There comes a point in life where the quest for purpose and understanding the reason for being takes centre stage. Through these moments, we dive deeper into learning and understanding ourselves on a personal level, pushing us to try out different strategies, including the Japanese Ikigai concept. If you are someone who’s been seeking to discover your life’s purpose, then you are in the right place. In this article, we embark on a journey to unveil the Ikigai concept while exploring how it can help you find meaning in life. Keep reading to find out more.
Understanding the Japanese Ikigai Concept
Ikigai is a Japanese concept pronounced as “ee-kee-guy.” The term is a representation of two Japanese words; “iki,” which means life, and “gai,” which means worth. At its core, it comprises four things:
- What we love
- What we are good at
- What the world needs
- What we can be paid for
All these four show that Ikigai is not merely a concept as many perceive but rather a way of life, highlighting the importance of finding balance and harmony in our daily pursuits. The concept has been around in Japan for centuries, identified as one of the reasons the country has a high life expectancy.
Ways to Find Your Ikigai
Finding your purpose in life is not a walk in the park, as it is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It calls for thorough introspection, learning and unlearning, self-discovery, and the zeal and willingness to explore various aspects of life. The joy of knowing your reason for being is the same as the happiness players feel after finding the best online casinos for real money UK on https://www.slotozilla.com/uk/real-money, which is a review site for casino-related content. So, if you are looking for some of the great real money online casinos, Slotozilla has got you covered. They provide you with a comprehensive guide, showing you which casinos deserve your time, money and attention.
Here are different ways you can find purpose through the Japanese Ikigai concept.
Reflect on Your Values and Interests
You can’t fully leverage the Ikigai concept if you don’t have an idea of your core values and interests. So, the first thing you should do is embark on a journey of introspection, which allows you to identify the things that matter to you. Doing this helps in understanding yourself on a profound level and figuring out what grounds you and what brings you joy and fulfilment.
According to research studies conducted by psychologists, individuals who align their goals with their values experience high life satisfaction. For example, based on a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who identified and utilised their strengths in line with their values reported higher levels of fulfilment and happiness in life.
Identify Your Skills and Talents
Finding meaning in life requires a deeper understanding of one’s skills and talents. Identifying these two helps enhance self-awareness, which is pivotal in the quest for Ikigai. Similarly, figuring out your talents and skills enables you to understand the areas you excel at (the things you can do with so much ease and excellence) and what you can offer to the world.
A study conducted by Gallup shows that individuals who focus on their strengths are six times more likely to be engaged in their jobs, resulting in higher performance levels. Companies like Google have witnessed a 37% reduction in employee turnover and a significant increase in productivity and innovation, all thanks to the company encouraging its employees to identify and leverage their skills and unique talents.
Learn to Consider the Needs of the World
Ikigai does not promote selfishness. Meaning that it is not just about personal fulfilment and happiness but also about making meaningful impact and contributions to the world. Therefore, it is important to consider the needs of the world. This involves identifying the gap that needs to be filled, the problems you can solve, and the contributions you can make to better society.
A report by the Harvard Business Review shows that businesses that focus on creating value for society without paying so much attention to profits experience long-term positive impact and success. Muhammad Yunus is a good example highlighting the significance of aligning personal passion with societal needs. Muhammad is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Grameen Bank, who exemplifies the concept of Ikigai.
According to research, Muhammad Yunus addressed the needs of impoverished communities by providing microloans. This was a great way to empower individuals to lift themselves out of poverty. His innovative strategy not only earned him the Nobel Peace Prize but also helped turn around the lives of many individuals, showing us how powerful the Ikigai concept is.
Experiment With Various Activities and Explore Different Careers
One way to find your reason for being is through experimentation and career exploration. Exploring and experimenting allows you to discover your passions and interests organically and pushes you out of your comfort zone. Additionally, engaging in career exploration activities leads to high levels of career decision-making, job satisfaction, and self-efficacy.
Marie Kondo, a renowned Japanese organising consultant, is an example of an individual who’s found their purpose in life through the use of the Ikigai concept. Marie Kondo started by combining her passion for tidying with her unparalleled expertise. This led to the creation of a global phenomenon, inspiring millions of people to declutter and find joy in their lives. Today, Marie Kondo’s journey exemplifies the power of aligning one’s passions, skills, and societal needs, resulting in a fulfilling and impactful career.
Importance of Finding Purpose Through Japanese Ikigai Concept
Finding your reason for existence through the Ikigai concept comes with various benefits, which include the following:
- Improved physical and mental health: According to a research study by the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals with a strong sense of purpose are 30% less likely to suffer from depression, stress, and anxiety. If anything, they are more likely to live longer and have healthier lifestyles.
- An increase in happiness and fulfilment: Doing what you love brings you so much joy and gives you a sense of purpose, making you happier and more fulfilled. A study by the University of California Berkeley reveals that people who follow the Ikigai concept are 20% more likely to be happy and 70% more likely to be healthy.
- Greater resilience: The Ikigai concept teaches and shapes you to become stronger and better at coping with whatever challenges and setbacks life throws at you. You hardly give up because you know you have something to live for, regardless of how tough life may get.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out your purpose in life is a journey, not a destination. With time, it becomes more like a lifestyle. The process takes time, experimentation, and self-reflection. Simply put, the journey is not linear, but it’s worth taking because it brings you more happiness, increases your resilience and fulfilment, and helps you live a healthier and peaceful life.