Can this Japanese term be the solution to your happiness?
264 million people in the world are depressed or on the verge of depression according to the World Health Organisation, Report 2019. That’s a scary figure!
What makes it worse is the fact that the majority of us are unable to identify or accept ourselves as victims. We are unaware or simply ignorant of the reasons for our inner frustrations, passing our finite time in slumber. We spend our best years passively and later regret about where it got us.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
I learnt this the hard way after starting working as a lawyer for a company I couldn’t relate to. My work or place of work was far from fulfilling which actively pushed me towards discovering the true purpose of my life. I went from chasing the wrong things to find my true happiness (more on that later)
For now, I want to help you understand how you can prevent your work from stealing your happiness. And without further waiting, my secret is -
The Japanese concept of ‘Ikigai’
What is ‘Ikigai’?
Ikigai also pronounced as (ek-ee-gaii) is a Japanese term which almost translates to “Reason to live” in English. Put simply, it is the reason that motivates us to get out of bed every day. We all have different reasons and motivations behind our actions and Ikigai is about finding the reason that appeals to you.
Ikigai is simply the intersection between your purposes and skills converging with the things that the world needs and is willing to pay for.
Simon Sinek in his book ‘Start With Why’ has spoken a great deal about why it is important to start with a purpose in everything you do in life.
Ikigai is the reason that motivates you to get out of bed every day.
And Ikigai helps us understand this purpose so that you can design a path towards fulfilment for yourself. It helps you create a lifestyle that is equally blessed with spiritual and practical elements.
How to implement ‘Ikigai’ in real life?
I know a concept like this looks good in theory but can be difficult to apply in reality. I thought the same until I met other people just like me and you who were living their best life applying the learnings of ‘Ikigai’.
Meet Shalini. Shalini is an aspiring lead researcher in cancer research. A chemical and biological engineer by education, she had been working passionately for cancer research development for the last 3 years, when I met her.
After knowing her better, I learnt that her efforts have been recognised by many International and National Association in New Zealand including the recent award of Asia New Zealand Foundation’s ’25 Young People to Watch’.
Learning about her experience was eye-opening to me. Shalini sets a beautiful example of Ikigai. She is obsessed by her values of solving health problems and there is definitely a place for that in the world.
How can you do that?
Well, it’s a simple 3 step process. I discovered the solution for finding your Ikigai after learning from authors Dan Buettner and Hector Garcia.
Make a list of -
- Your values
- Things you like to do and you are good at
- Things the world needs
The intersection of the above elements will bring you closer to finding your reason for being and drive you towards a meaningful life.
My final thoughts
I wasn’t a believer of Ikigai when I started working as a lawyer. I was chasing money and a nice cubicle on the corner. Money was never a problem but that paycheck looked good in my bank only. In reality, more money meant more sacrifice of the things I really enjoyed which left me empty and on the verge of an existential crisis.
However, after coming across the concept of Ikigai, I found a new perspective and realised that one can live a plentiful life by following meaningful things as well. I dove deep into my soul and discovered that my diverse experiences are truly a blessing in disguise. Working across different continents and businesses have granted me the opportunity to wear many hats and as a result, I understand how different businesses work.
I believe that only when we feel fulfilled from our purpose, we can find true happiness in our work. And now is a good time to understand yourself better and follow what feeds your soul.
Today, with my purpose, which is to help people and businesses create meaningful lives and a healthy planet, I feel motivated every day. I love to create solutions in the way of products and services that empower people to advance their needs and strive towards a better world.
