Ikigai is a Japanese word that means “a reason for being”, also referred to as the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Life coaches have adopted this concept in guiding people to find direction or purpose in life – that which makes life worthwhile or meaningful.
Researchers have found that by asking four basic questions, you could get to this “happy spot” which will connect the four fundamental components of life: passion, vocation, profession, and mission.
- What is my passion – i.e. what do I love doing?
- What am I good at?
- Can I make a living out of this – or will people pay me for doing this?
- What does the world need – or is there a market for my product or service?
Many of us grow up doing what others want us to do or what we believe would be a respectable career to follow. Our passion we see as a pass-time and a luxury – to be exercised when we retire or have enough money to buy the time to do it. We often allow money to choose our career, sacrificing our joy and fulfillment. Not to mention our physical and emotional health.
It is possible to find your ikigai early in life and to live your passion. have discovered this. Coaches, researchers, and behavioural scientist have observed successful people who have found their ikigai and found a few common denominators in their habits and their way of living and thinking:
- They take care to use their energy wisely – where it adds value to themselves and their environment.
- They focus on what they do best.
- They know how to say No.
- They never stop investing in their own personal development.
- They consciously decide to do something fulfilling.
- They don’t compromise on their personal values and align these values with those of their company or workplace.
- They know how to simplify their lives and have learned not to make things unnecessarily difficult.
- They learn to go with the flow.
- They do not allow money to dictate their lives.
