Ikigai combines “Iki” meaning life and “gai” meaning
worth. Ikigai is the “reason for being” that gets you up in the morning. Ikigai is
different for all. Ikigai is your path, and you must do tasks accordingly.
Ikigai is the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Ikigai empowers us to
live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
The Ikigai Venn diagram shows the interaction of four
elements – what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what
you can be paid for.
What you love can be your hobbies, work, family,
volunteer activities or any other area of personal interest which increases
your energy level. What you are good at are your skills and competencies which
you already know or can develop over time. The intersection of what you love
and what you’re good at is your PASSION.
You must explore and find out what the world needs.
The intersection of what you love, and the world needs is your MISSION. There
is a market, if the world is ready to pay you for. The intersection of what the world needs, and what you can be paid for is your VOCATION. The intersection of what
you’re good at and can be paid for is your PROFESSION.
To discover your Ikigai, reflect on the four key questions. The center where each area overlaps is the fifth intersection which is the ideal state – your IKIGAI- your life purpose. Once you know your Ikigai, put your life purpose into action. Nurture it. Your passion, mission, profession and vocation should all be in alignment.