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What is ikigai? It might be a question you’ve never asked yourself. Seeking a sense of purpose isn't everyone's most beloved past time. But even crafty hobbies can lead you to find meaning and even joy in your work … or your ikigai (ee-key-guy).
Ikigai is a Japanese word that describes an ancient Japanese philosophy that has enveloped the way some Japanese people live. Some believe it’s even the reason for their happiness and longevity.
In this article, we’ll explain the origins, importance, and meaning of ikigai. We’ll also discuss how to find and embrace your ikigai.
What does ikigai mean?
Ikigai is a Japanese concept or philosophy that is rooted in japanese culture. The Japanese word ikigai combines "iki" (which means life) and "gai" (value). It shows that everyone has a purpose in life to offer the world.
It’s what brings you joy and inspires you to get out of bed every day. Some say it gives them another reason to live and leads to a more fulfilling life.
It’s important to mention that while traditional Japanese philosophy focuses on finding your bliss, western interpretation has used ikigai as a method of finding your dream career.
Where does ikigai come from, and why is it becoming popular?
The Japanese concept of ikigai dates back to the Heian period, between 794 to 1185. The idea was further explored by Mieko Kamiya, a renowned Japanese psychologist, in her 1966 book Ikigai-ni-tsuite (About Ikigai). Additionally, Héctor García and Francesc Miralles co-authored the book "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life," which explores how ikigai impacts the everyday routines of Japanese people.
While ikigai is often associated with finding life's purpose, it's important to note that for Japanese people, it's a more everyday concept. It can refer to small joys and doesn't necessarily imply a grand life purpose
What are the 4 parts of ikigai?
The Westernised version of ikigai says you’ve found your dream career when your career includes these four qualities:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What you can be paid for
- What the world needs
This ikigai diagram helps to visualize this concept by showing these four main overlapping qualities:
The center point on the Venn diagram where all four circles overlap is your ikigai. At this intersection, you’ll find a balance of passion, talent, and impact, ideally leading to a happy life and purpose.
The 10 rules of ikigai
There are 10 rules of ikigai, which are often shared as part of the philosophy. These rules provide guidance on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Keep in mind that these "10 rules of ikigai" appear to be a modern interpretation, likely formulated by García and Miralles.
They are:
- Stay active; don’t retire: Keep doing things that are meaningful and keep you engaged, even after retiring from work.
- Take it slow: Living at a relaxed pace allows for greater mindfulness and enjoyment of life’s moments.
- Don’t fill your stomach: This emphasizes eating in moderation, as overeating can lead to health issues.
- Surround yourself with good friends: Social connections are vital for emotional health and longevity.
- Get in shape for your next birthday: Staying physically active is important for maintaining health and vitality.
- Smile: Having a positive attitude, even during challenges, can improve emotional well-being.
- Reconnect with nature: Regular contact with nature can help reduce stress and enhance happiness.
- Give thanks: Practicing gratitude for the things you have, including your relationships and experiences, fosters a sense of contentment.
- Live in the moment: Being present helps you fully experience life and reduces worries about the past or future.
- Follow your ikigai: Identify your purpose or passion in life and pursue it, making each day meaningful.
Why is ikigai important?
Japan is ranked second in the world for life expectancy, with women expected to live 88.09 years and men expected to live 81.91 years. While it’s true that diet plays a role, many Japanese people believe ikigai has a lot to do with their longevity and living a happy life.
Ken Mogi, a neuroscientist and author, explores how ikigai is a powerful tool to find your purpose and live a fulfilling life.
Apart from living a longer and happier life, knowing your ikigai can help you:
- Design your ideal work lifestyle
- Create strong social connections at work
- Create a healthy work-life balance
- Pursue your career dreams
- Enjoy your work
When you know your ikigai and understand its meaning, you’re aligned with the work you’ve longed to do and the work the world needs you to do.
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3 steps to discovering your ikigai
When you know your ikigai and understand its meaning, you’re aligned with the work you’ve longed to do and the work the world needs you to do.
Here’s how you can discover your ikigai and find your purpose:
Step 1. Answer some questions to find your ikigai
1. What do you love?
If you’re currently working:
- Are you absorbed in your work?
- Are you more excited about going to work than you are about leaving work?
- Do you have an emotional connection to your work results?
If you have a hobby or craft:
- Do you have a hobby or craft you can’t seem to get enough of?
- Are you more excited about your hobby or craft than anything else?
- Are you emotionally connected to your hobby or craft?
2. What are you good at?
If you’re currently working:
- Do people ask you for advice on topics related to your work?
- Are there parts of your job that come easily to you?
- Are you one of the best at what you do?
- Are you/Do you want to be an expert at what you do?
If you have a hobby or craft:
- Do people compliment you on your hobby or craft?
- Does your hobby or craft feel intuitive?
- Are you one of the best at your hobby or craft?
- Are you/Do you want to be an expert at your hobby or craft?
3. What does the world need?
If you’re currently working:
- Is your work considered a high demand in the marketplace?
- Picture the next year, 10 years, and 100 years — will your work still be valuable?
- Are you solving a social, economic, or environmental problem?
