IKIGAI (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” It is often used to refer to the idea of finding one’s purpose in life.
The word IKIGAI is made up of two Japanese characters: IKI (生き), which means “life,” and GAI (甲斐), which can be translated as “worth” or “benefit.”
IKIGAI can be thought of as the intersection of four key elements:
- What you love
- What you are good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
Finding your IKIGAI is often described as the key to a happy and fulfilling life. It can be seen as a way of thinking about what you want to do with your time that goes beyond simply earning a living.
There is no single formula for finding your IKIGAI. However, there are some common themes and questions that can be helpful in the search. These include:
- What are your passions?
- What are you curious about?
- What makes you feel most alive?
- What would you do even if you weren’t paid for it?
- What problems do you want to solve?
- How can you use your strengths to make a difference in the world?
The concept of IKIGAI has its roots in Japanese culture. However, it has been gaining popularity in the West in recent years as a way to think about finding meaning and purpose in life.
There are a number of books and articles that have been published on the topic, including “The Book of IKIGAI: The Secret Japanese Way to Live a Long and Happy Life” by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.
If you are interested in learning more about IKIGAI, there are many resources available online and in bookstores. You can also explore the concept with friends or family members who might be able to offer their own perspectives on what it means to live a fulfilling life.
No matter what your IKIGAI is, the important thing is to find something that brings joy and meaning into your life. Pursuing your passions and using your talents to make a difference in the world are sure to lead to a life well lived.
