Do you want to wake up each day feeling energized and purposeful, knowing that you can make a positive impact in the world and live life to the fullest?
Do you want to move beyond your current constrictions, fears, doubts, and negative emotions to become an unstoppable force of happiness and success?
In a rapidly changing world, we are constantly looking for a way to combine our passion and talents, to find meaning in our work and life… To lead a Purpose-Driven Life!
So, what’s your reason for getting up in the morning?
If you are still wondering and reflecting on the question a lot, finding your Ikigai could help you to refocus your energies, and really plan out your hopes and goals for the future.
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai is the age-old Japanese ideology of finding joy in life through purpose and has long been associated with longevity.
In other words, your Ikigai is what gets you up every morning and keeps you going.
The age-old ideology of Ikigai can help you find your purpose to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Finding your ‘Ikigai’ helps you to keep looking towards the future, even when you are going through a difficult time.
Why is Ikigai important?
The usefulness and veracity of this specific occurrence have been investigated and postulated by several sociologists, scientists, and journalists, who have reached a number of highly intriguing results. One particular theory is that Ikigai can make you live longer and with more direction.
In September 2017, a team of scientists and the well-known Japanese TV show Takeshi no katei no igaku collaborated to do study in the small Kyoto town of Kyotango, which takes pride in having a population that is three times more senior citizens than the national average.
The show followed seven people in their late 90s and early 100s around from morning ’til dawn, taking blood tests and other health check-ups, to see what characteristics these elderly, happy people have in common in their everyday lives.
They discovered something intriguing: all seven individuals had extraordinarily high levels of DHEA, a steroid hormone generated by the adrenal glands that some consider to be the magical “longevity hormone.”
Interestingly, when the show followed those men and women around, they discovered one thing in particular that they all shared: a hobby that they all actively pursued on a daily basis. A woman in her late 90s was observed crafting traditional Japanese masks for a few hours every day, while another guy painted and another went fishing every day.
The program implied that having this one thing that keeps you interested, focused, and satisfied with life may boost your youth DHEA hormone, which may lead to a longer and happier life, even though the scientific correlation between having a hobby you love and the increase of DHEA has not yet been proven.
Misconceptions about Ikigai
It’s not about making money.
Ikigai is not the pursuit of professional success or financial freedom. The majority of Japanese people do not connect Ikigai with getting money. Your ikigai may result in success and the amassing of riches, but it wouldn’t be the main goal.
It’s not what the world needs from you.
Ikigai is not about what the world needs from you. Ikigai is found in relationships with others in your family, your friends, and in the roles you play. It’s not your goal to save the world when you pursue your Ikigai. It is more about getting to know and supporting the people in your life—your family, friends, coworkers, and community—who give your life purpose.
It’s not about what you’re good at.
To discover your Ikigai, you don’t need to be good at anything. Ikigai might be a fairly straightforward daily habit or the pursuit of a brand-new interest. Ikigai emphasizes development rather than mastery.
It’s often not about what you love.
Ikigai might be something you adore or are passionate about, but you can also discover it in unexpected places. Ikigai is more about upholding your morals and seeking significance and purpose in every day life, despite any obstacles that may arise.
Finding your Ikigai
Discovering your own Ikigai is said to bring fulfillment, happiness and make you live longer. There are several techniques to redirect your attention and purpose if you’re feeling confused or unclear of what your Ikigai is.
For millions of people, the issue is that they stop being curious about new experiences as they assume responsibilities and build routines. Their sense of wonder gradually fades away. But you can alter that, especially if you’re still striving for fulfillment and significance in your everyday activities.
Albert Einstein encourages us to pursue our curiosities. He once said:
“Don’t think about why you question, simply don’t stop questioning. Don’t worry about what you can’t answer, and don’t try to explain what you can’t know. Curiosity is its own reason. Aren’t you in awe when you contemplate the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure behind reality? And this is the miracle of the human mind — to use its constructions, concepts, and formulas as tools to explain what man sees, feels and touches. Try to comprehend a little more each day. Have holy curiosity.”
In the book – Ikigai The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Garcia suggested that if you find yourself blocked because change is difficult, try adding some new things to your life: a new hobby, a new circle of friends, or a new job on the side.
If you feel like you’re struggling, Garcia makes the suggestion that you “gain awareness of the current status of your life.”
Start by putting together a note of the top 10 things you have spent your time this week. After writing them down, ask yourself if those things are adding purpose to your life. You can subdivide by asking yourself four questions:
- Is it something that I love doing?
- Is it something the world needs?
- Is it something I’m good at?
- Is it something I can get paid for? If it’s not something you can get paid for, is what you can get paid for a good trade-off for really financially supporting your Ikigai?
If this all feels a little too cemented and you have trouble committing, don’t sweat it, research has uncovered that just like music taste, fashion and, opinions, a person’s Ikigai can change and morph with age, so chances are they need a semi-regular check-up.
If you still need help in finding your Ikigai, join us in this 1-day activity-packed Ikigai workshop to help you live a more fulfilling and purposeful life!
Source:
Ikigai: The Japanese Concept of Finding Purpose in Life
Ikigai Misunderstood and the Origin of the Ikigai Venn Diagram
