One of our greatest struggles as individual human beings is finding our purpose. The modern world expects us to make decisions very quickly, and often at very young ages, as to what we’ll do with our life. As a child, everyone is asked: What do you want to be when you grow up?

In this search for meaning and direction, many have turned to the Japanese concept of "ikigai" which translates to "a reason for being." In recent years, ikigai has gained popularity, often visualized as a Venn diagram intersecting passion, mission, vocation, and profession.

While this diagram has taken the internet by storm, it only scratches the surface of this rich and nuanced concept. In its native Japanese context, ikigai is used far more loosely, often referring to simple joys and everyday pleasures. It's less about finding a single, grand purpose and more about recognizing the multitude of small things that make up a meaningful life.

So what is ikigai? How can you find it for yourself?

Tables of contents

• What is ikigai?
• 11 steps to finding your ikigai
• The Westernization of ikigai
• Ikigai in Japanese culture
• Finding your own ikigai

What is ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that roughly means "a reason for being" – the sense of purpose and fulfillment that makes life feel worth living. Ikigai is what gets you out of bed in the morning, the driving force behind your actions, and the source of a long and happy life.

Ikigai has recently transcended its traditional origins and captured the imagination of the Western world, particularly in the realms of business and productivity. It's often presented as a pathway to both personal fulfillment and professional success. 

Ikigai chart

Chances are, you've seen something like this Ikigai chart or venn diagram before:

While this visual representation offers a helpful framework for understanding ikigai, it's just one simplified interpretation. In its native Japanese context, ikigai is a far more nuanced and flexible concept.

At this point in time, there are plenty of sources out there that refer to ikigai (somewhat correctly) as a traditional Japanese concept. It often comes along with lofty titles like "the Japanese secret to a joyful life," only to be shown with an ikigai diagram like the one shown above. It’s important to note this diagram is a western invention – it's misleading to suggest that this diagram is also traditionally part of the Japanese philosophy of ikigai – it's not.

While this may seem like semantics or splitting hairs, it's still worth pointing out. You’ll probably find most other sources on ikigai do not make this distinction (especially when written by a non-Japanese person).

So, how can you find your personal ikigai?

11 steps to finding your ikigai

1. Embrace the journey

Looking at the ikigai diagram, you might be tempted to think that finding your ikigai would mean arriving at a final destination. All you need to do is achieve the alignment between the four intersecting circles, right?

Well, not necessarily. Ikigai is a lifelong journey of self-discovery and exploration. After all, who's to say that your purpose (or purposes) won't change or evolve throughout life?

The first step in finding your ikigai is to be patient and embrace the journey. You're not going to stumble upon your ikigai overnight. It takes time, reflection, and a willingness to experiment. Embrace the detours and unexpected turns along the way. Each experience, whether joyful or challenging, contributes to the rich tapestry of your life and brings you closer to understanding your true purpose. As the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once said, "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."

2. Reflect & connect

In the hustle of daily life, it's easy to lose touch with our inner selves – our values, passions, and dreams. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, there was an unprecedented wave of ="widespread existential crisis." Why? Because, for perhaps the first time, thanks to mandated lockdowns and unemployment stimulus, many had the chance to stop and think about their lives and how they were spending them.

Believe it or not, if you never have the time or energy to do this kind of self-reflection, you might not ever get a glimpse into your true purpose. After all, how can you be expected to know where you should be swimming if you're always just trying to keep your head above water?

To uncover your ikigai, you need to create space for quiet reflection and introspection. Practices like journaling, meditation, or simply spending time in nature can help you tune into your inner voice and gain clarity on what truly matters to you. As you slow down and connect with your deeper self, pay attention to the thoughts, feelings, and desires that emerge. What brings you joy? What activities make you feel most alive? What kind of impact do you want to make in the world?

Or, as Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist, put it, "It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us." Finding meaning, according to Frankl, often involves looking beyond our own desires and considering how we can contribute to something larger than ourselves. Reflect on what the world needs and how your unique skills and passions can help fulfill those needs.

