Solving for: IKIGAI

The concept of ikigai—a Japanese term that translates roughly to “reason for being”— can help you navigate life's twists and turns, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

Ikigai in Simple Terms

At its core, ikigai is where four fundamental elements intersect: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Imagine a Venn diagram with these four circles overlapping in the center. That center point is your ikigai. It’s more than just a career or hobby; it represents fulfillment and satisfaction in life.

Finding your ikigai can bring joy and balance to your everyday activities. Instead of merely going through the motions, you start living with passion and intention. Research shows that people who actively pursue their purpose report being 48% more satisfied with their lives.

The Four Pillars of Ikigai

Let’s dive deeper into the four categories of ikigai. Understanding each pillar can make it easier to identify your own path to fulfillment.

1. What You Love

This category reflects your passions and the activities that spark joy in your life. It could be anything from painting to hiking or cooking delicious meals.

Reflect on your childhood dreams or hobbies you lost touch with over time. Ask yourself questions like:

• What activities make me lose track of time?

• What brings a smile to my face?

  
  

Engaging with your passions can reignite the joy you once had and help shape your ikigai.

2. What You Are Good At

Let’s face it: everyone has unique talents. Some people can effortlessly juggle multiple tasks, while others can write beautifully or solve complex problems quickly. Identify your strengths by seeking feedback from friends, colleagues, or family.

What do people often compliment you on? Additionally, consider discussing with a trusted friend what they think you excel at. The key is to recognize your skills and how they can contribute to your sense of purpose. For example, if you are an excellent communicator, you might find opportunities in teaching or mentorship.

3. What the World Needs

Finding your ikigai also means understanding the needs around you. What challenges are people facing that resonate with you? Maybe you’re passionate about environmental issues, like reducing plastic waste, or feel a deep-seated need to care for others, such as volunteering at a local shelter.

Think about how you can make a significant impact in your community or beyond. Whether it’s volunteering, starting a nonprofit, or even just lending a hand to a neighbor, aligning your passions with the needs of those around you can emphasize your ikigai.

Today I asked for 3 words to increase my German vocabulary. Among those, "Die Gesellschaft (society)" was suggested by Grok saying that:

was selected as a noun for its broad applicability in discussing social, political, and cultural topics, which are common at this level (B2).

From my experience, not everyone needs/wants the same things. So it's important to select a niche that you understand and have common things with.

It's important to notice that some people are not really interested in solving what they really need, they're sometimes in a self destructive or depressive mode and reject any solution that you may come out with. So there's no one solution to fit all.

Might wanna switch to another community where we share interests and energy than being constantly frustrated by other people's apathy.

4. What You Can Be Paid For

While finding fulfillment is wonderful, financial sustainability is essential too. Ask yourself: How can I monetize what I love and what I’m good at?

Explore potential career paths or side gigs that align with your gifts and passions. Many people successfully turn hobbies into full-fledged careers. For example, individuals who start small businesses around their crafts can see revenue growth of 25% to 35% in the first year when they leverage their unique skills.

Visualizing Your Ikigai

Now that we have explored each pillar, it's time to visualize your own ikigai. Create your own Venn diagram with the four circles. In the overlapping center, note down your observations and insights from each category.

This exercise can help clarify your thoughts and might just reveal pathways you hadn't considered. Be specific; the clearer you are, the easier it will be to identify actionable steps toward achieving your personal ikigai.

Practical Steps to Discover Your Ikigai

Finding your ikigai isn’t an overnight process; it’s a journey of self-discovery and finding what brings you joy and fulfillment. It’s not always a straightforward path, and that’s perfectly okay!

Keep an open mind and be patient with yourself. The quest to uncover your ikigai can lead to exciting discoveries, deeper connections, and a richer, more fulfilling life.

With Love & Light,