Ikigai - A Concise Summary To Finding Your Unique Purpose
An Integration Of What's Loved & What Pays
Ikigai, a concept often discussed in philosophical and self-help circles, is a Japanese concept rooted in the idea of finding life's purpose. Unlike nihilism, ikigai takes a more positive approach to life. The term combines 'iki' (life) and 'gai' (worth). At its core, ikigai encourages people to explore what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for, forming a balanced intersection that defines their unique purpose. Through introspection and a blend of passion and reward, individuals discover their own unique ikigai, promising a life where passion meets profession, and every moment contributes to personal growth and satisfaction.
Ikigai is all about finding that sweet spot where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for all come together. Take someone who loves animals, for example, and has a knack for communication; they may decide to become a wildlife conservationist—boom, that's ikigai in its glory. Similarly, an artist who uses their creative talents to inspire and uplift others embodies this concept by aligning their passion with a meaningful contribution to society. While some philosophies create a divide between what one can do and what one wants to do, ikigai encourages the integration of both seeking a harmonious balance between the two. The first step in discovering ikigai is identifying your niche; the last step is implementing it.
Ikigai nurtures both personal growth and societal contribution. It's about igniting the inner spark that fuels enthusiasm and propels us toward a greater sense of purpose. While some concepts argue that life lacks a unique purpose, it seems more plausible to believe that billions of years ago, space dust formed one of the most complex biological structures capable of free thought and innovation for a purpose. Perhaps life's purpose becomes evident only in our final moments. How would it feel to realize you were meant for greater things? What about the regret of not trying a bit harder and crying a bit less? Ikigai seeks to eliminate that regret, assuring that you reach your highest potential—a potential you may not have previously perceived.
Until next time, stay curious and keep questioning!
Thanks for reading,
Ash.☕
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We now live in a world that provides us with a plethora of options for everything. Man has become so comfortable, that even the slightest thought of discomfort and inconvenience is vehemently dismissed. The abundance of options are a key element of our creative work today, because options are created for the sole purpose of programming our consumption habits to maximize profits. You provide yourselves with too many options which ultimately leads you to anxiety and decreased satisfaction. This is famously called The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz. So why must you limit your options if you are intending to put forward meaningful creative work?
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