The Japanese ideology of ikigai centers around the process of discovering your purpose. This principle not only helps you find motivation but it can also serve as the driving force behind your daily actions, enriching your life with meaning. So, how do you uncover your ikigai? Explore it below:

What Is Ikigai?

Translated from Japanese, ikigai means “the reason for your existence,” where “iki” signifies life and “gai” denotes value. This philosophy encompasses the entire lifestyle of the people of Okinawa, Japan, who use ikigai to find a purpose in life that inspires them to wake up each day. This approach is considered one of the reasons for longevity in Japan.

ikigai fosters a sense of purpose and self-worth. It helps you express your inner self. As you embark on your search for your ikigai, you’ll need to learn to understand yourself and overcome challenges to achieve inner happiness and harmony with your work.

The Components of Ikigai

To discover your ikigai, you’ll need to do some self-reflection and consider the things that inspire you. Below, we will delve into the Western interpretation of this philosophy, which consists of four key components. Take a look:

1. What are your talents? Your professional skills and inherent gifts.
2. What are your passions? Things you love and hold dear.
3. How can you contribute to the world? What the world needs and how you can give back.
4. How can you earn a living? Something for which you will be appreciated and rewarded.

These components intersect, as you can see in the Venn diagram. At the heart of it lies ikigai—your golden mean. Each response you provide affects the final outcome. You can start by exploring a broad range of potential purposes and gradually narrow down the circle to a few choices. These choice will be near-perfect and encompass all your life needs.

What’s most significant is that you will arrive at this decision on your own, free from doubts, prepared to devote your life to it. Although you do not need to be rigid in this matter, you can always revisit it. Change is constant, and everything around us evolves. Stay open to experimentation and adjustments in your pursuit of happiness!

The Pillars of Ikigai

Below, is the outline of the 5 main pillars emphasized by writer and Tokyo neuroscientist Dr. Ken Mogi in his book Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day.

• Starting small. Embrace living in the present moment. Find joy in every step toward your goal, no matter how small, and value your efforts.
• Releasing yourself. Accept yourself fully, embrace all your peculiarities, and refrain from comparing yourself to others. Live authentically according to your unique lifestyle.
• Being harmonious. Strive to achieve harmony not only with nature but also with society. Recognize the impact of your actions and words, and refrain from acting solely out of selfish desires.
• Find joy in the little things. Allow yourself simple pleasures, even if you believe you don’t deserve them. Give yourself small treats to create more moments of happiness throughout your day.
• Being in the here and now. Reconnect with your inner child, who appreciates the present without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Do not weigh yourself down with social roles. Embrace creativity and freedom in your experiences.

How to Find Your Ikigai

Uncovering your purpose is no simple task. To streamline the process for you, IvyPanda has divided it into three parts: asking questions, brainstorming, and studying and researching.

Ask Questions

The first step it’s also one of the most challenging – you will need to answer questions about yourself. Using the four components outlined earlier, IvyPanda has produced a list of guiding questions to help you get started, check it out in full here.

Brainstorm

After answering the questions, engage in a brainstorming session to visualize your answers. This exercise will help you clarify your ideas and intentions.

1. Envision your perfect day.
   Picture your day from sunrise till sunset. Imagine what you will wear, who you could interact with, and what tasks you might finalize. Consider how each facet of the day could contribute to your happiness and bring you closer to your objectives. Write down all of your insights.
2. Complete the Venn diagram.
   Check out the diagram we provided above to map out your responses. This exercise will help you recognize any gaps and gain clarity on how your intentions align with your goals.
3. Track your progress.
   Finally, a friendly reminder — don’t be afraid to modify and polish your objectives. We recommend reviewing your ikigai diagram at least every 2–3 years. This way, you can track the development of your achievements and update your life goals. Above all, enjoy the journey!

Study and Research

While introspection is crucial in discovering your ikigai, practical application is equally essential. It’s time to explore courses, seek out tutors, or enlist the help of a coach who can assist you in acquiring the necessary skills to achieve your goals. After all, what may appear interesting to you in theory may not translate the same way in practice.

Don’t worry; finding your ikigai may take time. Congratulations if you have found your purpose in life, but don’t stop searching if you’re still seeking. We hope this article helps you find your unique ikigai! Feel free to share it with friends on their journey to finding their purpose.

Source:
IvyPanda

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