population. What issues or challenges resonate with you? Your purpose gains depth and meaning when aligned with making a positive impact on the world.
Finding What You Can Be Paid For
While pursuing your passion and contributing to the world are essential, Ikigai acknowledges the practical aspect of sustaining oneself. What skills or services can you offer that people are willing to pay for? It’s about finding the balance between doing what you love and meeting the economic demands of life.
The best way to figure out what you can be paid for is to start with a job that pays well but isn’t your dream job. Get a feel for how much money someone needs to make in order to live comfortably and save for retirement. This will give you an idea of what’s possible — and what isn’t. Once you’ve determined this amount, think about how much time it would take each day to earn that income if you did nothing but work on it (including travel time). If it’s less than five hours a week, then it’s probably not worth pursuing unless it can be automated (e.g., someone else could do part of it while you focus on something else).
Overcoming Challenges
The path to discovering your Ikigai may not always be smooth. Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow. Perseverance and resilience are crucial in navigating the twists and turns on your way to finding your true purpose.
Take time to reflect on what you’re doing right now, and what lessons you can learn from it. What are some things that you have learned through past experiences? Are they related to your current situation? If so, how can you use them to move forward? What other experiences could help shape a new direction for yourself?
If you are facing challenges or setbacks in your pursuit of finding your Ikigai, here is what you can do, you can be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes or failures! It’s important to remember that our experiences make us better people — even if they don’t turn out exactly as planned. When things don’t go according to plan, try approaching them with curiosity instead of fear or frustration.
Embarking on Your Ikigai Journey
Finding your Ikigai is a process that requires introspection, self-awareness, and sometimes, trial and error. Experiment with different activities, explore new interests, and be open to change. Your Ikigai may evolve over time as you grow and gain new experiences.
In a world that often emphasizes external success, finding your Ikigai offers a refreshing perspective—an internal compass that guides you towards a life rich in meaning and purpose. As you embark on this journey, remember that the discovery of your true purpose is a lifelong process—one that brings continuous growth, fulfillment, and a profound sense of meaning to your existence.
RUCHI RATHOR Founder & CEO
Payomatix Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
FOUNDER AND INVESTOR | PAYMENTS PROCESSING EXPERT | MERCHANT ACCOUNT SOLUTIONS | WHITE LABELLED PAYMENT GATEWAY | Dreamer, Creator, Achiever, Constantly Evolving
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