Today, I want to share a concept that has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of many others – IKIGAI. This Japanese concept translates to “a reason for being” and it is about finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in the daily routine of life. It’s the intersection of your passions, strengths, and what the world needs.
Incorporating the principles of IKIGAI into our lives can help us refine our purpose and lead a more fulfilled, balanced, and meaningful life.
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Life Rules
To help you on this journey, I am sharing with you these 10 LIFE Rules inspired by IKIGAI. These rules are not meant to be rigid or prescriptive, but rather a gentle reminder of the principles that can guide us towards a more purposeful and joyful life.
As you read through these rules, I invite you to reflect on how they resonate with you and how you can incorporate them into your daily life.
Remember, the journey to finding your IKIGAI is deeply personal and unique to you. Be kind to yourself, stay open to growth, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Love What You Do
Passion is the fuel that drives us forward. It’s the force that keeps us going when times get tough, and it’s the source of our joy and fulfillment.
When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Instead, it feels like a natural expression of who you are.
It is easy to lose sight of what truly matters to you. You can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, chasing after goals that don’t truly align with your values and passions.
Life is too short to spend it doing something that doesn’t bring you joy.
It’s too short to waste on activities that don’t align with your true self. So take a moment to reflect on what you love to do. Think about the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. And then make a commitment to yourself to do more of those things.
I understand that we cannot always pick the job that brings us joy. Minimum wage earners often do not have the choice. But it doesn’t mean that there is nothing we can do to change our lives.
It’s not always easy to prioritize your passions, especially when there are so many other demands on your time and energy. But it’s essential for your well-being and happiness. When you love what you do, you bring more positive energy into the world, and that benefits everyone around you.
So make a conscious effort to love what you do, each and every day. Whether it’s in your work, your hobbies, or your relationships, seek out the joy and fulfillment that comes from doing what you love.
Embrace your passions.
Identify Your Strengths
Each one of us is unique, and blessed with our own set of strengths and abilities. It’s these strengths that set us apart and enable us to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
Often, we get so engrossed in fixing our weaknesses that we overlook our strengths. That’s how it felt when I was a student. But it’s our strengths that empower us to achieve greatness.
Our strengths are assets we can multiply.
In a society that constantly bombards us with messages about who we should be and what we should achieve, it’s easy to lose sight of our unique strengths. We may find ourselves comparing our journey to others and feeling inadequate. I know of a magna cum laude who thought of herself as not good enough as she always compared herself with others.
When you think that you are weak, it is tempting to be a copycat than be authentic.
It’s important to remember that your journey is your own. You have your own set of strengths that are unique to you. Embrace them. Celebrate them. Use them to make a positive impact on the world.
Identifying your strengths is not about being arrogant or self-centered. It’s about recognizing what you already have and using it to contribute to the greater good.
When you acknowledge your strengths and put them to good use, you empower yourself and inspire others to do the same.
So take some time to reflect on your strengths.
Consider how you can use your strengths to make a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you. The world needs your gifts.
Celebrate your uniqueness.
Focus on What the World Needs
You and I can make a positive impact. No contribution is too small, and every effort counts.
The concept of IKIGAI emphasizes the importance of doing something that the world needs. Find a purpose that goes beyond yourself and contributes to the greater good.
Focus on what the world needs. You will find fulfillment, and happiness, and will make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
We are meant to make a difference in each other’s lives. Remember, we are all connected, and our actions have a ripple effect on the world around us.
When you focus on what the world needs, you align yourself with a higher purpose and contribute to the collective well-being of humanity.
So take a moment to reflect on what the world needs. Think about the challenges that people face and consider how you can contribute to solving them. It doesn’t have to be something grand or monumental. Even small actions can have a big impact.
I find this mindset very powerful. When I was young, I strived to be a go-getter. But when I started focusing on others, I became a go-giver. Instead of striving to get more, I give more.
Make a positive impact.
Earn and Give
Financial stability is important, but it’s not the only measure of success.
True success comes from finding a balance between earning for yourself and giving back to others. It’s about using your resources, time, and skills to contribute to the well-being of others.
It is easy to get caught up in the rat race and lose sight of what truly matters. But the truth is, true wealth is not just about how much you have, but also about how much you give.
The concept of IKIGAI emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between earning and giving. It’s about using your skills and talents to make a living, while also contributing to the well-being of others.
When you find this balance, you not only find fulfillment and happiness but also create a positive impact on the world around you.
So take a moment to reflect on how you can create a balance between earning and giving. Consider how you can use your skills and resources to contribute to the well-being of others.
And remember, giving back is not just about money. It can also be about sharing your time, knowledge, or skills with others.
Find the balance.
Reflect Regularly
Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It’s an opportunity to pause, take stock of your life, and consider whether you are on the right path.
Regular reflection allows you to stay aligned with your IKIGAI and make necessary adjustments to your actions and goals.
It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily life and lose sight of the bigger picture.
We often find ourselves running from one task to the next, without taking the time to consider whether we are moving in the right direction.
However, regular reflection is essential for maintaining a sense of purpose and direction. It’s an opportunity to consider whether your actions are aligned with your values, passions, and goals.
It’s a chance to celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your challenges, and set new intentions for the future.
So make a habit of regular reflection. Set aside time each week or month to reflect on your actions, goals, and overall sense of well-being. Consider what is working well, what needs adjustment, and what new goals you want to set for yourself.
And remember, reflection is not about being overly critical or harsh on yourself. It’s about approaching yourself with kindness, compassion, and a genuine desire to grow and improve.
Embrace self-reflection.
