As conscious entrepreneurs and business owners out to create meaning while also getting paid what we’re worth, there’s often a common misconception that we have to choose one thing that pays well instead of choosing what is actually in alignment with us. But the reality is, you can have it all!
One concept that can help us achieve this is the Japanese idea of ikigai, which is the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
Explanation: Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates to “reason for being.” It’s a concept that is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and has been associated with longevity, happiness, and a sense of purpose. The idea is that when you find your ikigai, you have a reason to wake up in the morning and a sense of fulfillment in your daily life.
How it Works: To find your ikigai, you need to identify your passions, your skills, your values, and the needs of the world around you. When you can align these four elements, you can find a sweet spot where you are doing work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and financially viable.
This is invaluable to conscious entrepreneurs and business people because we often strive to create work that aligns with our values and makes a positive impact on the world. By finding our ikigai, we can create work that is not only financially rewarding but also deeply fulfilling and purposeful. This can lead to increased motivation, creativity, and happiness, which can benefit us and those around us.
To learn more about how to find your ikigai and incorporate it into your work and life, check out resources such as the book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. Or for quick wins, explore the above diagram and concept further through personal reflection and exploration using the steps below.
Step 1: Take some time to dedicate to yourself and list out of the following:
- All of your skills
- What you actually love doing
- What you’re good at
- What you can be paid for
Step 2: On a blank sheet of paper, draw 4 circles that intersect with each other. Narrow each list down to the top #1 for each category.
Step 3: Write your top contenders in the circles on the paper.
This is something you’ll want to invest time in, and keep refining until you find your ikigai.
Come back and do this exercise for more clarity often.
By incorporating the concept of ikigai into our work and life as conscious entrepreneurs and creators, we can find greater meaning and purpose in what we do, which can lead to greater fulfillment, happiness, and success.