Discovering one’s purpose is one of our most fundamental needs, yet many of us struggle to define what we truly want from life. I was no different—until a few years ago when I stumbled upon my own Ikigai. Now, I live and breathe it almost every day. My journey began when I became involved in creating a mentoring program for the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). Through developing their global mentoring program, I unearthed a deep passion for creating and teaching. Over the past 19 years, that passion has blossomed into what I now recognize as my Ikigai.
Life has a way of aligning things serendipitously. Last year, we bought a yacht that was already named Ikigai—a beautiful coincidence that felt like everything had come full circle, further reinforcing my path.
The Japanese concept of Ikigai offers profound insight into the journey of discovering one’s purpose. While there is no direct English translation, Ikigai is often described as "a reason for being"—the driving force that makes life feel meaningful and fulfilling. In Japanese, 'iki' means 'life,' and 'gai' refers to value or worth. Essentially, Ikigai is what makes life worthwhile—your source of bliss and fulfillment.
Ikigai exists at the intersection where your passions meet your talents, where what you love to do aligns with what the world needs, and where you can be rewarded for your efforts. (This doesn’t necessarily mean being paid in a traditional sense, but rather feeling fulfilled and valued for what you contribute.)
Finding this balance doesn’t just add meaning to life—it transforms it. It’s not only emotionally rewarding but also offers profound physical and mental health benefits. Research has shown that having a strong sense of Ikigai can boost immune function, increase life expectancy (Hui & Fung, 2009), reduce anxiety, and improve resilience (Ishida, 2011). In challenging times, connecting with your Ikigai can provide clarity and perspective, helping you navigate uncertainty with renewed direction and purpose.
To begin discovering your own Ikigai, use the Venn diagram model to reflect on and fill in the four key quadrants: what you love to do, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. Your Ikigai is found at the intersection where these four elements converge.
Quadrant 1: What Do You Love?
Start by reflecting on the activities that make you lose track of time. Ask yourself:
What makes you excited to start the day?
What activities energize you?
What do you never get bored of?
What could you talk about for hours?
What makes you feel passionate and alive?
Quadrant 2: What Are You Good At?
Think about your natural talents and what others say you excel at. Ask friends and family for their insights into your strengths and passions. Some questions to consider:
What skills have you spent time developing?
What do people come to you for help with?
If you could teach something, what would it be?
What have you mastered through hours of practice?
Quadrant 3: What Can You Be Paid or Rewarded For?
Consider the ways you can provide value to others:
What have you been paid for in the past?
Are people willing to invest their time or money for what you offer?
What needs exist in the market or community?
Could you feel fulfilled or rewarded even if you weren’t paid with money?
Quadrant 4: What Does the World Need?
Think about the ways you can make a meaningful contribution to the world:
What skills or services can you offer that would benefit others?
What changes or improvements would you like to see in your community or society?
What is the world lacking, and how can you help address that need?
How can you teach or inspire others?
Exploring your Ikigai can be a lifelong process—it’s not something that everyone finds immediately, but it offers a pathway to a more meaningful, fulfilled life.
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