Understand Your Purpose
Understanding your purpose is key to living a fulfilled and meaningful life. It’s the driving force behind your actions and decisions. It’s what gives you a sense of direction and helps you navigate the challenges of life.
We often find ourselves pursuing goals that don’t truly resonate with us or bring us fulfillment.
However, understanding your purpose is essential for finding your IKIGAI and living a fulfilled life. It’s about connecting with your inner self and understanding what truly matters to you.
It’s about identifying your passions, strengths, and values, and aligning your actions with them.
So take some time to reflect on your purpose. Consider what brings you joy and fulfillment. Think about the impact you want to make on the world and how you can contribute to the well-being of others. And then, let your purpose guide your actions and decisions.
Your purpose is not something that is set in stone. It can evolve and change over time. So be open to growth and development, and allow your purpose to unfold naturally.
Align with your purpose.
Live in the Moment
While it’s important to have goals and plan for the future, it’s equally important to live in the present moment.
The present moment is all we truly have, and it’s where life is happening. It’s where we have the power to make a difference, both in our own lives and in the lives of others.
The world often emphasizes the future – planning for it, worrying about it, striving for it – and it’s easy to overlook the present moment.
We often find ourselves so focused on what’s next that we miss out on the beauty and richness of the present.
Living in the moment is essential for finding happiness and fulfillment. It’s about appreciating the small things, practicing gratitude, and being fully present in whatever you are doing. It’s about letting go of past regrets and future worries and focusing on the here and now.
So make a conscious effort to live in the moment. Practice mindfulness and gratitude. Appreciate the beauty around you. And most importantly, be fully present in your interactions with others. Remember, the present moment is a gift, and it’s up to you to make the most of it.
Cherish the present.
Embrace Challenges
Challenges are a natural part of life.
They are opportunities for growth and learning. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or discouraged when faced with challenges, it’s important to approach them with a positive mindset.
In a society that often emphasizes success and achievement, it’s easy to view challenges as setbacks or failures. However, the IKIGAI concept encourages us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and development.
When you embrace challenges with a positive mindset, you empower yourself to learn and grow. You develop resilience, build character, and become stronger. Most importantly, you move closer to finding your Ikigai and living a fulfilled life.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Approach challenges with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn and grow. Seek support if needed, and remember to take care of yourself along the way.
And most importantly, celebrate your progress. Even small steps forward are worth celebrating.
Embrace the journey.
Stay Balanced
Maintaining a healthy balance between your personal and professional life is essential for overall well-being and happiness.
In a world that often prioritizes work and productivity, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of balance. However, IKIGAI emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between all aspects of your life – work, relationships, personal development, and self-care.
When you maintain a healthy balance, you are better equipped to find your ikigai and live a fulfilled life.
So make a conscious effort to maintain a healthy balance in your life. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
Make time for relationships and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. And most importantly, be kind to yourself.
Remember, finding balance is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making small adjustments along the way to create a life that feels fulfilling and meaningful.
Seek balance in all things.
Evolve Continuously
Life is a journey of continuous growth and evolution. We are always learning, changing, and developing as individuals. It’s important to approach life with an open mind and a willingness to evolve.
In a world that often values stability and certainty, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and resist change. However, IKIGAI emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and development.
When you approach life with a willingness to evolve, you open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences. You develop a growth mindset, which empowers you to learn from challenges and setbacks and to continuously strive to become a better version of yourself.
So embrace the journey of continuous evolution. Seek out new opportunities for growth and learning.
Stay curious and open-minded. And most importantly, be kind and compassionate to yourself along the way.
Remember, evolution is not about striving for perfection. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself and living a life that is true to who you are.
Stay curious and keep growing.
Reflection Prompts
Identify Your Passions
What activities, hobbies, or subjects bring you the most joy and fulfillment? Make a list and see if there are any common themes or patterns.
Recognize Your Strengths
What are your natural talents and abilities? What do others often compliment you on? Acknowledging your strengths is a crucial step towards finding your IKIGAI.
Consider the Needs of the World
What are some of the challenges or problems in the world that you feel most compelled to address? How can your unique skills and passions contribute to solving these issues?
Reflect on What Brings You Joy
Think about the moments in your life when you have felt the most content and fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you with? Understanding what brings you true joy can help guide you towards your IKIGAI.
Visualize Your Ideal Day
Imagine what a perfect day would look like for you from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep. What activities would you do? Who would you spend time with? Visualizing your ideal day can help you understand what is most important to you and what brings you fulfillment.
Remember, the journey to finding your IKIGAI is a deeply personal one and there is no right or wrong way to go about it. Be kind to yourself, stay open to growth, and enjoy the journey.
Follow your IKIGAI
The journey to finding your ikigai and living a fulfilled life is deeply personal and unique to each individual.
I hope that these 10 LIFE Rules inspired by IKIGAI can serve as a guide to help you navigate this journey and lead a more balanced, purposeful, and joyful life.
As you reflect on these rules and incorporate them into your daily life, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
What resonated with you the most? Do you have any personal stories or insights you would like to share? Are there any questions or challenges you are facing on your journey to finding your IKIGAI?
Please feel free to share in the comments below or reach out to me personally.
And if you found this article helpful, I encourage you to share it with your friends and loved ones.
The journey to finding our IKIGAI is one that we can all embark on together, supporting and encouraging each other along the way.
I am an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur, and it has been my mission to bring out the best in people. And sharing IKIGAI with you is a good thing I can do today.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and for embarking on this important journey towards finding your IKIGAI and living a more fulfilled life.
Remember to be kind to yourself, stay open to growth, and enjoy the journey.
