The transformative power of Ikigai for professionals

Whether you’re navigating the intricacies of the public sector, running your own business, or climbing the corporate ladder, you’ve likely found yourself in a situation where success feels somewhat hollow. You’ve hit your targets, earned recognition, and perhaps even secured that promotion you’ve been eyeing. Yet, despite these achievements, you might feel an unsettling sense of discontent. Your energy is waning, and the spark that once fuelled your passion for your work is dimming.

Your colleagues, friends, and family see your success and remind you of how much you’ve accomplished. You nod and smile, appreciating their support, but deep down, you know something is missing. You wake up feeling mentally and emotionally drained, going through the motions, but without the same drive and enthusiasm you once had. It’s as though you’ve hit a plateau, and despite your best efforts, you can’t quite shake the feeling of being stuck.

If this resonates with you, rest assured you’re not alone. Many professionals, especially those in high-pressure roles, find themselves in this exact spot. You’re dedicated, you’re successful, and by all external measures, you’ve made it. Yet, you feel lost and unfulfilled. What happened to the confident, energised person who started this journey? Where did that zest for life go, and more importantly, how can you reclaim it?

The answer to these questions might lie in an ancient Japanese concept known as Ikigai –a powerful philosophy that has helped countless individuals rediscover their joy, meaning, and purpose.

The misunderstood essence of Ikigai

You may have heard the term Ikigai before. In the West, it’s often depicted as a Venn diagram with four overlapping circles: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This simplified model suggests that Ikigai lies at the intersection of these elements – a sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession meet. While this depiction offers a useful starting point, it doesn’t capture the full essence of Ikigai.

In reality, Ikigai is far more profound and nuanced. It’s not just about finding the perfect career or aligning your job with your passions. Ikigai is about discovering and cultivating a deep sense of purpose and meaning that permeates every aspect of your life. It’s about finding joy in small moments, embracing daily routines with gratitude, and living in alignment with your core values. Ikigai is not a destination; it’s a way of being, a path to living a life that feels rich, fulfilling, and deeply connected to who you are at your core.

The holistic approach to Ikigai

Embracing Ikigai requires a holistic approach to life – one that goes beyond professional success and touches every aspect of your existence. Here’s how you can start to integrate Ikigai into your life and reignite the passion and energy that may feel lost:

1. Building and nurturing healthy relationships

Human beings are inherently social creatures, and our relationships with others are a key source of meaning and fulfilment. Ikigai emphasises the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships that support, uplift, and enrich our lives. These relationships can be both personal and professional.

Ask yourself: Who in your life brings you joy? Who challenges you to grow? Who do you turn to for comfort and encouragement? Make time to deepen these connections. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of your career, but investing in your relationships will pay dividends in terms of emotional well-being and a renewed sense of belonging. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, reconnecting with old friends, or building new relationships, nurturing your social connections is a vital part of living with Ikigai.

2. Identifying and fulfilling multiple roles in your life

You wear many hats in life. You’re not just a professional – you’re also a partner, a friend, a mentor, perhaps a parent, and more. Each of these roles contributes to your identity and adds richness to your life. However, when one role – such as your professional identity –begins to overshadow the others, it can lead to a sense of imbalance and burnout.

Ikigai encourages you to honour all the roles you play. By doing so, you create a more balanced, integrated life that reflects the full spectrum of who you are. Take time to identify the different roles that are important to you and consider how you can fulfil each one in a way that aligns with your values. By giving attention to the various aspects of your identity, you’ll find that your life becomes more fulfilling and well-rounded.

3. Seeking meaning and purpose in all aspects of your journey

One of the most common misconceptions about Ikigai is that it’s something you have to “find” as if it’s a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. In reality, Ikigai is something you cultivate by finding meaning and purpose in your everyday life. It’s not just about having a grand, overarching mission – it’s about finding significance in the small, daily actions that make up your life.

Start by examining your daily routines. What activities do you find fulfilling? What tasks, no matter how mundane, bring you a sense of accomplishment or joy? Perhaps it’s the quiet moments of reflection with your morning coffee, the satisfaction of solving a complex problem, or the joy of a simple walk in nature. Ikigai teaches us that purpose can be found in these everyday moments, and by shifting our perspective to appreciate them, we can transform our daily lives into a source of ongoing fulfilment.

4. Appreciating the beauty of everyday experiences

Life is made up of countless small moments, many of which we often overlook in our pursuit of bigger goals. Ikigai invites us to slow down and savour these moments, to find beauty in the ordinary and joy in the simple. This could be as simple as enjoying the warmth of the sun on your skin, relishing the taste of a home-cooked meal, or taking a moment to breathe deeply and appreciate the present.

By being mindful and present, you can learn to appreciate the richness of life’s simple pleasures. This practice not only enhances your daily experience but also helps you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment. When you start to see the beauty in the small things, you begin to feel more connected to your life as it is, rather than constantly striving for what’s next.

The benefits of living with Ikigai

The impact of embracing Ikigai goes far beyond just feeling better in the moment. Research has shown that people who live in alignment with their Ikigai experience numerous benefits, both psychological and physical. They report higher levels of self-esteem and mental well-being, and lower levels of depression and anxiety. Moreover, there’s evidence to suggest that living with Ikigai can contribute to longevity and even delay the onset of dementia.

When you live with Ikigai, you’re not just surviving – you’re thriving. You’re living a life that’s in harmony with your values, your passions, and your purpose. This doesn’t mean that every day will be perfect or that challenges won’t arise, but it does mean that you’ll face life’s ups and downs with a greater sense of resilience and inner strength. You’ll wake up each day with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that your life has meaning and that you’re living in alignment with who you truly are.

Finding your way forward

If you’re feeling stuck and unfulfilled, now is the time to take a step back and seek clarity on what truly matters to you. Reflect on your core values, identify the roles that bring you joy, and find purpose in your daily life. Start by making small, intentional changes that bring you closer to living in alignment with your Ikigai. This might mean adjusting your work-life balance, reconnecting with passions or hobbies that you’ve neglected, or simply being more present in your daily routines.

Remember, Ikigai is not about making drastic changes overnight. It’s about gradual, meaningful shifts that help you create a life that feels rich, fulfilling, and deeply connected to your true self. As you begin to align your actions with your Ikigai, you’ll notice a shift – a rekindling of the energy and confidence you once had. This journey is deeply personal, and it’s one that unfolds over time. But as you embrace the principles of Ikigai, you’ll find that the path to a more fulfilling life is one that’s both attainable and incredibly rewarding.

In conclusion, whatever your profession, finding and living your Ikigai can be a transformative experience. It’s about more than just success in your career; it’s about living a life that feels deeply connected to your values, passions, and true self. So, take the time to discover your Ikigai, and watch as your life and work become more meaningful, fulfilling, and enriched with purpose.