The blog will pick a word of the week, to share & explore the selected word. Here’s an expression for the word – Ikigai (生き甲斐).
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being” or “the reason we wake up in the morning.” Our Ikigai lies at the intersection of four important things – what we love (passion), what we are good at (profession / skills), what our world needs (mission) & what we can be paid for (vocation). When all these four overlap, we can find our Ikigai. “Your Ikigai is at the intersection of what you are good at & what you love doing” – Héctor García. Purpose is the reason we journey. Our purpose isn’t hidden, it’s in the things we keep coming back to. Passion is the fire that lights our way.
Finding our Ikigai can bring a sense of purpose, greater happiness or fulfilment, increased motivation & better mental or emotional well-being. Happiness can come from small, simple pleasures, not just big wins. The philosophy of Ikigai goes beyond just finding a career or passion. It’s about finding our flow to live a meaningful, balanced & fulfilling life, each day. Ikigai connects with the idea of Kaizen – constant, small improvements. “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together” – Vincent van Gogh.
Success feels empty without a purpose, but even a small sense of purpose feels like success. Purpose inspires us to stay curious, to learn new skills, to find joy in the ordinary experiences, to contribute to the world we live in. “Those who have a why to live, can bear with almost any how” – Friedrich Nietzsche. Ikigai is not a destination, but a way of life. What feels natural to us is often our greatest gift to the world.
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