Remarkable Concept Of Ikigai That Will Help You Live a Better Life
Leafing through the book, `Priniciples of Ikigai’ by Hector Garcia and Francesc Niralles, I was quite impressed with its contents. It has some profound insights that will help us realize our deepest desires and aspirations, thereby, lead a joyful life!
It’s struck a deep chord within me, and am sure will resonate with the rest of you as well.
Let’s explore the meaning of `ikigai’ through this amazing handbook, which teaches us the art of living a superior life.
Ikigai is a combination of two words `iki’ meaning life and gai meaning worth. A concept that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and philosophy, it simply means knowing your reason for being.
Some of us have attained a high level of spiritual evolution and are fully aware of the reason for their birth. Others, however, are still searching for their life’s purpose. But, ultimately, no matter how chaotic things may seem, they would eventually find their true paths.
Ikigai encompasses four elements — what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The sweet spot where these elements intersect is considered the path to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
- The core principle of ikigai is identifying your passion. This involves recognizing activities that give you joy, excitement, and a deep sense of fulfillment. For instance, even, though I was working full-time in the corporate sector after completing my MBA, I was not satisfied with the nature of the job that I was doing. That’s why I quit and pursued writing—something close to my heart and which I enjoy doing!
- The second element — what are you good at? Aligning your daily activities with your skills and talents is crucial for a full life. It involves acknowledging your strengths and using them in your chosen pursuit, which can be in the form of careers or monetizable hobbies.
3. How you can use it—finding purpose in contributing to the well-being of others is an equally important factor. Not just finding yourself but also encouraging people to consider how their actions positively impact the world around them.
We get to choose either the finite mindset revolving around ME. Waking up every morning and saying I am going to be the best... to accumulate more power, wealth, and responsibilities.
Or choose the infinite mindset—an attempt to leave the WORLD in a better shape than I found. To devote my time to seeing those around me rise.
4. Can your passion pay for you? While the talk about finding your passion is important, it is equally important to sustain yourself. So it involves the practical aspect of sustaining oneself financially. It encourages individuals to explore how their skills and passion can generate income.
Harmony and Balance—ikigai helps people discover balance in life.
The concept and the book suggest that a blend of these four elements are the keys to living a balanced and fulfilling life. Where you do not feel as if you missed out on something or somewhere.
I am glad this concept fits well with my own life. I have found my passion of being a writer and adore my craft. I share my experiences with the world, and my audience enjoys reading.
Self-reflection is a vital part of ikigai, which encompasses regularly looking back on your values, desires, and goals.
Secondly, how it has helped in refining you to be even more successful in leading a purposeful life.
Focus on well-being—Ikigai encourages a holistic approach to well-being, considering physical, emotional, and mental health as integral parts of a full life.
How far has it spread? The concept has gained international popularity as a guiding philosophy for personal development, career choices, and a meaningful life.
Have you found your ikigai?
Thanks for reading!
