Ikigai: what it is and how to use ikigai to find your purpose
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn about the Japanese concept of ikigai — what it is, the benefits, how to use the ikigai diagram, and how to find your personal ikigai and life's purpose.
Discovering your purpose in life can often feel elusive, but it can help you to live a more meaningful life. Oftentimes, finding purpose is about locating the intersection of the skills you have and the things you love. That’s exactly what ikigai is about.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept of discovering your purpose through exploring the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This age-old philosophy offers a structured approach to identifying your purpose and leading a meaningful life. Keep reading to find out what ikigai is, explore the ikigai diagram, and get actionable steps to help you find your ikigai.
What is ikigai? The meaning and origin of the Japanese concept
Ikigai, pronounced "ee-kee-guy," is a Japanese concept that unites the joy of life with a sense of purpose. The term is a combination of the Japanese words 'iki' (to live) and 'gai' (reason), which together signify "a reason to live." While there isn’t a direct translation of ikigai in English, this concept encapsulates the idea of finding joy in life through purpose in a unique way.
Rooted deeply in Japan’s culture and history, ikigai holds belief in the value of life and the potential for happiness when you’re aligned with your purpose. This philosophy has guided many toward a meaningful life lived with intention.
The ikigai diagram explained
The heart of ikigai is the ikigai diagram — a visual tool that helps you explore the intersection of four essential elements:
Your passion (what you love)
Your vocation (what you're good at)
Your mission (what the world needs)
Your profession (what you can be paid for)
Finding the overlap of these four elements may sound difficult, but it's a journey worth taking. By reflecting on each of these elements and exploring where they overlap, you’re well on your way to uncovering your ikigai and living a life filled with joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose that can keep you motivated each day.
4 ways to determine your ikigai
It’s important to understand the four elements of ikigai to help you uncover your life's purpose.
1. Unveil your passion
Passions are the activities that make time fly by and cause you to feel excited and alive. It's what you enjoy doing most, and, perhaps something you'd do even if you weren't getting paid for it.
2. Recognize your vocation
Your skills and strengths are those things that you naturally excel at that might not come as easily to others. Perhaps you’re skilled in math, writing, or creating music. Identifying your vocation is another way of tapping into your special skills that deserve recognition.
3. Discover your mission
This element of ikigai helps you explore the needs of the world and where you can make a difference. Are there problems or challenges in your community or in the world you feel passionate about solving? Identify them. There’s your mission.
4. Cultivate your profession
Your profession is where you look at how to make a living from your passion and mission. For example, if you’re a talented pianist who believes the world would be a better place if more people played music, you could begin to teach piano lessons. Turning your passion and mission into your profession can take time to develop. Trust the process.
The benefits of finding your ikigai
Aligning with the core principles of ikigai is a continuous process of self-discovery and growth and can provide many benefits to you and the community around you.
Increased happiness: When you live in alignment with your ikigai, your activities fill you with joy and satisfaction, because you’re living for your purpose. This alignment can elevate your mood and foster a positive outlook on life.
Reduced stress: Stress sometimes stems from disconnection or dissatisfaction with life. Discovering your ikigai and aligning with what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs may help to lower that stress and promote balance and tranquility.
A sense of fulfillment: When you’re doing what you love and contributing positively to the world, it can bring profound feelings of fulfillment. Ikigai can enrich your life and the lives of those around you.
Enhanced motivation: When you have a clear sense of your ikigai, you have a driving force that propels you forward. It’s a source of motivation that can keep you going, even when things get tough.
Improved health: Studies have shown that a sense of purpose in life can positively impact your health. It may even help to boost your immune system, lower anxiety, and possibly help you live longer.
Personal growth: Discovering and living your ikigai is a journey of self-improvement. It’s about exploring new facets of your interests, honing your skills, and expanding your horizons.
How to find your ikigai: 10 ways to discover your purpose
Discovering your ikigai is a personal journey filled with exploration, reflection, and alignment. Take time for reflection as you delve deeper into understanding your ikigai and how you can bring fulfillment into your daily life.
1. Practice mindfulness
Engage in mindfulness practices to foster a deeper connection with your inner self. Mindfulness can help create a space of awareness where you can reflect on your passions, desires, and the activities that bring you joy and satisfaction.
Being present and attentive to your thoughts and feelings can provide clarity and insights as you journey toward finding your ikigai. Begin with simple mindfulness exercises, such as paying attention to your breath or being fully present in the moment.
💙 Explore the power of Skillful Questioning in your journey of self-discovery and purpose with this Daily Calm.
2. Reflect on the ikigai diagram
Take a look at the four elements of the ikigai diagram: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Take time to free-write for 5 or more minutes on each of the four elements, letting yourself write out your uncensored thoughts and feelings. After, reflect on any discoveries you made.