3. Explore your strengths & interests

Take some time to reflect on the activities that come naturally to you and bring you a sense of joy and accomplishment. What are you good at? What do you lose yourself in? What sparks your curiosity and enthusiasm? These are often clues pointing towards your ikigai.

When we do what we're good at and enjoy, we enter a state of flow, where time seems to melt away and we become fully immersed in the present moment.

By focusing on cultivating our strengths (rather than solely fixating on our weaknesses), we can recognize and and develop our unique talents and abilities to better tap into our full potential.

So, make a list of your strengths, skills, and interests. Consider past experiences where you felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Ask yourself:

• What were you doing?
• What skills were you using?
• What kind of impact did you have?

Don't be afraid to explore new activities and hobbies that pique your curiosity. The more you experiment and try new things, the more likely you are to discover hidden talents and passions that resonate with your true self.

4. Consider your impact

Your ikigai isn't just about personal fulfillment – it's also about making a meaningful contribution to the world around you. Reflect on how your unique skills, talents, and passions can be used to benefit others and create positive change.

A sense of purpose often stems from feeling like you're making a difference, however small. It could be volunteering your time for a cause you believe in, using your skills to help others, or simply spreading kindness and positivity in your daily interactions.

Think about the things that matter to you most.

• What are the issues or challenges that you feel passionate about?
• How can your unique talents and abilities contribute to addressing these issues?

Your impact doesn't have to be grand or world-changing. Even small acts of kindness and service can ripple out and create a positive impact on the lives of others. By aligning your actions with a cause or purpose bigger than yourself, you'll tap into a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." By contributing your unique gifts to the world, you'll not only enrich the lives of others but also discover a profound sense of purpose within yourself.

5. Experiment & iterate

Discovering your ikigai is an ongoing process of exploration and experimentation. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things, like a cooking class, a local sports team, or volunteering your time for a cause that speaks to your heart.

As you try out different activities, pay attention to what sparks your interest and enthusiasm. What challenges you in a positive way? What makes you feel most alive and engaged? These are often clues pointing towards your ikigai.

It's okay to make mistakes and experience setbacks along the way. In fact, these experiences can be valuable learning opportunities. Try to adopt a growth mindset that embraces challenges and allows you to learn from setbacks to expand your personal and professional development.Each experience, successful or not, brings you one step closer to discovering what truly resonates with you.

So, be bold and adventurous in your exploration. Try new things, push your boundaries, and embrace the learning process. Your ikigai might be hiding in the most unexpected places, waiting for you to discover it.

6. Seek flow

Have you ever been so engrossed in an activity that you lost track of time, forgot about your worries, and felt a sense of effortless joy and focus? That's the state of "flow," a term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It's complete absorption in the present moment, where you're fully engaged and your skills are perfectly matched to the challenge at hand.

People experience the greatest sense of happiness and fulfillment when they're in this state of flow. It's a feeling of being "in the zone," where everything else fades away, and you're completely immersed in the activity.

Pay attention to the activities that bring you into this state of flow. What are you doing when you feel most alive, energized, and focused? These activities might be strong indicators of your ikigai. They tap into your strengths and passions, providing a sense of challenge and accomplishment that fuels your sense of purpose.

Flow doesn't always come easily. It requires finding the sweet spot between boredom and anxiety, where the challenge of the activity is just right for your skill level. If the activity is too easy, you'll get bored. If it's too difficult, you'll feel anxious and overwhelmed. But when you find that perfect balance, you can enter a state of flow and experience a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

7. Embrace imperfection

In our quest for ikigai, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that it must be some grand, all-consuming passion that defines our entire existence. This is especially true if you're adhering too strongly to the Western ikigai diagram we talked about earlier.

But the truth is, ikigai can be found in the most ordinary and unassuming moments of life. It's in the warmth of a shared meal with loved ones, the quiet satisfaction of completing a task, or the simple pleasure of a morning walk in nature.

The Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi" beautifully captures this idea. It's a philosophy that embraces the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Wabi-sabi teaches us to find meaning and appreciation in the fleeting moments, the natural cycles of life, and the inherent imperfections that make us human.

So let go of the pressure to find a singular, grandiose passion that consumes your every waking moment. Instead, cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the small joys and everyday experiences that bring you a sense of peace, contentment, and purpose.

It might be the ritual of brewing your morning coffee, the feeling of accomplishment after completing a challenging task, or the simple act of connecting with a loved one. These seemingly insignificant moments can hold profound meaning and contribute to a life filled with ikigai.

8. Connect with others

Human beings are inherently social creatures, and our connections are necessary for our overall well-being and sense of purpose. Sharing your passions and interests with like-minded individuals can create a sense of belonging, support, and inspiration.

Research has consistently shown that strong social connections are vital for our mental and physical health. They can help us cope with stress, boost our mood, and even increase our lifespan. Not only that but engaging with others who share our passions can help us deepen our understanding of ourselves and our purpose in life.

Seek out communities, groups, or clubs where you can connect with people who share your interests. Whether it's a book club, a sports team, a volunteer organization, or an online forum, these spaces provide opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside others.

Don't be afraid to share your passions and dreams with others. You might be surprised to find how many people resonate with your interests and can offer support and encouragement on your journey.

9. Be flexible & adaptable

Just as life is constantly changing and evolving, so too can your ikigai. What brings you joy and purpose today may not be the same tomorrow. Our interests, passions, and circumstances shift over time, and it's important to be open to these changes and allow your ikigai to evolve along with them.

Don't be afraid to revisit and redefine your purpose throughout life. Embrace the fluidity of ikigai and recognize that it's not a static destination but a dynamic journey. As you grow and learn, your priorities and values may shift, and what once brought you fulfillment may no longer resonate in the same way.

Be open to exploring new paths and embracing new passions. Don't cling to a past version of yourself or a rigid definition of your ikigai. Allow yourself the freedom to change, adapt, and discover new sources of meaning and purpose.

10. Embrace voluntary self-sacrifice

Renowned psychologist Carl Jung, in his magnum opus The Red Book, proposed that true purpose often involves a degree of "voluntary self-sacrifice," dedicating oneself to something larger than oneself. This doesn't necessarily entail grand, heroic acts; it can manifest in the everyday choices we make to contribute to our communities, families, or causes we believe in.

Jung's concept of voluntary self-sacrifice is rooted in the idea that true fulfillment comes not from solely pursuing personal gain, but from connecting with something beyond ourselves. It's about finding meaning in service, contribution, and the interconnectedness of all beings.

When we dedicate ourselves to a cause or purpose that transcends our individual desires, we tap into a deeper level of meaning and purpose. It's a sense of belonging, a connection to something greater than ourselves, that can provide a profound sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

This doesn't mean that we should abandon our own goals and dreams. Rather, it suggests that we find ways to align our personal aspirations with a broader sense of purpose. By serving others, contributing to our communities, or working towards a cause we believe in, we can find a sense of meaning and fulfillment that goes beyond our own personal desires.

11. Seek professional guidance

If you find yourself feeling stuck or overwhelmed on your journey to discovering your ikigai, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. Therapists, career coaches, and other qualified professionals can offer valuable support and insights to help you along the way.

A therapist can help you examine your values, beliefs, and past experiences, uncovering any underlying emotional or psychological barriers hindering your search for purpose. They can provide a safe and supportive space for you to process your thoughts and feelings, and develop strategies for overcoming any challenges you may be facing.

A career coach can help you identify your strengths, skills, and interests, and explore potential career paths that align with your values and passions. They can provide guidance on setting goals, developing action plans, and navigating career transitions.

Other professionals, such as life coaches or spiritual advisors, can also offer valuable perspectives and support on your journey to finding your ikigai.

