Finding Your Purpose

August 2024

Instant Perspectives

In Short Essay

Escape the chaos of daily life and dive into a world of thought-provoking ideas, all within a few minutes.  Welcome to the captivating realm of short essays, where each piece is a doorway to new perspectives, leaving you enlightened and inspired without taking up too much of your time.

Finding Your Purpose: A Journey Guided by Ikigai

Inspired by: Bobby John Weeks

Bobby John Weeks

Finding your purpose is like setting out on a long voyage. You might have a destination in mind, but the journey is filled with twists, turns, and discoveries that shape who you are. In this quest, the Japanese concept of Ikigai offers a compass. Ikigai, which translates to "reason for being," helps us navigate by answering four profound questions: What do you love? What are you good at? What does the world need? And what will people pay you for?

Discovering Your Passion: What Do You Love?

At the heart of Ikigai lies passion. What activities make your heart race? What could you do for hours without noticing the time? Your passions are the fuel that drives your purpose. Research shows that engaging in activities you love not only brings joy but also improves mental health and well-being (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2014). To tap into this energy, reflect on what excites you—whether it's writing, cooking, teaching, or creating. This is where your journey begins.

Cultivating Your Skills: What Are You Good At?

Passion alone isn't enough. To truly find your purpose, you need to be good at what you love. This requires dedication and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. Malcolm Gladwell (2008) popularized the idea that 10,000 hours of practice are required to master a skill. Whether through formal education, online courses, or self-study, becoming proficient in your craft is crucial. Today, the wealth of resources available online means that there are no excuses. You can learn anything, anytime, anywhere.

Meeting the World's Needs: What Does the World Need?

Purpose isn't just about self-fulfillment; it’s also about making a difference. The world is full of problems waiting to be solved, and aligning your passions and skills with these needs can create profound impact. Studies indicate that helping others is a key component of a meaningful life (Baumeister & Vohs, 2005). Whether it's through entrepreneurship, social work, or volunteerism, finding ways to contribute to society is essential in the search for purpose.

Achieving Financial Stability: What Will People Pay You For?

The final piece of the Ikigai puzzle is financial sustainability. Doing what you love is important, but it’s also crucial to make a living. This doesn't mean selling out your values; rather, it’s about finding the intersection between passion, skill, and market demand. For example, a love for art could lead to a career in graphic design, or a passion for fitness might evolve into a personal training business. By identifying ways to monetize your passion, you ensure that your purpose is both fulfilling and sustainable.

Love as the Foundation: The True Leader's Path

Ultimately, love is the common thread that runs through all aspects of Ikigai. Whether it’s love for your work, for others, or for life itself, leading from a place of love is what truly defines a purposeful existence. Research by Fredrickson (2013) suggests that love—defined broadly as a connection with others—boosts resilience, creativity, and overall life satisfaction. By interacting with everyone, whether friend, family, or foe, from a place of love, you not only enrich your own life but also inspire others.

Crafting a Life Worth Living

Finding your purpose through Ikigai is about more than just making a living—it’s about making a life. By combining what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what people will pay you for, you can create a life that is both fulfilling and sustainable. Remember, it’s not just about working; it’s about living with intention and leading with love. As you embark on this journey, let Ikigai be your guide, and you’ll find that the life you create is truly worth living.

Thank you Bobby John for your thought-provoking insight.

Reference

Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2005). The pursuit of meaningfulness in life. Handbook of Positive Psychology, 608-618.

Fredrickson, B. L. (2013). Love 2.0: Finding happiness and health in moments of connection. Penguin Group.

Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers: The Story of Success. Little, Brown and Company.

Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2014). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5-14