Applying Ikigai to your life involves a process of self-reflection and action to align what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The goal is to find joy and purpose in your work and life in general.
Here's a breakdown of how to apply Ikigai:
1. Self-Reflection and Exploration
- Pay attention to your feelings: Throughout your day, notice the activities that make you feel energized, engaged, and fulfilled. Conversely, identify activities that drain you or make you feel unhappy.
- Write it down: Keeping a journal can be invaluable. Document your thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to your daily activities, hobbies, and work. This helps you identify patterns and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
2. The Four Key Questions of Ikigai
Consider these four questions carefully and honestly:
- What do you love? (Passion): What activities do you genuinely enjoy and lose yourself in? What are your hobbies? What topics are you naturally drawn to?
- What are you good at? (Profession): What are your skills and talents? What comes easily to you? What do people praise you for?
- What does the world need? (Mission): How can you contribute to society? What problems do you want to solve? What causes are you passionate about? What is your impact?
- What can you be paid for? (Vocation): What skills or services can you offer that people are willing to pay for? What are the market demands related to your skills?
3. Brainstorming and Identifying Overlap
- Brainstorm possible answers for each question. Don't censor yourself; write down everything that comes to mind.
- Look for intersections. Where do your answers overlap between these four areas? The sweet spot where all four intersect is likely where your Ikigai lies.
- Use a diagram: Create a Venn diagram with the four questions as circles. Write your answers in the corresponding circles and then identify the areas of overlap.
4. Taking Action and Experimenting
- Start small. You don't have to make drastic changes overnight. Identify small, manageable steps you can take to move closer to your Ikigai.
- Experiment and iterate. Try new things. Take classes, volunteer, or start a side project. See what resonates with you.
- If you answer 'no' to any key questions, brainstorm changes: For instance, if you love something and are good at it, but it doesn't meet a world need or isn't financially viable, consider ways to adapt it. Could you volunteer your skills? Can you reframe it as something people would pay for?
5. Continuous Refinement
- Ikigai is not a static concept. Your passions, skills, and the world's needs may evolve over time. Be open to adapting your Ikigai as you grow and change.
- Regularly revisit the four questions. Periodically reflect on your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Example Scenario:
Let's say you love writing (Passion), are skilled at crafting compelling stories (Profession), believe the world needs more positive and uplifting content (Mission), but struggle to get paid for your writing (Vocation).
Possible Actions:
- Adaptation: Explore writing niches that are in demand, such as copywriting, content marketing, or ghostwriting.
- Volunteering: Contribute articles to non-profit organizations that align with your values.
- Side Project: Start a blog or newsletter focused on positive news stories and attract a paid subscriber base.
Key Takeaways:
- Ikigai is a journey, not a destination.
- Focus on finding joy in your work and aligning your purpose in life.
- Be patient, persistent, and open to change.
