Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means ‘a reason for being’ and they believe everyone has a Ikigai. It is what gets you out of bed in the morning, it’s your burning desire or personal mission. . . a reason to enjoy life. This model is a great representation of how to find your Ikigai.
Ikigai lies at the centre of those interconnecting circles. If you are lacking in one area, you are missing out on your life’s potential. Not only that, but you are missing out on your chance to live a long and happy life.
To find your Ikigai you need to be;
– doing something that you love?
– that the world needs?
– that you are good at?
– and you can be paid for?
If you have a passion, a mission, a vocation & a profession then you have your reason for being. . . which is great. But what if you are not quite there yet? Finding your Ikigai doesn’t happen overnight for some it may take a lifetime.
If you are still searching then take a look at the model again, specifically look to the dotted lines that identify the feeling experienced when you don’t quite have it all balanced. The model shows:
Passion + Mission = Being delight & fullness . . . but no wealth.
Mission + Vocation = Being excitement & complacency . . . but a sense of uncertainty
Vocation + Profession = Being comfortable . . . but feeling emptiness
Profession + Passion = Being satisfied . . . but feeling of uselessness
Having spent years helping dozens and dozens of entrepreneurs find their Ikigai, whilst also searching for my own, I thought sharing this graphic might help to identify where the gaps are in your Ikigai and help direct focus where it is needed.
I am always interested to hear your thoughts, comments, and experiences. Please share them in the comments section below.
My closing question to you is . . . are you excited to wake up tomorrow?
Sean