Ikigai is a Japanese term that means "a reason for being."
Finding your ikigai means discovering the balance where your passions, skills, what the world needs, and what you can earn from all come together, leading to a life filled with purpose and satisfaction.
Read my previous article to understand more on ikigai : Navigating Life : Ikigai and the Art of Finding Purpose (A)
The importance of finding your ikigai cannot be overstated. It’s the foundation for a life filled with passion, purpose, and contentment.
Without it, you might find yourself drifting, lacking direction, and feeling unfulfilled.
However, with ikigai, you’ll not only enrich your own life but also have a positive impact on the lives of others.
(1) The characteristics of a person who has found his ikigai
A person who has found their ikigai typically exhibits the following characteristics:
- Sense of Purpose: They have a clear understanding of what gives their life meaning and direction.
- Fulfillment: They experience a deep sense of satisfaction from their activities, often feeling accomplished and motivated.
- Passion Alignment: Their work and hobbies align with their passions, contributing to a joyful existence.
- Contribution: They actively engage in activities that contribute positively to society or others, enhancing their sense of community.
- Resilience: They maintain a positive outlook, using their ikigai to navigate life's challenges with strength and determination.
(2) Famous individuals who have successfully found their ikigai:
(a) Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs found his ikigai at the intersection of his passion for design, his technical prowess, the world's need for user-friendly technology, and the success and fortune he gained through Apple.
His innovations revolutionised the tech world.
(b) Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa's ikigai lay in her compassionate service to the poorest of the poor.
Her vocation was her calling to help others, which matched her passion for serving humanity. She found purpose in filling a crucial need in the world, which became her life-long mission.
(c) Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall discovered her ikigai in the forests of Gombe Stream National Park (in Tanzania) studying chimpanzees.
Her deep passion for wildlife, coupled with her exceptional research skills, fulfilled an important need for conservation insight while shaping her career.
She has made significant strides in science and inspired countless others to respect and protect the planet.
(3) The steps you can take to find your ikigai
To find your ikigai, follow these steps:
(a) Determine Your Values:
Example: Reflect on what matters most to you, such as family, integrity, or creativity.
If you value creativity, you might prioritize artistic pursuits or innovative projects in your life.
(b) Isolate Your Passions:
Example: Identify activities that you love, such as painting, writing, or cooking.
If you find joy in cooking, consider how you might incorporate this passion into your daily life or career.
(c) Identify Your Skills:
Example: Assess your natural talents, like problem-solving or public speaking.
If you are good at public speaking, you might explore opportunities in teaching, coaching, or motivational speaking.
(d) Explore What the World Needs:
Example: Consider how your skills and passions can address societal needs.
If there is a demand for creative community outreach programs, you could contribute by organising events or workshops.
(e) Create a Plan:
Example: Develop actionable steps such as setting goals, like starting a blog about cooking, or enrolling in a course to enhance your skills.
Create a schedule to ensure you stay focused on integrating your ikigai.
(f) Take Action:
Example: Begin exploring potential paths by volunteering at local events or taking classes related to your interests.
Engaging in these activities will help you refine your purpose and see how your ikigai fits into your life.
I hope that with the explanation of ikigai above and on how you can find your ikigai, you’re now more excited about life than ever before.
Hopefully you can find your ikigai and have a new adventure where you thrive rather than merely survive.
Kevin Wong is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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