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“Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” is a book that explores the Japanese concept of ikigai and its potential to improve our overall quality of life. Ikigai is the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It is the reason for getting up in the morning and the source of meaning and purpose in life.
To live a fulfilling and irreplaceable life, it’s essential to find your IKIGAI, a Japanese concept meaning “Reason for Living.” People in Okinawa, Japan, who live happy and peaceful lives for over 100 years, attribute it to living by the IKIGAI formula.
For example: Sarah, a college graduate, felt lost about her career path. After reflecting on her passions, skills, and what the world needed, she discovered her IKIGAI was in sustainable architecture. By aligning her love for environmental causes, her skills in design, the demand for eco-friendly structures, and the world’s need for sustainable living, she found her purpose. Likewise, you can Discovere your own IKIGAI.
Your IKIGAI is a combination of four essential aspects:
It’s the intersection of these components that leads to a purposeful life.
For example: John realized his passion for music matched his proficiency in playing multiple instruments. Recognizing the demand for music education, he decided to teach music as a profession. By doing what he loved, leveraging his skills, earning a living through teaching, and meeting the world’s need for music education, John found his IKIGAI.
Breaking down IKIGAI into four circles helps understand its components:
For example: Mary enjoyed helping others, particularly the elderly in her community (What she loved). She had excellent organizational skills (What she was good at). She decided to start a home care service (What she could be paid for) that addressed the growing need for elderly care in her neighborhood (What the world needs). This intersection became Mary’s IKIGAI.
IKIGAI comes to life through the combination of passion (what you love and are good at), profession (what you are good at and can be paid for), vocation (what you can be paid for and the world needs), and mission (what the world needs and is your favorite work).
For example: Alex, an avid photographer(passion), honed his skills through years of practice(profession). He started a photography business capturing local events, which paid him well (vocation). His work not only fulfilled his passion and earned him a living but also brought joy to the community (mission), making photography his IKIGAI.
Just finding passion is not enough; you should find work that satisfies all four components of IKIGAI.
Examples like blogging and Sachin’s cricket career demonstrate how IKIGAI leads to a fulfilling and stress-free life
Popular personalities like Steve Jobs, Hayao Miyazaki, and Jiro Ono found their IKIGAI, leading to exceptional achievements and lasting impact in their respective fields.
For example: James, inspired by Steve Jobs, combined his love for technology and design. He founded a company that not only created innovative products but also addressed societal needs. By finding his IKIGAI, James became a leader in his industry, leaving a lasting impact like his role model.
Finding and working on your IKIGAI makes you irreplaceable. Technology cannot replace individuals who have discovered their unique purpose and contribute meaningfully to the world.
For example: Maria, a skilled craftsman, handcrafted unique furniture pieces. Despite advances in technology, her intricate designs and craftsmanship made her irreplaceable. People sought her work not just for the furniture but for the artistry and passion she infused into each piece.
Finding and working on your IKIGAI makes you irreplaceable. Technology cannot replace individuals who have discovered their unique purpose and contribute meaningfully to the world.
For example: Maria, a skilled craftsman, handcrafted unique furniture pieces. Despite advances in technology, her intricate designs and craftsmanship made her irreplaceable. People sought her work not just for the furniture but for the artistry and passion she infused into each piece.
The insights in this chapter are drawn from the book “IKIGAI” by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, which delves into the lives of the people of Okinawa, providing valuable lessons on happiness and purpose.
Inspired by the book “IKIGAI,” Jessica moved to a rural area to start a community garden. The book’s wisdom guided her to connect with nature, provide healthy produce to her community, and find personal fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of others.
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