If you have a hobby or craft:
- Is your hobby or craft in high demand or desirable in the marketplace?
- Will your hobby or craft still be valuable in the future?
- Is your hobby or craft solving a social, economic, or environmental problem?
4. What can you be paid for?
If you’re currently working:
- Are there other people getting paid for the same work you’re doing?
- Do you make a good living/Will you eventually make a good living doing your work?
- Is there a healthy level of competition for your work?
If you have a hobby or craft:
- Have other people made a career out of the same hobby or craft?
- Have people around you requested to buy what you do or make?
- Is there a healthy level of competition for what you do or make?
If you answered ‘yes’ to each question in the ‘If you’re currently working’ section, keep doing what you’re doing!
If you answered ‘yes’ to each question in the ‘If you have a hobby or craft’ section — congrats! You can take steps to turn your hobby into your dream career. Head to step 2 to start.
What if your answers were no?
Don’t worry; keep reading for more tips on finding your ikigai.
Step 2. Brainstorm to find your ikigai
Visualize your ideal day. Pay attention to how you feel. Write it down. If you answer ‘no’ to any key questions, brainstorm small changes to align with what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs. Your focus should be on finding joy in your work and aligning your purpose in life.
Step 3. Study to find your ikigai
You now have a picture in your head about what your ideal workday looks like. Now, consider studying, researching, taking classes, or hiring a coach or mentor. This step can help you discover if your vision meets your real-life expectations.
Note: Finding your ikigai doesn’t mean you’ll love every aspect of your career. It means that you’re willing to accept even the not-so-perfect parts. This is because your career is aligned with what you love, what you’re paid for, and what the world needs.
3 Common challenges when finding your ikigai
Challenge 1: what if I feel overwhelmed by this big life change?
Solution: Break down your journey into tiny, manageable steps. Instead of thinking "I need to completely change my career," start with "Today I'll spend 15 minutes researching one company I'm interested in." Small actions compound over time, and each little win builds momentum.
Challenge 2: how do I find time when I'm already so busy?
Solution: Instead of trying to find large blocks of free time, look for small pockets in your daily routine. Could you use your lunch break to sketch business plans? Can you listen to relevant podcasts during your commute? Start with just 15 minutes daily - it's better to do a little consistently than to wait for the "perfect" time.
Challenge 3: what if my fears are holding me back?
Solution: Fear of failure or change is natural - but don't let it be your decision-maker. When fear arises, acknowledge it, then ask yourself: "What's the smallest step I could take despite this fear?" Often, taking action - even tiny steps - is the best way to prove to yourself that your fears are manageable.
4 Steps to embracing your ikigai
1. Create small goals
Begin with your big annual objectives, then break them into monthly milestones you can realistically achieve. This step-by-step approach turns daunting goals like career changes or business launches into manageable chunks that build toward your larger vision.
2. Plan it out
Transform your monthly milestones into weekly or daily tasks, organizing everything in a system that works for you. Keep both digital and physical copies of your plan, with the paper version displayed prominently where you'll see it daily.
3. Create a support system
Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, and fellow travelers who understand your journey. These relationships provide crucial guidance, accountability, and encouragement as you work toward your goals.
4. Test and adjust
Regularly evaluate your progress and be willing to adjust your approach. Check if your actions align with your true desires rather than external expectations, and refine your plan based on what you learn along the way.
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The rewards of finding your ikigai
You’ve found your ikigai when you:
- Feel fulfillment and purpose
- Are excited about your activities and hobbies
- Find your efforts rewarding
- Align your actions with your values
- Are resilient in challenges
- Make a positive impact on others
- Balance enjoyment and practicality
What to do when you don't know where to start
If you're unsure what you enjoy or are good at, start with these tips:
- Experiment with new activities.
- Reflect on past experiences.
- Ask for feedback from others.
- Pay attention to what energizes you.
- Develop new skills through workshops.
- Follow your curiosity and explore.
- Reflect on what you dislike.
- Volunteer or try side projects.
- Be patient and kind to yourself.
How will you know you've found your ikigai?
You’ll know when:
- You feel fulfillment and purpose in daily life.
- You experience excitement and joy in what you do.
- Your efforts feel rewarding.
- Your actions align with your values.
- Your passion provides sustained motivation.
- You make a positive impact on others.
- You find balance between enjoyment and practicality.
- You are resilient when facing challenges.
- Your passion feels timeless.
- You experience inner peace and contentment.
Ready to embrace your ikigai?
If you’re on the road to discovering a purpose-driven career, we hope this article is what you needed to discover ikigai and its meaning.
Ikigai is a lifelong journey, not a destination. It’s about growth, contribution, and finding joy in the moment. The Japanese word ikigai encapsulates a way of living that leads to both personal fulfillment and societal contribution.
Set goals, stay adaptable, and surround yourself with a supportive community. Use your ikigai to make a positive difference, and share your journey—it might inspire others to find their own reason to live.
Are you ready to embrace your ikigai? The path to your unique ikigai is waiting, filled with potential for happiness and purpose. Let the wisdom of ikigai guide you to a life where passions, talents, and the world’s needs come together for a truly meaningful existence.
