Ok, so this is how it all happened..
I was chatting to a friend, explaining how I had all these dreams of doing what I wanted to do in my life. I felt like a Jack of all Trades, having so many interests and hobbies and was wondering how I could combine them all, (or the bulk of them) into something I could use to generate an income, so that I could do the work I love. He said, “You need to find your Ikigai.” I had never heard the term before, and when he left, I immediately had to look it up. Turns out it is a Japanese way of life which is more easily explained by this symbol.
What does "Ikigai" mean?
Ikigai is a Japanese word that there is no real translation for. Essentially it means a "a reason for being”, or I suppose a “Life’s Purpose”. Most of us have been down that road asking, “Why am I even here?” Often, we get bogged down by the day-to-day needs and pressures of daily living and this question only arises from time to time. Truly, we all desire to find that intersection between doing what you love, doing what you are good at, incorporating that into what the world needs and then finding a way to earn a living whilst doing all these things. How does one get there…
Discovering Your Passion
· How can I figure out what I truly love?
· Think about all the things that inspire you, the things that improve your energy levels to the point that you get so busy that you don’t know where the time went to. Delve into these interests a little deeper to see if there is an angle you may have missed. It might be a new passion you discover.
Taking Advantage of Your Skills
· What if I'm not sure what these passions are?
· Arm yourself with a pen and notebook and start to write down all the things you are really good at - and that other people may have commented on. Ask your friends and family for their impressions. Perhaps take a strengths test.
Making a Difference
· How can I find ways to contribute to the world?
· Some of the most satisfactory work you ever do, will be the work you do for others. Just look around you for problems you may be aware of in your community that you think you could really fix. Volunteer, give support or mentor someone who you could have a positive impression on.
Earning a Living
· Can I really get paid for doing what I love?
· You most certainly can! Get on the internet or go to the local library (Do we still have those?) and start to do some homework researching careers where your passions lie. You might have to do a deep dive but if you persevere the rewards and answers will certainly be there!
Balancing the Elements
· How do I balance all four elements of Ikigai?
· Honestly, it's a continuous process. Keep looking at your progress and fine-tune your activities as you go. Keep looking for more harmony and maybe a bit less perfection. Be gentle with yourself. Remember you will change as you grow.
Daily Practices
· What daily habits can support an Ikigai lifestyle?
· Start with practicing mindfulness. Be continually aware of yourself, where you are, what you are doing and how this affects yourself and others. Meditation and journaling are very useful here especially if you re-read what you have written much later on. It can serve as a growth chart to see where you were before compared to where you are now. Don’t try to take on too much at a time. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Prioritize self-care and meaningful connections.
Overcoming Challenges
· What should I do when faced with obstacles?
· Challenges can be seen as opportunities for real growth. When you feel uncomfortable recognise and embrace it. If you feel you need help, run it past a sympathetic true friend or a recognised network and stay resilient. Remember, this is part of the journey.
Community and Connection
· How important is community in living an Ikigai lifestyle?
· Very important! If you find like-minded people with the same values and interests, you will feel supported. This will enrich your experience and give you a platform to share your passions and values.
Lifelong Growth
· Can Ikigai change over time?
· Absolutely. As you evolve, your Ikigai may shift. Embrace lifelong learning and be open to new experiences. Regularly reassess what brings you joy and purpose. Surprise yourself!
