Discovering Ikigai: Unveiling the Japanese Concept of Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Life

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines the two words “iki,” meaning life, and “gai,” meaning worth or value. The word is often translated as “a reason for being” or “a reason to wake up in the morning.” In essence, the practical application of Ikigai is versatile and can be adapted to various aspects of life. It serves as a valuable tool for making intentional choices that lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling existence.

It represents the intersection of four essential elements that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life:

Passion (What you love):

This aspect refers to activities, interests, or pursuits that bring you joy, excitement, and a sense of fulfillment. It involves identifying what you are genuinely passionate about and what you love to do.

Vocation (What the world needs):

Vocation is about finding a purpose or mission that aligns with the needs of the world or society. It involves recognising what skills, talents, or contributions you can offer to make a positive impact on others and the world.

Profession (What you are good at):

Profession is related to identifying your skills, strengths, and areas of expertise. It involves understanding what you excel at and what you can do proficiently. This component often relates to your professional or career pursuits.

Mission (What you can be paid for):

It involves discovering what the world is willing to pay you for, recognising the economic or financial aspect of your pursuits. It entails finding ways to monetise your skills, passions, and contributions to sustain a livelihood.

Entrepreneurship:

Entrepreneurs can use Ikigai to guide business ventures. By aligning their passion, skills, societal needs, and financial goals, they can create businesses that are not only profitable but also personally meaningful.

Workplace Well-being:

Organisations can apply Ikigai principles to enhance workplace well-being. By fostering an environment that allows employees to engage in tasks they are passionate about, utilise their skills, contribute to the organisation’s mission, and be rewarded financially, companies can promote job satisfaction and employee retention.

Mindfulness and Well-being:

Practicing Ikigai involves being mindful of one’s values and goals. This mindfulness can contribute to overall well-being by promoting a sense of purpose and contentment in daily life.

The concept of Ikigai is represented as the overlapping area of these four elements. When you find the perfect balance between what you love, what the world needs, what you are good at, and what you can be paid for, you discover your Ikigai — a source of deep satisfaction, purpose, and fulfillment.