Ikigai Living: Embracing a Contemporary Approach
With each new year comes fresh goals and aspirations. In our quest for meaningful beginnings, we often seek growth and adventures, striving to find deeper purpose as the allure of a "fresh start" lingers. For many, this journey involves exploring Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that promotes a purposeful and satisfying life. Originating from the Okinawa region, this ideology has been a cornerstone in guiding individuals towards a fulfilling existence.
Ikigai encourages us to discover our meaning in life, helping us to prioritize what truly matters and foster anticipation for each new day and the future. For those unfamiliar, the Ikigai Venn diagram offers a visual representation, illustrating the intersection of four key qualities that lead to fulfillment.
However, life's complexities have evolved significantly since the era when Ikigai flourished. In those simpler times, the notion of deriving joy and livelihood from one's passions was more straightforward. Today, balancing passion with practical demands presents a greater challenge. It's common to find fulfillment in what is rewarding, albeit not always aligned with our passions.
Ken Mogi, a neuroscientist and author, suggests in "The Little Book of Ikigai" that finding pleasure and proficiency in any task, irrespective of its nature, constitutes finding your Ikigai. This perspective, while appealing, often clashes with the reality of achieving a balance between passion and financial stability.
Interestingly, a study revealed that only 31% of Japanese individuals view their work as their Ikigai. This suggests that for many, Ikigai may lie outside their professional sphere and could evolve with time and changing realities.
Should Ikigai equate to financial security? While it's possible, it's not guaranteed. The essence lies in deriving satisfaction from your passion, whether through financial gain or other means. Ikigai, in the context of modern living, must consider additional factors like health, relationships, and the environment.
The traditional Ikigai diagram, though insightful, fails to encapsulate these modern complexities. Thus, we introduce "Ikigai 2.0: A Modern Approach," which integrates core Ikigai principles with contemporary challenges like health, relationships, environment, and finances.
Our vision at Ikigai Living is to harmonize these elements with daily purpose, emphasizing joy and fulfillment in activities that benefit us, our families, and our surroundings. Ikigai is not a fixed destination but a journey of discovery and balance. It's about recognizing that small contributions matter, understanding that talent doesn't always align with passion, and acknowledging that multiple passions can coexist.
We advocate that financial reward and passion need not be mutually exclusive. Achieving Ikigai Living, a harmonious blend of work, health, location, and relationships, is a gradual process but rewarding at every step. This journey, although challenging, is attainable and enriching, offering a more holistic approach to finding purpose and satisfaction in the modern world.
