We have tried to find the ideal balance between achievement, meaning, and happiness in our daily lives. While some people might have reached that balance without much difficulty, others are still trying. Have you ever pondered where your life is going when you’ve done some introspection? What do you want to achieve in life? Where do you get your joy and fulfillment from? Finding the best route to pleasure and success might occasionally resemble putting a puzzle together. You may be surprised to learn that the Japanese have already discovered the secret to striking the ideal balance between success, happiness, and meaning in life. It is known as ikigai. Yet what does ikigai actually mean? Here, we’ll look deeper into this idea and give you some tips on how to locate your ikigai.
Google searches for “ikigai” will also reveal that this Japanese idea of discovering your purpose also refers to “a reason for existence.” The word is a combination of the terms “iki-kai,” which signify “life” and “value,” respectively. It has to do with the thing that a person values most in life, something that gives them purpose and satisfaction.
The ikigai of a person can be anything, such as a passion, a desire, or a mission. It is something that motivates you to rise and shine each morning. It is what pushes you on to keep moving forward and provides you the inspiration to take action in the pursuit of that ikigai. Some people have little trouble identifying their ikigai. For others, the quest may still be ongoing.
There are 4 elements on your list that you must cross off in order to find your ikigai. You’ll be able to direct your search more effectively if you can identify these four things:
What you love
Your ikigai should be an enjoyable activity for you. Any activity that makes you feel good and that you would undertake voluntarily at any moment can count. Your dopamine levels will rise as a result of it, and you would jump at the chance to discuss it and spread the word about it to others whenever the opportunity presents itself. It might be as simple as engaging in a pastime that you truly enjoy, such as writing, making movies, taking pictures, dancing, painting, or even collecting stamps.
What you are good at
Finding out what you are or would like to be good at might also help you come closer to discovering your ikigai. Is there anything you’re naturally good at? Or perhaps there is something you want to learn how to do, something you have tried to learn how to do, or something you have worked incredibly hard to achieve?
You might have spent years developing a skill like videography, public speaking, fashion design, marketing, counseling, or computer programming. You can now cross two tasks off your list to discover your ikigai if you are doing something you enjoy and are good at.
What you can get paid or rewarded for
Knowing what you can be compensated might help you identify your ikigai. Keep in mind that in order to support our requirements and expenses on a daily basis, we need to make money. So, ideally, your ikigai should be something that can earn you money. Simply enjoying your work and being skilled at it are insufficient. It’s important that you receive fair payment for it and that it enables you to put food on the table and clothing on your back.
What the world needs
Something that the world or a community needs is the fourth element in identifying your ikigai. We feel better when we realize that what we do improves the world we live in. We get the impression that we are contributing significantly to our neighborhood. Nowadays, a large portion of people struggle to find fulfillment in their work since they frequently fail to see its significance. Knowing that your work has the potential to impact other people’s lives will help you locate your ikigai.
Whatever you are currently working in, you can always find a method to improve your circumstances and get to a place where you may simultaneously feel content, comfortable, delighted, and excited. You’ll become aware of how wonderful your life is once you’ve discovered your ikigai. You’ll feel more driven to succeed and become more productive as a result. You’ll reach a state of flow that makes it simpler for you to take pleasure in being active.
