GNT #037: A surprisingly simple technique to find your life's purpose

read time: 3 minutes
 

In a quaint little town in Okinawa, Japan – often referred to as the "Land of Immortals" due to its high number of centenarians – an old man named Hiroshi worked diligently in his garden every day.

To those who asked him why he never took a day off, even in his older years, Hiroshi would always reply with a single word: "Ikigai."

It wasn't just gardening for Hiroshi - it was his passion, his purpose, and his livelihood.

It was what the world needed. And it was his Ikigai.

In your world, lacking a purpose can make you feel empty, aimless, and diminish your zest for life. Purpose gives direction, meaning, and a sense of belonging.

Ikigai helped me realize my life's purpose and direction. To connect others with ideas and people to help them grow, advance through their life's journey -- and help them fulfill their purpose.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to the philosophy that many in Japan swear by for finding your life's purpose. Ikigai intertwines your passion, mission, vocation, and profession.

Let's dig in.

What is Ikigai, Anyway?

Ikigai can be visualized as a Venn diagram where four primary elements overlap:

1. What you love (your passion)
2. What the world needs (your mission)
3. What you are good at (your vocation)
4. What you can be paid for (your profession)

At the intersection of all four, you find your Ikigai - your reason for being.

source: dreamstime

Oh and one more thing... It's pronounced ee-kee-gah-ee.

Why is Ikigai important?

Understanding your Ikigai can provide clarity. It helps you focus on activities that not only bring you joy but can also be monetized, fulfill societal needs, and align with your skills.

Hiroshi's garden wasn't just a source of personal joy or income. It was a place of learning for children, a connection space for neighbors, and a source of fresh produce for the community. His Ikigai balanced personal happiness with contribution to society.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Ikigai

1. Not being honest with yourself: It's important to be genuine about your strengths, passions, and what you can realistically achieve.
2. Confusing passion with hobby: Just because you love doing something doesn't mean it can be easily monetized or is what the world needs.
3. Over-emphasizing one aspect: All four components of Ikigai need balance. Ignoring or overvaluing one can lead to dissatisfaction.

How to Discover Your Ikigai

Grab a pen and a notebook, or create a new page in your digital library.

Here's a quick summary:

1. Reflect on joyful moments: Think back to times when you felt most alive or joyous. What were you doing? Who were you with?

2. List your skills: Jot down things you're good at, even if they seem mundane. Sometimes, the most ordinary skills can lead to extraordinary passions.

3. Identify needs: Reflect on the needs of the world around you. What can you contribute to society or your immediate community?

4. Evaluate monetization potential: Of all the things you're passionate about and skilled at, which have the potential to sustain you financially?

5. Seek feedback: Share your findings with trusted friends or mentors. They might provide insights that you overlooked.

6. Align and intersect: Where do your passion, mission, vocation, and profession meet? This intersection is your Ikigai.

7. Iterate and Evolve: Understand that Ikigai isn't static. As you grow and evolve, so will your Ikigai.

For a deeper dive, I highly recommend reading Ken Honda's book, "Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day" It's a wonderful resource for unraveling your Ikigai.

Takeaway

When you find your Ikigai, you not only achieve happiness, but also build a business that's deeply meaningful.

Thank you for your wonderful responses to my newsletters each week. I love hearing from you!

Hope the idea of Ikagai was helpful for you.

See you next week!

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