Dr Ramesh Kumar
“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.”
Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
Ikigai is a Japanese term that blends two words: “iki” meaning “to live,” and “gai” meaning “reason,” which translates to “a reason to live” “reason for being” or “purpose in life.” It’s a concept that encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and to live a life filled with purpose and joy.
In India, there isn’t a direct equivalent concept to Ikigai with its specific four intersecting elements. However, India has a typical and spiritual concepts that share similarities with Ikigai in terms of promoting purpose, fulfillment, and harmony in life. Some of these concepts include Dharma which refers to one’s duty, moral responsibility, or righteous path in life. It emphasizes living by universal principles and fulfilling one’s societal and cosmic obligations. Another Indian concept Sva-dharma concept refers to one’s duty or unique path in life. It suggests that each individual has a specific role or purpose to fulfill based on their innate qualities, skills, and circumstances.
It’s often represented as the intersection of four elements:
What you love (your passion): This refers to the activities or pursuits that bring you joy and fulfillment.
What you are good at (your vocation): This refers to your skills, talents, and expertise, the things you excel at.
What the world needs (your mission): This refers to the needs of society or the world at large, the problems or issues you can help address or solve.
What you can be paid for (your profession): This refers to the things you can do to earn a living, the activities or services for which people are willing to pay you.
Ikigai suggests that true fulfillment and purpose in life are found at the intersection of these four elements. It’s a holistic approach to finding meaning and satisfaction in life and work, emphasizing the importance of balance and harmony between different aspects of one’s existence.
The concept of Ikigai holds significant importance for several reasons:
Personal Fulfillment: Ikigai encourages individuals to find and pursue activities that bring them joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. This can lead to greater personal fulfillment and happiness in life.
Alignment of Passions and Skills: By identifying one’s passions and strengths, Ikigai helps individuals align their interests with their professional pursuits. This alignment can lead to a more meaningful and enjoyable career.
Sense of Direction: Having a clear understanding of one’s Ikigai provides a sense of direction and focus in life. It helps individuals set meaningful goals and make decisions that are in line with their values and aspirations.
Resilience: When faced with challenges or setbacks, knowing one’s Ikigai can provide the motivation and resilience needed to persevere. It serves as a reminder of why certain goals and pursuits are important, even during difficult times.
Health and Well-being: Research suggests that having a sense of purpose and meaning in life is linked to better mental and physical health outcomes. Ikigai can contribute to overall well-being by providing individuals with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Contribution to Society: Ikigai emphasizes the importance of finding ways to contribute to the world around us. By aligning personal passions and skills with the needs of society, individuals can make a positive impact and find greater fulfillment through their work and actions.
Career Counselling: Incorporating Ikigai into career counseling can help individuals make more meaningful and satisfying career choices, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and success in their professional lives. It can play a crucial role in many significant aspects of career counseling self-awareness, Goal setting, decision-making, skill development, resilience, and work-life balance.
Finding one’s Ikigai involves introspection and exploration of various aspects of oneself.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to discovering your Ikigai:
Reflect on your passions: Think about the activities and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment. What do you love doing in your free time? What hobbies or pursuits energize you and make you feel alive?
Identify your strengths: Consider your skills, talents, and areas of expertise. What are you naturally good at? What do others often commend you for? Reflect on past experiences and achievements to identify patterns of success.
Consider what the world needs: Reflect on the pressing issues and challenges facing society. What problems or needs resonate with you? How can you contribute your skills and passions to address these issues and make a positive impact on the world?
Reflect on what you can be paid for: Consider the practical aspect of your Ikigai. What are the career paths or professions that align with your passions and skills? How can you leverage your strengths to create value and earn a living?
Explore the intersection: Look for common themes or overlaps between your passions, strengths, societal needs, and potential career paths. Pay attention to where these elements intersect, as this is where your Ikigai lies.
Experiment and iterate: Finding your Ikigai is a journey of self-discovery that may require experimentation and exploration. Be open to trying new things, pursuing different interests, and adapting your path based on what resonates most deeply with you.
Seek feedback: Talk to friends, family, mentors, or career counselors about your reflections and discoveries. They can provide valuable insights and perspectives to help you gain clarity on your Ikigai.
Listen to your intuition: Trust your instincts and intuition as you navigate your journey toward finding your Ikigai. Pay attention to what feels most authentic and meaningful to you.
Remember that finding your Ikigai is a continuous process, and it’s okay if it evolves. Stay open-minded, curious, and committed to living a life aligned with your passions, strengths, and values.
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