What is ikigai? A Simple Guide to Unlock Your True Calling
2025 is well and truly on its way…. January has come and gone, and each work week just continues to march on.
When it comes to the working week, some of us just love each day, bouncing out of bed early with eager anticipation of what the day will bring.
For some, it will be the same old same… nothing new, just dreary moment-to-moment dragging ourselves through the day.
A recent survey conducted by Pew Research Centre found only 50% of American workers are satisfied with their current employment.
That is a staggeringly low number considering we chose the job we wanted and the company we work for. I know this isn’t the case in some situations, sometimes we have to take “any” job due to our circumstances.
And I know we take the job we wanted and with a company we always wanted to work for and when we actually get there its not what we thought it was going to be. As time goes on we settle in and put up with the way things are
But still…..only 50 %.
If you find your true calling and find what you are looking for in regard to your career you are very fortunate.
Donna my wife has been a Kindergarten teacher all her life and has worked at the same school for the past 23 years.
We have spoken about different careers over the years…while Donna has a management position running the school she still maintains a teaching role.
The discussion have been around moving into the Education department where there is more opportunity for promotion and better remuneration, it has always ended with teaching is what I love its my purpose… its where I get immense joy from, working with the families and community. Donna is good at her job.. Real good and get paid for it.
It is Donna’s Ikiagi.
What is Ikigai?
The modern Ikigai concept is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, it is a culture by which Japanese live their daily lives by.
The Ikigai evolved in the Heian period (794-1185) in Japan and over the centuries the Ikigai concept has incorporated the influence of Buddhism, Shinto and Japanese culture.
The meaning comes of Ikigai comes from the combination of two words “Iki” and “Gai” which mean “life” and “worth” respectively. Together, “ikigai” symbolizes “a reason for living.”
The Four Elements of Ikigai
We first start by looking at the framework of the 4 key elements that beautifully and simply form the centre of What ikigai is. The understanding of the four elements and their interconnection can help you identify your Ikigai. The four elements are What You Love, What you are Good At, What the World Needs and What You Can Be Paid For. Finding your Ikigai algins your action with your values and beliefs creating a happy and purposeful life
What You Love
Think of what lights up your world, your passion, and the things you do that bring immense joy and fulfillment.
It could be as simple as making furniture, surfing, or helping students. Knowing what you love allows you to find your purpose and your why and to guide your Ikigai journey.
What You Are Good At
We all have different skills and talents and some are greater than others. These skills and talents are the foundation of this element.
Understanding where your strengths lie helps you to concrete your efforts into meaningful endeavors.
Whether it’s designing clothes, growing plants, or public speaking, these skills and talents connect your abilities to your purpose.
What the World Needs
We have the opportunity to take off the blinkers and have a deep dive into what the world needs. This could be something futuristic; command engineers didn’t exist a couple of years ago until Chat GPT came along. Or it be something connected to the environment or a calling to help society in a way that aligns your skills and talents with greater purpose
What You Can Be Paid For
We all need money to survive in the modern world. This element looks at our financial sustainability and provides the framework ensuring material support.
It could mean turning your love for knitting into an online business or using your project management skills to support nonprofit organizations.
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Using our Ikigai Kit, you can find your own modern Ikigai, a purpose-filled life.
- Certified Ikigai Coach – Passionate about guiding people to their purpose
- Author of Ikigai: Purpose Filled Life ikigaipurposefilledlife.com
- Founder of Modern Ikigai, inspiring modern living through Ikigai
