We all strive to find our true calling, that thing that makes us wake up every morning with a smile on our face. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to not just work, but to engage in something that truly stirs our soul?
In my coaching toolbox, I have a powerful exercise called ikigai.
The word itself holds a fascinating meaning. The kanji for iki means “to be alive,” and gai refers to “that which has value.” So, ikigai literally translates to “a reason to live.” According to the Japanese, within each of us lives our very own ikigai—and not just one.
It’s a guiding star that helps you stay afloat in the sea of inevitable life changes. In simpler terms, it’s the meaning of life. And its absence is often the root cause of depression, apathy, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction with ourselves and our world.
When we don’t know the reason we’re living, our lives can lack direction. Without direction, stagnation inevitably sets in. This is the swamp that pulls us in and makes us want to run away to somewhere, anywhere, else. But if the only thing we desire in this attempt to escape is simply “I just want it to be different,” then, before long, we will find that the “new” meadow we’ve found will once again turn into a swamp. It may look different, but it will still smell the same.
The key to avoiding this endless cycle is to leave the swamp behind for good, and to make the scenery outside your window more colorful and interesting every day. And that starts with finding your ikigai.
How to Find Your Ikigai
Finding your ikigai isn’t always an easy task. It requires self-reflection and a willingness to explore the depths of your own heart. To help you start, I invite you to reflect on these four simple questions:
What do I love to do?
What activities make you lose track of time? What fills you with joy and excitement?
What am I really good at?
What are your natural talents or skills that others often praise or seek your help for?
** What do I get paid for?** This refers to the work or services that others value and are willing to compensate you for.
What truly brings value to the world? This is the big one. What are the things you do that contribute to the well-being of others, the community, or even the planet?
Why It’s Worth Finding Your Ikigai
When we discover our ikigai, it becomes our anchor during the storms of life. It gives us purpose and motivation to keep going, even when things seem difficult. The journey to uncover it might not be straightforward, but it’s worth it.
Finding your ikigai is more than just a self-help exercise. It’s about rediscovering the spark that makes life worth living. It’s about living with intention, fulfillment, and joy. Without it, life can feel like an endless routine, a series of tasks with no deeper meaning. But once you uncover what truly matters to you, the world shifts, and you begin to experience life with a newfound sense of excitement and passion.
What If You’re Struggling to Find Your Ikigai?
If you’re struggling to find your ikigai or feeling lost about what truly brings you joy, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people go through this phase, and it’s completely okay to ask for help. Sometimes, we need a little guidance to help us look inward and explore what’s been buried beneath the surface for so long.
That’s where I come in. I offer a free diagnostic consultation, a safe space where we can take the first step toward understanding where you are in your life and where you truly want to go.
If you’re ready to explore what truly lights you up, what your ikigai is, and how to align your life with your passions and values, feel free to reach out to me directly. I’m here to help you reconnect with yourself and create a life full of meaning and joy.