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Definition of ikigai - Ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-guy) is a Japanese term meaning "a reason for being.” Though there isn’t a direct English translation, it encompasses finding joy in life through purpose in unique ways.

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Four pillars of ikigai - There are four main parts to ikigai: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

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Finding your passion - Passions are activities we love and that make us feel excited and alive even. Passions can help us stay motivated.

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Recognizing your talents - Talents are inclusive of skills and strengths you excel at. For example, maybe you’re great at writing or math. Identifying what you’re an expert in helps pay recognition to you and to that strength.

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Understanding market needs - This particular element challenges you to see where and how you can make a difference. Think to yourself what challenges or problems exist in your life or community.

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Economic aspect - It’s important to find what you can be paid for. Get creative as to how your passions and mission can be turned into a profession where you’ll earn money.

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Balancing the four pillars - Balancing these ideals and finding the overlap amongst them can sound challenging, but it’s a journey worth exploring. Ikigai will help you live a more joyful, satisfied, and purposeful life.

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Benefits of finding your ikigai: Increased happiness - Living in alignment with your ikigai means that you’re living for your purpose and therefore are filled with joy and satisfaction.

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Reduced stress - Stress can stem from a disconnection or dissatisfaction with life. Discovering your ikigai means aligning the four pillars, and this can promote balance and tranquility.

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Sense of fulfillment -

Ikigai can enrich your life as well as the lives of others. Doing something you adore while being good at it and helping the world can bring feelings of fulfillment.

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Enhanced motivation -

Having a clear sense of who you are by implementing ikigai often helps propel you forward, even in the toughest of times.

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Improved health -

Studies have linked having a life's purpose with a boost in your immune system, as well as lower anxiety and the possibility of living longer.

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Personal growth - Self-discovery journeys aim to help us develop into better humans. Ikigai helps you explore new interests and works to improve and broaden your horizons.

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How to find your ikigai: Practice mindfulness - Mindfulness gives you time and space to be present and work on fostering a deeper, better connection with your inner self.

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Reflect on the ikigai diagram - A helpful practice is to look at the four parts of ikigai and write for three minutes on each pillar. Be sure to reflect on what you learned after you write.

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Embrace meditation - Meditation can be a powerful and useful tool within ikigai. This exercise aims to quiet the mind, reduce stress, and help you gain clarity.

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Experiment and observe - Try new things! Experiment with different activities and be sure to observe which bring you joy or even a sense of purpose.

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Seek feedback - Throughout the ikigai process, take time to speak with others you trust. Looking for a mentor or talking with a friend can help you align the four pillars of ikigai.

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Practice patience and persistence - Be patient with yourself, as ikigai can take time. This is called a journey of self-discovery for a reason. In short, you can view this as a marathon, not a sprint.

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Engage in self-reflection - Set aside specific time for self-reflection. Think about what you’ve learned and how you feel thus far in your path. Keep a journal so you can review later, and address where you still want to go.

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Practical steps to incorporate ikigai into daily life - Incorporating ikigai into your life each day is as easy as setting aside time for activities that bring you joy.

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Physical health benefits -

Ikigai can positively impact your physical health by encouraging a more active lifestyle. By doing things you love and exploring other possibilities, you can develop healthier habits and improve your quality of life.

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Work-life balance -

Ikigai aims to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance by aligning your career with your passions and values. Ultimately, this can lead to greater job satisfaction.

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Challenges in finding ikigai - As with any change, there are often several common obstacles people face regarding ikigai. These challenges can include self-doubt, lack of clarity, and societal pressures.

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Ikigai in relationships -

Emotional bonds can be strengthened with the help of ikigai. Sharing common interests, supporting each other’s goals, and fostering mutual growth and happiness all strengthen emotional bonds.

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Cultural perspectives -

Different places and their respective cultures view ikigai through various lenses. For example, in Western cultures there is more of a focus on career fulfillment, while Eastern cultures emphasize more community involvement.

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Over time -

Over time your ikigai will grow and evolve, just like you will. It's important to maintain your ikigai, to frequently take time and reevaluate where you are and what you need and want from life.

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Mindset shifts -

Be open to necessary mindset shifts to embrace ikigai fully. It can feel very vulnerable at first to do so much self-reflection, but in the end it will greatly benefit you and your life.

Sources: (Calm) (Marlee)

See also: 11 beautiful Japanese concepts to inspire better living

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