Feeling like you’re wandering aimlessly through life? That’s totally normal! Have you heard of a Japanese term called ‘Ikigai’ before?
Ikigai, roughly translated as “reason for being.”. This isn’t just about finding a job but Ikigai provides a holistic approach to finding fulfillment and purpose in life.
Ikigai revolves around the intersection of four essential elements:
- what you love,
- what you are good at,
- what the world needs, and
- what you can be paid for.
By exploring these elements together, one can discover a sense of purpose that guides their career choices.
But how do you find your Ikigai amidst the endless options and conflicting expectations?
Here’s what you can do:
[1] Make Use of time to explore things:
- Explore Wide: Don’t limit yourself! Explore diverse fields, volunteer, shadow professionals, take online courses, or even travel to experience different cultures. This exploration at young age is crucial for understanding your deep interests and hidden passions.
- Identify your interests: Pay attention to what excites you. What activities make you lose track of time? What problems would you love to solve? What skills do you naturally gravitate towards? These are clues to your inherent strengths and passions.
- Challenge Norms: Don’t let societal expectations or parental pressure dictate your choices. Know what truly matters to you? What impact do you want to make on the world? Reflect on your values and aspirations to guide your exploration.
[2] Build your Unique Skill-set:
- Find Your Strengths: Go beyond academics and grades. What are you naturally good at? Are you a creative problem-solver, a meticulous organizer, a charismatic communicator, or a tech-savvy go-getter? Recognizing your strengths is key to finding an enjoyable career path.
- Develop Your Skillset: Don’t be afraid of stepping outside your comfort zone and learn new skills. Take workshops, attend conferences, and network with professionals in fields of your interest. It is important to know that your skillset is a dynamic ecosystem that continuously evolves throughout your career.
[3] Discover Your Purpose:
- Connect Your Passions to Purpose: What issues or causes in the world ignite your compassion? What changes do you really want to see? Aligning your skills and passions with a greater purpose adds meaning and motivation to your work.
- Think Beyond the Paycheck: While financial security is important, don’t let it be your sole motivator. Consider the impact you want to make and the values you want to uphold through your work.
[4] Align Your Calling with Reality:
- Learn about different Career Paths: Explore the nuances of different professions. Talk to people in those fields, read industry reports, and attend career fairs. Understanding the day-to-day work, required skills, and career trajectory will help you make informed decisions.
- Find the right courses: Does your chosen path require further education or specific certifications? Research different programs, scholarships, and alternative learning models to find the best fit for your needs and goals.
Ikigai is a journey, not a Destination:
Unveiling your Ikigai is a gradual process, like a flower blooming.It’s a continuous process of exploration, self-discovery, and adaptation. Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and be open to changing course if needed. The most important is to keep moving forward.
Additional tips to support your Ikigai journey:
- Don’t be afraid to fail: Mistakes are stepping stones to growth. Learn from them, adapt, and keep moving forward.
- Find a mentor: Seek guidance from someone who inspires you and can offer valuable advice. Peapods could help you with that. Write to us.
- Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage your dreams.
- Celebrate your progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small, to stay motivated.
Remember, finding your Ikigai is a personal adventure. With dedication and a dash of self-discovery, you’ll unlock a career path that brings fulfillment and purpose to your life.
