Ikigai

Discover purpose at the intersection of passion, skills, and needs.

Category:: Life Design

What Is Ikigai?

Ikigai (pronounced “ee-key-guy”) is a Japanese concept that translates to “a reason for being” or “a reason to get up in the morning”. At its core, ikigai represents the sweet spot where your passions, talents, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for intersect. Think of it as a compass that helps you navigate toward a life of purpose and fulfillment rather than simply drifting through your days.

The concept originated in Japan, particularly on the island of Okinawa, which is known for its high number of centenarians (people who live past 100). Many Okinawans attribute their longevity and vitality to having a clear sense of purpose that guides their daily lives.

The Four Elements of Ikigai

Ikigai is often visualized as a Venn diagram with four overlapping circles, each representing a crucial dimension of a purposeful life:

What You Love - Activities that bring you joy and make time fly by.
What You’re Good At - Your natural talents and developed skills.
What the World Needs - How you can contribute to society and make a positive impact.
What You Can Be Paid For - Activities that can provide financial support.

When all four elements come together, you’ve found your ikigai - your optimal path to a meaningful life.

How to Discover Your Ikigai?

Finding your ikigai is a journey of self-discovery that requires reflection and patience. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you identify yours:

Step 1: Self-Reflection

Begin by exploring each of the four elements separately. You can use some of the helper questions below to spark your imagination.

What You Love

What did I love doing or thinking about when I was a child?
What dreams or aspirations did I have when I was younger that I may have forgotten about?
Which memories from my past bring me the most joy when I recall them?
What activities have I abandoned that I once loved, and why did I stop?
What activities make me lose track of time?
What topics could I talk about for hours without getting bored?
What activities make me feel most alive and energized?
What would I choose to do on a free day with no obligations or responsibilities?
How would I spend my time on a long vacation?
What activities do I do in my spare time that make me happy?
What activities give me a sense of peace and satisfaction?
Which experiences consistently bring me joy regardless of external circumstances?
What would I do even if I wasn’t paid for it?
What activities would I continue doing even if no one ever saw or recognized my work?

What You’re Good At

What skills have always come naturally to me, even without formal training?
What tasks or challenges do I find easier than most people seem to?
In what areas do I often notice details or possibilities that others miss?
What types of problems do I enjoy solving?
If I were asked to present to a room full of people on a topic, what would it be?
What skills have I developed significantly over time through dedicated practice?
What knowledge areas do I find myself naturally drawn to learn more about?
What skills would I like to develop further because I enjoy using them?
In which areas with some more education and experience I could become the best?
What do people often compliment me on?
What do friends or family members say I’m exceptionally good at?
For what skills or knowledge do people frequently seek my advice or assistance?
What are the parts of my current job I find effortless or easy?
What accomplishments or achievements am I most proud of?

What the World Needs

What problems do I care about solving?
What needs do I observe in my community that should be better addressed?
What are the issues in my community, on the world or at work that touch me emotionally?
Are there any volunteer organizations that seem to align well with my values?
If I was to ask the people around me, what would they say I am an advocate for?
What can I do to make this world a better place?
How might I contribute to my community or the broader world?
Whose lives would I most like to improve through my work and contributions?
What emerging needs do I anticipate becoming more important in the coming years?
How might my skills be valuable in addressing future challenges?
How would I like to be remembered for my contributions to others?
What kind of legacy would I like to leave in my field or community?
What is the one thing that I would like to change in the world?
What change would bring me the greatest sense of fulfillment if I could help create it?

What You Can Be Paid For

What skills or knowledge do I possess that others are willing to pay for?
What are things I do, I saw other people being paid for?
What problems can I solve that people or organizations would pay to have resolved?
What unique combination of skills might make me particularly valuable in certain contexts?
What services or products could I create or improve that would provide value to others?
What professions align with my skills and passions?
What career paths might allow me to use my strengths in new ways?
What emerging fields or industries might value my particular skill set?
What entrepreneurial opportunities might exist for someone with my abilities?
What mentors or networks could help me identify viable paths forward?
What parts of my current job I enjoy doing?
What job or positions spark my interest?
Which areas I’m eager to study further to develop my career?
What skills could I develop further to increase my market value?
What credentials or experiences might open me new opportunities for paid work?

Step 2: Find the Intersections

Once you’ve identified elements in each circle, look for connections and overlaps. You can do it in a few different ways:

Write down all your answers for each category on a piece of paper divided into four sections.
Choose a color marker for each category and highlight the items that match with that category.
Look at your answers mark those that appear in multiple elements.

Step 3: Write Down Your Ikigai

Pay special attention to anything that appears in multiple elements (circles). The more elements it appears in, the more important it probably is. Use those answers to compose your ikigai.

Step 4: Experiment and Refine

Finding your ikigai isn’t a one-time exercise but an ongoing process of exploration:

Try small experiments related to your potential ikigai areas.
Notice which activities energize you and which drain you.
Adjust your path based on what you learn through experience.

Don’t pressure yourself to find the “perfect” ikigai immediately. Start with small steps in promising directions, and your path will become clearer over time.

Common Misconceptions About Ikigai

It’s Not Just About Career

Your ikigai might be related to your job, but it could also involve family, hobbies, volunteer work, or other aspects of life.

It’s Not Fixed

Your ikigai may evolve throughout your life as your interests, skills, and circumstances change.

It’s Not Always at the Center

You might have multiple sources of ikigai, and not all of them will check all four boxes.

Real-Life Examples of Ikigai

A Teacher who loves working with children, excels at explaining complex concepts, meets the world’s need for education, and earns a living through teaching.
A Chef who is passionate about cooking, has developed exceptional culinary skills, satisfies people’s need for nourishing food, and runs a successful restaurant.
A Nurse who cares deeply about helping others, has strong medical and interpersonal skills, meets the critical need for healthcare, and receives compensation for their work.