The Westernization of ikigai

While the Western world perceives the Japanese word ikigai as the intersection of the four overlapping circles, this model didn't originate in Japan. Its true origins are a bit murky, but it seemingly evolved from a diagram shared by a kindergarten teacher named Ms. Dorothy in 2011. From there, the author Borja Vilaseca published a near-identical diagram (credited to Andrés Zuzunaga) in his book What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?

But neither Ms. Dorothy nor Zuzunaga claimed their diagrams to be an illustration of ikigai. Rather, this association originates from a blog post by Marc Winn called "What is your Ikigai?" Instead of "purpose" (in Zuzunaga's case) or "bliss" (in Ms. Dorothy's case), Winn placed the word "ikigai" at the center of the intersecting circles.

The blog post blew up and made ikigai (and, by extension, its association with this particular diagram) famous within the West. It gained further traction through the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, which famously attributed the long life expectancy of Okinawa residents to ikigai (amongst other things).

The clear visual representation and structured framework of the Westernized model undoubtedly played a massive role in popularizing the concept outside of Japan. It offered a tangible and accessible way to understand and explore one's sense of purpose, making it more relatable and actionable for a wider audience. The simplicity and clarity allowed individuals to map their passions, skills, and potential contributions onto a visual canvas, encouraging self-reflection and goal-setting.

But while potentially useful for self-exploration, it risks oversimplifying the concept, reducing it too much to a formulaic approach. The ikigai chart’s emphasis on the intersection of all four elements might create unnecessary pressure to find a perfect alignment (if such a thing is even possible), potentially overlooking the value of pursuing activities that bring joy or fulfillment even if they don't tick all the boxes.

Ikigai in Japanese culture

In its native land, the term "ikigai" isn't confined to a rigid framework or a grand life purpose.

It's woven into the fabric of everyday life, reflecting the simple joys and motivations that get people out of bed each morning. For many Japanese, ikigai is deeply personal and can be expressed in the most unassuming ways.

A retired grandmother might find her ikigai tending her garden, a salaryman might find his in the camaraderie of a post-work beer with colleagues, and a young mother might find hers in the laughter of her children. These aren't necessarily the lofty ambitions or world-changing endeavors implied by the modern, western ikigai diagram, but they are sources of profound meaning and contentment.

ikigai, to the Japanese, isn't about achieving some perfect alignment at the intersection of a diagram. It's about recognizing and appreciating the small things that spark joy, provide a sense of purpose, and make life feel worthwhile. It's in the ritual of a morning cup of tea, the satisfaction of a job well done, or the warmth of a shared meal with loved ones.

Finding your own ikigai

So, with all this talk of ikigai, both traditional and modern, how do you actually find yours? Do you strictly adhere to the Venn diagram, or is there a more nuanced approach?

The truth lies somewhere in between. While the Westernized ikigai model offers a helpful framework, it shouldn't be seen as the sole or definitive path to finding your purpose.

So, does the Western conception of ikigai hold any water? Absolutely. The four-circle model provides a structured way to reflect on your passions, skills, and potential contributions to the world. It encourages you to think about how you can align these elements to create a more fulfilling life.

However, don't feel constrained by the diagram. If you find joy and purpose in activities that don't perfectly fit within its intersections, that's perfectly okay. Ikigai is not about achieving some idealized state of perfect alignment (it might not be possible for many of us), but rather about embracing the unique blend of passions, skills, and contributions that make you who you are.

Live a life of purpose & joy by finding your ikigai 🌸

There is nothing more consequential than our own personal journeys to understand ourselves and our purpose in life. While the Westernized model of ikigai offers a helpful starting point, it is just one interpretation on a perennial topic.

In the traditional Japanese concept, ikigai is far more fluid and expansive, encompassing the simple joys and everyday pleasures that make life worth living. It's about finding beauty and purpose in the ordinary, embracing imperfection, and connecting with something larger than yourself.

Whether your ikigai lies in a fulfilling career, a creative pursuit, a deep connection with loved ones, or simply the quiet moments of contentment in your daily life, it's a journey worth embarking on.