Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to a person’s reason for being or their sense of purpose in life. It is a combination of two Japanese words, “iki” meaning life and “gai” meaning value or worth. The concept of ikigai has been around for centuries in Japan, and it is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world, as people seek to find meaning and purpose in their lives.
The Four Elements of Ikigai
There are four elements that make up the concept of ikigai: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. When you find the intersection of these four elements, you will have found your ikigai, or your reason for being.
What You Love
The first element of ikigai is what you love. This refers to your passions and interests, the things that make you happy and bring you joy. When you are doing something you love, you feel fulfilled and energized, and time seems to fly by.
What You Are Good At
The second element of ikigai is what you are good at. This refers to your skills and abilities, the things you are naturally good at or have worked hard to develop. When you are doing something you are good at, you feel confident and competent, and you are able to achieve great things.
What the World Needs
The third element of ikigai is what the world needs. This refers to the needs of society or the world at large, the things that can make a positive impact on the world or help others. When you are doing something that the world needs, you feel a sense of purpose and meaning, and you are able to contribute to something bigger than yourself.
What You Can Be Paid For
The fourth element of ikigai is what you can be paid for. This refers to the things you can do that can provide you with a livelihood, such as a job or career. When you are doing something you can be paid for, you feel financially secure and stable, and you are able to support yourself and your family.
How to Find Your Ikigai
To find your ikigai, you need to take a close look at yourself and your life, and consider each of the four elements of ikigai. Think about what you love to do, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Then, look for the overlap between these elements, and try to find a way to incorporate them into your life.
For example, if you love to write, are good at communicating, and the world needs better communication skills, you might consider a career in journalism or public relations. If you love to cook, are good at creating new recipes, and the world needs healthier food options, you might consider starting a healthy meal delivery service.
Discover you Ikagi with this bestseller:
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles is a fascinating book that delves into the concept of ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that translates to “the reason for being.”
Or head over to the bookshelf!
Conclusion
Ikigai is a powerful concept that can help you find meaning and purpose in your life. By considering what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, you can discover your reason for being and create a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. Whether you are just starting out on your journey of self-discovery or you are looking for a new direction in your life, the concept of ikigai can help guide you toward a more meaningful and purposeful existence.
