{"id":7780,"date":"2024-06-09T02:24:17","date_gmt":"2024-06-09T06:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/how-to-find-your-ikigai-in-life\/"},"modified":"2024-06-09T02:24:17","modified_gmt":"2024-06-09T06:24:17","slug":"how-to-find-your-ikigai-in-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/how-to-find-your-ikigai-in-life\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find Your Ikigai in Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n

\n

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Ikigai Framework is a Japanese concept that can help us find fulfillment and meaning in our lives.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

With questions such as \u2018Why am I here?\u2019 or \u2018What am I doing with my life?\u2019 often weighing heavy on our minds, this framework provides a structured approach to finding the answers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

By exploring our skills and passions, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for, we can unlock the answers to these existential questions. We can find our own Ikigai \u2013 our reason for being.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And this article will explain exactly how to do it.<\/p>\n

Background of the Ikigai Framework<\/h2>\n

The word Ikigai combines two words: \u201ciki\u201d meaning \u201cto live,\u201d and \u201cgai\u201d meaning \u201creason.\u201d Essentially, it translates to \u201ca reason for being\u201d and, according to the Japanese, is something we all have the ability to hold.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It sounds simple. But finding your Ikigai requires a journey of self-discovery. You\u2019ll need to look closely into what you love doing, what you\u2019re good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Only by delving deep into these four aspects will you find your true purpose in life.<\/p>\n

The idea of Ikigai has been a part of Japanese culture for as far back as the Heian period. But it was Japanese psychiatrist and scholar, Mieko Kamiya who introduced it to a wider audience in her 1966 book, \u201cIkigai-ni-Tsuite\u201d (On the Meaning of Life.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

In it, Kamiya describes Ikigai as a form of happiness. But more than that, a feeling that our lives are constantly moving forward, despite any difficulties we may now be facing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Kamiya, also known as, The Mother of Ikigai, dedicated much of her life to researching the concept. She wrote that, in order to feel Ikigai, our deepest desires must align with our responsibilities. <\/p>\n

And by publishing the book, Kamiya found her own reason for being \u2013 to write and share her knowledge with the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In 2016, H\u00e9ctor Garc\u00eda and Francesc Miralles co-wrote \u201cIkigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.\u201d And it was here that we saw the concept of Ikigai pushed into the global spotlight.<\/p>\n

While researching for the book, Garc\u00eda spent time with the residents of Okinawa in southern Japan, a village known for longevity. He found that their secret to living a long and fruitful life was Ikigai; they had a reason for being.<\/p>\n

The book, which includes case studies on the Okinawans, teaches its readers how to apply Ikigai to their own lives. And it has now been translated into 70 languages, making it accessible to anyone hoping to find their own Ikigai.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3 Steps to Finding Your Ikigai<\/h2>\n

For some people, finding their Ikigai comes naturally. They know from an early age what they are meant to do with their lives; their reason for getting up in the morning. And they embrace life for all it has to offer.<\/p>\n

But for the vast majority of people, it\u2019s not that easy. And questions, such as \u2018What am I doing with my life?\u201d and \u201cIs this really it?\u201d continue to take up space in their lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thankfully, the Ikigai framework can help you to address these worries. By honestly answering the questions below, you\u2019ll pinpoint the 4 elements that make up your reason for being. And understand where changes need to be made.<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s take a look at the Ikigai framework, step by step.<\/p>\n

1. Answer the following questions.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Take your time and be honest with yourself. You might find it easier to use a template, such as this Finding Your Ikigai<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n

    \n\n<\/ol>\n
    \n
    \n

    What Do I Love Doing?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    What is it that makes you feel alive? It could be anything from rock climbing to reading; from partying with friends to solo trips around the world.
    Make a list and prioritize the things that make you want to jump out of bed and seize the day. <\/p>\n

    Be honest with yourself. And don’t worry about what society expects or what others may think. This is about you and what brings a smile to your face.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n

    What Am I Good At?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    What are your strengths and your skills? These might be things you\u2019ve trained in, and dedicated time to. Or they might be things you\u2019re naturally gifted in, like being a great listener, or musician.<\/p>\n

    We all have something to offer, something we excel in, so embrace these strengths and skills. And celebrate the things that make you stand out from the crowd.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n

    What Does The World Need?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    This doesn\u2019t have to be the entire world \u2013 it might be your local community or an online group. It may even be within your own home, with your family and friends.<\/p>\n

    In every walk of life, there will be someone in need. And finding that \u2018world\u2019, that need for change that inspires you to do more, will give you a reason to be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
    \n

    What Can I be Paid To Do?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    Look at your previous job experience, your skills, and qualifications. And ask yourself, \u2018What can I be paid to do? What do I have to offer in return for a decent wage?\u2019<\/p>\n

    It could be something similar to your current occupation, where you can harness your existing skills. Or it could be an entirely new vocation, where you can transfer your valuable knowledge.<\/p>\n

    Remember \u2013 don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities. You never know where it could lead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    2. Look at where your answers overlap<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Take a look at the answers and in particular, where the areas overlap, for example, What I Love<\/em> and What The World Needs.<\/em> The answers to these questions are known as your Mission<\/em>. And will give you a direction to pursue.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \"ikigai