In a world filled with endless possibilities and choices, finding our true purpose can often feel like navigating through a maze without a map. Yet, at the heart of Japanese culture lies a profound concept that offers guidance on this journey – ikigai. Originating from the Japanese island of Okinawa, where people are renowned for their longevity and vitality, ikigai represents the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession – the sweet spot where our deepest desires align with the needs of the world.
Discovering your ikigai, or your reason for being, involves understanding what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Here is a step-by-step process to help you uncover your ikigai:
1. What do you love?
Reflect on the activities and experiences that bring you joy and fulfilment. What makes you lose track of time? What are you passionate about? This could be anything from hobbies, interests, or causes that resonate with you deeply.
2. What are you good at?
Identify your strengths, talents, and skills. What do others often praise you for? What tasks or activities come naturally to you? Consider both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal skills).
3. What does the world need?
Think about the problems, challenges, or needs in your community or the world at large. What issues do you feel strongly about? How can you contribute to making a positive impact or solving these problems?
4. What can you be paid for?
Explore potential career paths or ways to monetize your skills and passions. Consider industries, roles, or opportunities where you can leverage your strengths and meet the needs of others.
Once you have identified your answers to these questions, look for the intersection points:
- Passion + Mission: What you love and what the world needs. This is where your purpose intersects with what you believe in and what you are passionate about.
- Mission + Vocation: What the world needs and what you can be paid for. This is where you can find opportunities to make a difference while also sustaining yourself financially.
- Vocation + Profession: What you can be paid for and what you are good at. This is where your skills and expertise can be utilised in a professional setting.
- Profession + Passion: What you are good at and what you love. This is where you can find fulfilment and enjoyment in your work.
Your ikigai lies at the convergence of these four elements. Take some time to reflect on each aspect and how they intersect in your life. Your purpose may evolve over time, so it is important to stay open to new experiences and opportunities that align with your ikigai.