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October 20, 2024

Discover Your Ikigai: The Key to a Meaningful Life

Hey there! 👋

This week, I’m excited to share something that’s been on my mind lately: the concept of Ikigai.

It’s a Japanese philosophy that’s all about living with purpose, and if you’ve ever felt like you’re searching for that something in life or work, this might just be what you need.

Ikigai is the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for.

Let’s break it down and help you discover your own Ikigai.

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) translates roughly to "reason for being." It’s about aligning your passions, skills, and contribution to the world in a way that brings you both joy and fulfillment. Imagine waking up each day excited about the work you do, the impact you have, and the value you bring. That’s Ikigai.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

  • What you love (your passion)
  • What you're good at (your vocation)
  • What the world needs (your mission)
  • What you can be paid for (your profession)
"The people who live longest have two dispositional traits: a sense of purpose and a sense of community." - Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

When all four of these elements overlap, you’ve found your Ikigai. The beauty of this concept is that it isn’t only about your job, it can encompass your hobbies, relationships, and personal growth. It’s about finding balance and living a life that feels purposeful.

How to Find Your Ikigai

Finding your Ikigai takes reflection, but it’s worth the time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

  1. Start with Your Passions: Ask yourself what activities make you feel alive. What do you love doing, even when there’s no reward involved? Maybe it's writing, designing, helping others, or building things.
  2. Recognize Your Strengths: Reflect on what you’re good at. What skills have you honed over time? These can be professional skills, but don’t overlook talents or hobbies you enjoy outside of work.
  3. Identify a Need in the World: Think about how you can use your passions and strengths to address a problem. What does the world or even just your community need right now?
  4. Look at Where You Add Value: Finally, explore how you can turn this into something you’re paid for. Whether it's a job, business, or service, you need to ensure your Ikigai is sustainable.
Pro Tip: If you're struggling to identify what you love or are good at, think about feedback from others. What do people often compliment you on or seek your advice for? This can provide clues about your natural strengths.

Why This Matters

We spend a lot of time thinking about success as hitting certain milestones, getting a promotion, starting a business, or earning more money. But success without purpose can feel hollow. That’s why Ikigai is so powerful. It helps you define success in terms of meaning, not just metrics.

For me, writing this newsletter is a part of my Ikigai. I get to share knowledge, connect with you, and hopefully inspire someone to chase their entrepreneurial dreams.

Finding your Ikigai can lead to a more fulfilling life, one where work doesn’t feel like work, and each day feels meaningful.

The Ikigai Questions

If you’re ready to find your Ikigai, here are some key questions to ask yourself:

  • What makes you lose track of time when you're doing it?
  • What challenges do you love solving?
  • What do others come to you for advice on?
  • What are the things you would do even if you weren’t paid for them?

Answering these can help guide you toward discovering what truly lights you up.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush the process. Finding your Ikigai is more about discovery than instant clarity. Try different things, experiment, and see what resonates most with you.

Embrace Your Journey to Ikigai

Finding your Ikigai doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s a journey of self-discovery, trying new things, and evolving as you go. But once you find it, life starts to feel more aligned and rewarding.

So, if you’ve been feeling a little lost or unsure about your next step, take some time to reflect on these questions and start your journey toward a life filled with purpose.

Catch you next week!

Cheers, 🍻

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