EXPLORING PURPOSE - Finding your Ikigai

DISCOVERING IKIGAI: The Japanese Secret to a Purposeful Life.

In our fast-paced and interconnected world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, lost, and unfulfilled. We often find ourselves chasing success, money, or societal expectations without truly understanding what brings us joy and purpose. However, there's a concept that can guide us toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life - Ikigai.

Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese term that translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to live." It's the sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect. The concept of Ikigai has been deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and has gained international recognition as a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being.

ORIGINS AND DEFINITION OF IKIGAI

To understand the concept better, let's delve into its origins and definition. Ikigai has its roots in the Japanese island of Okinawa, known for its high percentage of centenarians. For the people of Okinawa, having a sense of Ikigai is believed to contribute to their longevity and vitality.

At its core, Ikigai is the perfect balance between four elements:

1. Passion: What you love and brings you joy.
2. Mission: What the world needs and where you can make a difference.
3. Vocation: What you are good at, and it can be your profession or career.
4. Profession: What sustains you financially and allows you to live comfortably.

DISCOVERING YOUR IKIGAI

Finding your Ikigai requires deep self-reflection and honesty. It's about discovering your true self, values, and desires. Here are some steps to help you on this journey:

1. Explore Your Passions: Think about the activities that make you lose track of time and fill you with excitement. It could be anything from painting, writing, cooking, or even helping others.
2. Identify Your Mission: Consider the positive impact you want to make on the world or your community. Reflect on the causes and issues that resonate with you deeply.
3. Evaluate Your Vocation: Assess your skills, talents, and strengths. Determine if there are any specific areas where you excel and can contribute meaningfully.
4. Align with Your Profession: Analyze your current career or job and see if it aligns with your passions, mission, and skills. If not, explore ways to bridge the gap or consider alternative paths.

EMBRACING IKIGAI IN DAILY LIFE

Ikigai isn't a destination but rather a journey. It's about making conscious choices and aligning your actions with your purpose. Here are some practices to embrace Ikigai in your daily life:

1. Mindfulness and Gratitude: Practice being present in the moment and expressing gratitude for the little joys in life. Mindfulness helps you appreciate the journey toward your goals.
2. Simplify Your Life: Focus on what truly matters and let go of unnecessary distractions. A clutter-free life allows you to concentrate on what brings you fulfillment.
3. Pursue Growth: Continuously challenge yourself to learn and grow. Personal development enhances your skills and broadens your opportunities to fulfill your Ikigai.
4. Cultivate Meaningful Relationships: Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you. Building meaningful connections adds value to your life's purpose.

In summary, Ikigai is not a magic formula, but rather a guiding principle to lead a purposeful and content life. It's about finding the intersection of what you love, what the world needs, what you are good at, and what sustains you. Embracing Ikigai involves self-discovery, mindfulness, and aligning your actions with your purpose.

Take the time to explore your passions, identify your mission, and recognise your unique talents. Embrace the journey of finding your Ikigai and make conscious choices that bring meaning to your life. Remember, living with Ikigai is not just about you; it's about contributing your best self to the world around you. So, embark on this journey of self-discovery and unlock the secret to a purposeful and fulfilling life. There are a number of Ikigai books online, they are all great.

FREE TRAINING

On July 27th, between 10:30 UK and 1:30pm we are running a free training session on zoom called The Inner Game of High Performance. In this Free Training you will learn the shifts you can make TODAY in order to operate at your full potential in life and business. Click the link below to register.

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Written by:

Matt Grady - Coaching Director, Master Coach and Professional Golfer (Former PGA).

JPDV – Mental Performance Coaching