Ikigai?

Ever heard of the Japanese word, “ikigai”? It’s like a treasure map for discovering the secret to a fulfilling life.

I mention this because I heard about it in the docu series Blue Zones that I finished watching on Netflix yesterday.

Think of it as a mix of passion, talent, purpose, and a paycheck – all rolled into one. Here’s the breakdown:

Passion (What you love): This is all about the stuff that makes your heart race with excitement. Whether it’s painting, dancing, or just being in nature, it’s what brings a big smile to your face.

Talent (What you’re good at): We all have our superpowers, things we excel at effortlessly. It could be your knack for cooking, your way with numbers, or your gift for connecting with people.

Purpose (What the world needs): Now, this is where things get meaningful. It’s about finding your unique way to make the world a better place. Maybe it’s through teaching, helping others, or contributing to a cause that’s close to your heart.

Paycheck (What you can be paid for): Of course, we live in a world where bills need to be paid. Your ikigai should ideally include something you can earn a living from. It’s like the practical side of the equation.

The cool part is when you can find the spot where all these elements intersect. That’s your ikigai! It’s the sweet spot where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all come together.

So, ikigai is like your life’s North Star, guiding you to a place of balance, purpose, and happiness. And remember, it’s not a fixed destination; it can change as you grow and evolve.

Unconsciously and without knowing the concept of ikigai before, I have been on my ikigai quest for a while.

What about you, have you found your ikigai?