Finding Your Ikigai: Your Reason for Being

Have you ever asked yourself: What’s my purpose? What gets me out of bed in the morning? If not, let me introduce you to a concept that could change your life: Ikigai.

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese term that means "reason for being." It’s about living a life filled with joy, purpose, and meaning. The word itself breaks down into:

Iki: life
Kai: meaning, realization of hopes and expectations

This philosophy is rooted in the Japanese culture, and it suggests that discovering your ikigai is the key to living a long and fulfilling life. The beauty of ikigai lies in its simplicity; it’s about connecting with what truly excites you and makes your heart sing.

The Ikigai Framework

At its core, ikigai is about finding balance at the intersection of four key questions:

What do you love?
What are you good at?
What does the world need?
What can you get paid for?

It usually is visualized as a Venn diagram where the overlap of these areas represents your ikigai—a sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession come together.

How to Discover Your Ikigai

Start with a large sheet of paper and create four sections for each of the above questions.

Take your time to brainstorm and reflect on these:

What sparks joy in your life?
What unique skills or talents do you have?
How can you contribute to the world in a meaningful way?
What opportunities could help you make a living from your passions?

Take your time, don’t rush this process, let it evolve naturally. Pin your diagram somewhere visible and add thoughts as they come to you over days or weeks. Keep in mind that discovery is a journey, not a one-day task.

My Ikigai Journey

For years, I worked as an IT consultant, teaching others how to use our software and solve problems. But when illness disrupted my life, I found myself at a crossroads. I questioned my purpose and struggled with uncertainty.

Looking inward, I rediscovered my ikigai: teaching, inspiring, and creating. I realized that while my job had been fulfilling in many ways, my path forward needed to evolve. Today, I focus on empowering others through content creation, personal growth, and inspiring people to find their unique potential.

Why Ikigai Matters

Finding your ikigai can be life-changing. It’s not just about what you do; it’s about how you feel and the impact you create. Your ikigai can guide you toward a life of joy, contribution, and financial stability.