Ikigai (Japanese Concept): Reflecting on Life & Finding Fulfilment

Ikigai (Japanese Concept): Reflecting on Life & Finding Fulfilment

Ikigai, a life tool perfect for reflection or life planning.

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What is Ikigai?

 It’s about finding fulfillment by identifying the intersection of:

  1. What you love 

  2. What you're good at 

  3. What the world needs 

  4. What you can be paid for 

Your Ikigai lies in the overlap of all four.

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Origins in Japan

  • The term Ikigai (生き甲斐) is Japanese and roughly translates to "reason for being" or "that which makes life worth living."

  • It comes from:

    • Iki (生き) = life

    • Gai (甲斐) = value, worth, benefit

  • The concept is deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy, culture, and daily life, especially in Okinawa, known for its population of healthy, long-lived people.

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1. What You Love (Passion & Joy)

Things that bring you energy, excitement, and flow.

  1. What activities make you lose track of time?
  2. What would you do even if you weren’t paid for it?
  3. What topics or hobbies naturally interest you?

Examples: Writing, teaching, travel, coding, helping others, design, storytelling

2. What You're Good At (Skills & Strengths)

Your natural talents or developed abilities.

  1. What do people often compliment you on?
  2. What skills have you improved through practice or work?
  3. What comes easily to you but is hard for others?

Examples: Communication, leadership, analysis, organization, empathy, problem-solving

3. What the World Needs (Purpose & Impact)

Problems or needs in your community, industry, or world.

  1. What causes or challenges matter deeply to you?
  2. What do you wish more people cared about?
  3. How can you make a positive difference?

Examples: Mental health support, clean energy, education, ethical tech, community building

4. What You Can Be Paid For (Value & Market)

Practical, sustainable ways to earn a living.

  1. What services or skills are people willing to pay for?
  2. How can you turn your strengths into value?
  3. Where is there demand for what you do?

Examples: Freelancing, consulting, product creation, teaching, coaching, building tools

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Once you identify your answers to each section, ask:

  1. What themes or intersections show up across all four?
  2. What career or lifestyle paths include elements from each?
  3. How could you experiment with combining them?

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