Discovering Your Ikigai: Unveiling Your Purpose and Passion in Career
My story
Have you ever stopped to ponder the true meaning of your job or career? Is it merely a means to pay the bills, or did you pursue it for the promise of financial security? Many of us have encountered the adage, "love what you do and never work a day in your life," but understanding how to embody this sentiment can feel elusive. How can you reach a point where your work brings you genuine joy and fulfillment?
Amidst the chaos of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of our true needs and become fixated on the next task at hand, rarely pausing to reflect on our present circumstances. Before I transitioned careers, I found myself in the typical 9 to 5 grind. The pay was good, and I consistently climbed the corporate ladder with one promotion after another. Driven by my competitive spirit and a desire for financial success, I kept pushing forward, convinced that with each new achievement, I would eventually find contentment and happiness in my role. Yet, year after year, despite the accolades and advancements, I felt a profound sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
During moments of reflection, my mind often wandered back to my early days working in a clinic or as a part-time food service host in a hospital. Despite the meager pay, those experiences ignited a deep sense of fulfillment whenever I connected with patients and provided meaningful assistance during vulnerable moments. Back then, I overlooked these instances of genuine happiness, my focus solely fixed on monetary rewards.
It wasn't until I delved into Gary Chapman's book, "The 5 Love Languages," that I uncovered a crucial insight: acts of service brought me genuine happiness—an aspect notably absent in my corporate career, where fulfilling tasks seemed to serve only the whims of higher-ups at my expense. This realization sparked a revelation—I needed a significant career change.
In a nutshell, I embarked on a journey to align with my Ikigai, a beautiful Japanese concept representing the convergence of passion, mission, vocation, and profession. My purpose crystallized around acts of service, harnessing my analytical mind and creative problem-solving. The turning point came when I stumbled upon an enlightening article on Forbes.com titled "How To Find Your Ikigai And Transform Your Outlook On Life And Business."
Today, I stand where I am because I discovered my Ikigai—an amalgamation of my true passions and talents. Now, I want to share this transformative concept with everyone—because finding your Ikigai can truly change your outlook on life and career.
How to Find Your Ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. In essence, it's about finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life by aligning these different elements.
To find your Ikigai, you can follow these steps:
Discover what you love: Identify your passions, interests, and the activities that bring you joy and satisfaction. Reflect on the things that make you lose track of time when you're doing them.
Identify what you are good at: Recognize your strengths, skills, and talents. Consider what comes naturally to you and what others often appreciate or praise you for.
Understand what the world needs: Explore the needs, problems, or challenges in your community or society at large. Think about how you can contribute positively and make a difference.
Determine what you can be paid for: Evaluate the practical aspect of your Ikigai. This involves considering what skills or services have value in the marketplace and can provide financial stability.
Once you have a clearer understanding of these four elements, look for the overlap or convergence among them. Your Ikigai lies at the intersection of these areas:
Passion + Mission: This is what you love and what the world needs. It represents doing what you love in a way that contributes to a greater purpose.
Mission + Vocation: This is what the world needs and what you can be paid for. It involves addressing meaningful needs through a viable career or role.
Vocation + Profession: This is what you can be paid for and what you are good at. It centers around leveraging your skills and expertise in a way that is financially rewarding.
Profession + Passion: This is what you are good at and what you love. It entails pursuing your talents and strengths in areas that genuinely interest you.
Finding your Ikigai involves introspection, self-discovery, and sometimes experimenting with different roles or activities to see where these elements align most harmoniously. It's a journey of self-awareness and purposeful living. Take your time to explore each aspect and be open to adapting as you learn more about yourself and the world around you.
If you're just beginning your journey to discover your Ikigai, I highly recommend keeping a journal to document this new adventure. It’s a great way to reflect on your experiences and insights along the way. Additionally, check out this free worksheet to help you get started!