💙 Let this meditation on Ikigai with Tamara Levitt help you reflect on your own discoveries of your purpose.
3. Identify your passions and strengths
Identify your passion by writing down what excites you, what you’re in love with, and what your strengths are. Dive into your interests, hobbies, and the things that make you lose track of time when you're immersed in them.
Next, look for your vocation. Write out your unique skill sets, and the things that come easily to you. Recognizing your vocation means acknowledging your strengths and using them to contribute to your profession and mission.
💙 Learn the importance of Fighting for Your Passion in this 7-minute exercise with Jay Shetty.
4. Embrace meditation
Meditation can be a powerful tool on your path to discovering your ikigai. Through meditation, you can quiet the mind, reduce stress, and gain clarity on what truly matters to you. Establish a regular meditation routine to explore your inner thoughts and feelings. It can help in uncovering insights about your passions, skills, and the areas where you can contribute positively to the world.
💙 If you’re new to meditation, try out the 7 Days of Calm to build this supportive daily habit.
5. Explore what the world needs
To unearth your mission, reflect on the issues that tug at your heartstrings and explore how you can make a contribution. Identify the needs of the world that matter to you. What are the problems or challenges you care about solving, and how can your passion and vocation support you in solving them?
💙 Explore how you can Share Your Skill with the world in this episode of the Daily Jay.
6. Align your actions
Start aligning your actions with your passions, strengths, and the needs you've identified. Set mindful resolutions and engage in activities that fit within these aspirations. Reflect on how you can align your skills and interests with a profession that pays the bills and brings you satisfaction and purpose.
💙 Discover how you can Uncover Your Purpose at Work to change your mindset and bring more meaning to your job, no matter what you do.
7. Experiment and observe
Don't hesitate to try new things. Experiment with different activities and observe what brings you joy and a sense of purpose. If this feels intimidating, start small. Try something new that’s low stakes and then work your way up to more complicated, high stakes endeavors.
Keep learning and growing. Embrace new experiences and continue exploring your interests and skills.
💙 Check out our Creative Living Beyond Fear session with Elizabeth Gilbert to help you get excited about your creative pursuits.
8. Seek feedback
Talk to people you trust, and seek feedback on your skills and contributions. Others might offer valuable insights that can help guide you on your ikigai journey. If there’s someone in your field whom you admire, you might consider talking with them about your journey to see if they’d be interested in mentoring you.
9. Practice patience and persistence
Finding your ikigai might take some time. Be patient and persistent in your pursuit — it’s a journey of self-discovery, not a race to the finish line.
💙 Try this Patience meditation, led by Tamara Levitt, as a mindful introduction to waiting and persevering with more ease.
10. Engage in self-reflection
Set aside time for self-reflection. Think about your experiences, what you’ve learned, and how you feel about your current path. Try journaling to help reflect on your journey towards you ikigai, and where you still want to go.
💙 Reset your mind with Dreamy Reflections, a soothing 9-minute instrumental track to set the mood for your journaling session.
Ikigai FAQs
What does ikigai mean?
Ikigai is a Japanese term that blends two words: “iki” meaning “to live,” and “gai” meaning “reason,” which translates to “a reason to live.” It’s a concept that encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and to live a life filled with purpose and joy.
What are the 4 rules of ikigai?
The four rules of ikigai are encapsulated in the ikigai diagram, which is a visual tool to help you find your ikigai. The rules are about discovering:
Your passion (what you love)
Your vocation (what you're good at)
Your mission (what the world needs)
Your profession (what you can be paid for)
By exploring and finding the intersection of these four elements, you’re on the path to discovering your ikigai, a life filled with purpose and happiness.
How do I find my ikigai?
Finding your ikigai involves a journey of self-reflection and exploration. Begin by reflecting on the four quadrants of the ikigai diagram: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Experiment with different activities, seek feedback, and align your actions with your insights. It's a personal journey that requires patience, but the steps toward discovering your ikigai can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Does ikigai really work?
Many people find the concept of ikigai a helpful framework for uncovering a sense of purpose and leading a fulfilling life. It encourages you to reflect on your passions, skills, and how you can contribute to the world. While everyone's experience with ikigai may be unique, it offers a structured way to explore personal fulfillment and happiness.
How do I practice ikigai?
Practicing ikigai involves a continual process of self-reflection, exploration, and alignment with your passions, skills, and what the world needs. Engage in activities that fit with your ikigai, seek feedback, and continue to reflect on your journey. It's about living intentionally, embracing opportunities for personal growth, and contributing positively to the world in a way that aligns with your inner self.
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