Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines two words: “iki”, which means life, and “gai”, which means precious or valuable. Taken together, ikigai can be translated as “a reason to be” or “a reason to wake up in the morning”. This concept suggests that the key to a fulfilling and meaningful life is to find the intersection of four basic elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and what you can get paid for.

The four components of Ikigai are often depicted as a Venn diagram, with the overlapping area representing the sweet spot of personal fulfillment and purpose. Here are the four elements:

What you love (Passion)

This refers to activities and pursuits that bring you joy, enthusiasm and a sense of fulfillment. It’s about doing things that touch your heart and make you feel alive.

What you are good at (vocation)

This is about recognizing your strengths, skills and talents. It’s about using your skills to excel in certain areas and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

What the world needs (Mission)

This component is about understanding the needs of the world, society or the people around you. It’s about finding ways to make a positive impact and contribute to something bigger than yourself.

What you can be paid for (profession)

This aspect is about identifying activities or skills for which there is a demand on the market. It’s about finding a way to support yourself financially while pursuing your passion and contributing to a greater cause.

Effects of Ikigai

Fulfillment and happiness

It is believed that the pursuit of ikigai leads to a sense of fulfillment and happiness as individuals engage in activities that match their passions, abilities and the needs of the world.

Improved well-being

Living in harmony with Ikigai is associated with better mental, emotional and physical well-being. It promotes a holistic view of life that goes beyond financial success.

Increased motivation

A clear sense of the meaning and purpose of life can increase motivation and drive. People are more likely to persevere through challenges when they are connected to something they find deeply meaningful.

Longevity

Some studies suggest that people who have a strong sense of purpose in their lives and engage in meaningful activities can live longer and healthier lives.

In essence, Ikigai encourages people to find balance and harmony in their lives by aligning their passions, skills and values with the needs of the world, ultimately leading to a more purposeful and meaningful life.