-Deva Narayan
The idea of ikigai is central to Japanese culture and refers to the kind of deeply satisfying life that comes from being connected to our purpose. The word ikigai means “a reason for being” or even more intriguingly “a reason to get out of bed in the morning”. Ikigai is where what we love (our passion), what we are good at (our vocation), and what the world needs (your mission) all overlap. It allows us to bring our gifts and talents into play whilst doing something that gives us a sense of meaning and purpose.
Where Does Ikigai Come From?
The concept of ikigai dates back to traditional Japanese culture, in which the ideas of harmony and balance are very important. The word “ikigai” actually is derived from the Japanese words “iki,” meaning life, and “gai,” meaning purpose or worth. Essentially, it is a way of referring to living a life that’s both fulfilling, and one that makes sense — most often about the activities, pursuits, and careers we feel passionate about.
In Japan, ikigai isn’t restricted to high-minded philosophical concepts or something you spend years studying. It’s as simple as finding one or two things you love to do that also help put food on the table. Such a short path surely seems too good to be true.
The Four Elements of Ikigai
At its simplest, Ikigai is the point where the sum of value in your life is greater than your worries and negatives. To extend this further, Ikigai is created by finding what you are good at, what you love doing, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for.
What You Are Good At Ikigai also means that you recognize what your strengths and talents are – things that you are good at and enjoy doing. When your passions, interests, and the things you are good at align with each other, then there is a higher chance for you to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work that you do.
What the World Needs: To live a life of purpose, you then have to kind of look at how your passions and talents can be used to better the world in some way. This part of ikigai is about considering how you can create a positive impact on your career, your relationships, or through volunteer work.
What You Can Be Paid For: The last element of ikigai is thinking about what you can be paid for. You might be tempted to think that this means choosing a high-paying job over one that will make you happy, but that’s not it at all. It just means finding that sweet spot between doing what you love and supporting yourself.
The Global Appeal of Ikigai
Although ikigai is a concept that stems from Japanese culture, it has found resonance with people across the globe. In a world that is becoming ever more hectic and driven by material gains, ikigai represents an alternative approach to life, one that focuses on equilibrium, satisfaction, and meaning.
Many Westerners have adopted ikigai as a lifestyle trend or self-help tool for navigating the challenges of modernity. Books, workshops, and conferences on ikigai have proliferated as people strive to bring their lives into congruence with their passions and values. The concept has even crept into the design of office spaces, with businesses hoping to entice employees into work that is fulfilling and meaningful.
The philosophy of ikigai provides a timeless guide to living a life of purpose and meaning. By understanding and embracing the four elements of ikigai—what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for—you can create a fulfilling and balanced life. Whether through small daily practices or major life changes, the pursuit of ikigai can lead to a deeper sense of happiness, satisfaction, and connection to the world around you.