IKIGAI - HOW TO FIND YOUR PURPOSE

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life?

Have you ever felt like your work was just a means to an end, or that you are not living up to your full potential?

Imagine waking up every day with a sense of purpose, passion, and fulfillment. This is the promise of IKIGAI - a Japanese concept that translates to ‘the reason for being’.

 

Ikigai is an intersection of ‘what you love,’ ‘what you are good at,’ ‘what the world needs.’ and ‘what you can be paid for.’ Ikigai is a path to finding true fulfillment in life.

To help us understand the power of ikigai, let’s relish this story of self-discovery and fulfillment by my friend, MD.

 

Growing up, MD was curious about everything. He was always asking probing questions and making thoughtful points. At school, he excelled in quizzes, debates, and drama. In church, he always gravitated towards the stage, reading the Bible and eagerly moderating meetings.

As he grew older, he became increasingly aware of his inherent talent for public speaking and sought out opportunities to hone his skills. He interpreted sermons and excitedly took the microphone whenever the opportunity presented itself. It seemed as though my friend was finding his voice in more ways than one.

 

Knowing that learning was the key to mastery, he made concerted efforts to immerse himself in the world of public speaking, devouring books on the subject and soaking up knowledge on everything from effective body language to persuasive rhetoric. He also tuned in to renowned speeches from the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. to Barack Obama, carefully studying their prowess, techniques, and delivery. With each book read and speech analyzed, MD’s understanding of the art of public speaking grew deeper and his confidence more robust. His passion for public speaking flourished, and it became clear to him that this was, indeed, his ikigai.

 

In my friend’s story, we see a perfect example of ikigai in action. He’s always loved talking and sharing his thoughts and opinions with anyone who would listen. He even volunteered to speak for free, honing his skills and becoming an excellent communicator.

As his abilities improved, he realized that his talent for speaking could be used to make a positive difference in the world like driving behavioral change and inspiring people to lead meaningful lives. He turned his passion into a profession, making a living by doing what he loves.

The perfect harmony of what he loves, what he is good at, what he could be paid for, and what the world needed - the ability to build and connect people through eloquent public speaking highlights how MD discovered his ikigai

Ikigai encompasses four key aspects that must be in unison. Let’s explore what they mean to help you find your reason for being:

 

What You Love - Passion

This is something that truly ignites your enthusiasm and brings you joy, regardless of monetary gain. This could be a hobby, activity, or pursuit that energizes you and sparks your creativity.

 

What You Are Good At - Profession:

This refers to your unique talents, strengths, and skills. Reflect on the areas where you excel effortlessly and the tasks that come naturally to you. These abilities form the foundation of your profession.

 

What The World Needs - Mission:

This is about contributing to the world in a meaningful way. It could be as big as tackling climate change or as small as helping a neighbor with their groceries. The point is to find a way to use your skills to help others.

 

What You Can Be Paid For - Vocation:

This refers to finding a way to make money doing what you love and what the world needs. It could be your day job or a side hustle, as long as it provides enough income for you to live comfortably.

 

In the end, Ikigai is not just about finding that one thing that fulfills all these aspects. It’s about finding balance, and pursuing what gives your life meaning and purpose. MD’s story is just one example of what is possible when you find your Ikigai.

 

Below are proven guides that could help you find your Ikigai:

* Identify your passions and skills: As MD did, think about the things that bring you joy and fulfillment, as well as the skills that come naturally to you. Make a list!

* Reflect on your values: MD moderated meetings, interpreted sermons, and participated in debates whenever and wherever he could. Consider what values are important to you and how they align with your passions and skills.

* Imagine your ideal life: Picture yourself living a life that truly aligns with your values and passions. What that life looks like, your habits, and the kind of people you surround yourself with, will drive you towards that ideal life.

* Try new things: Experiment with different hobbies, activities, or volunteer opportunities that align with your passions or values. You never actually know until you try.

* Embrace the journey: Finding your Ikigai might not happen overnight, and that’s okay. Take your time, be open-minded as well, and be kind to yourself during that process.

 

As you embark on the path to discovering your Ikigai, remember that this journey is a pursuit of harmony and alignment between your innermost desires, your talents, your values, and your place in the world. Nurture your passions, pursue your mission, and let your professional vocation become an extension of your soul’s purpose.

 

We invite you to share your story with us. Are you still searching for your passion and mission? Or have you discovered your ikigai and found harmony in your professional vocation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section. Together, let’s harness the power of ikigai to transform our lives into a mosaic of joy, meaning, and fulfillment.

 

…..Sweet Lilian