Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a wonderful Japanese concept made from two Japanese words: iki, meaning “life” and kai, meaning “effect, result, worth or benefit.” Combined: “a reason for living.” Beautiful, Isn’t it? Ikigai is the idea of seeking a purpose in everything you do in life – Hobbies, friendships, work, community, and travel all add to your ikigai. There is no need to visit a Buddhist temple in Bali to “find yourself.” Instead, Dustin and I want to use this episode to help you find your reason for living, aka your Ikigai! Grab your headphones and a pen, and get ready to open your mind…your purposeful future awaits!

Download your free Ikigai Worksheet

The Japanese have figured out how to live longer. On this #Worthitpodcast episode, we share one of the secrets they have discovered. @Worthit_Podcast @DRGranger #worthitpodcast #Ikigai #LifePurpose #Lifeplanning #findyourself Click To Tweet

Here’s what you’ll learn

[3:15] What is Ikigai?

[5:30] #1. What do you love doing?

[7:30] #2. What are you good at?

[10:15] #3. What does the world need from you?

[12:15] #4. What can you get paid for?

[14:30] What does it mean when two of the questions overlap?

[15:15] What does it mean when three of the questions overlap?

[18:30] Your Ikigai: this is your meaning of life

[19:30] Toujours Worth It Financial Planning

[21:30] Worth It Inspirations

 

Before you start on your ikigai, there are two important things we want you to keep in mind:

1. Try not to limit yourself to what you already do or have done in the past when it comes to these questions. Keep an open mind and let go of the mold you’ve previously fit into. Open yourself to the possibility that discovering your reason for being may not have been uncovered yet.
2. There is nothing too simple or silly to write down. Don’t be afraid to write down something you love just because you don’t think it could ever be something you could be paid for. Trust the process because you never know what it might uncover about yourself.

 

What do you love doing?

Grab a journal and ask yourself the following question: What do you love doing? This question speaks to your passion. You don’t have to force yourself to come up with answers in one sitting. In fact, it’s more productive to take your time. Over the course of a few days or weeks, take notes as ideas and insights come to you. Most importantly, be radically honest with yourself. Don’t be afraid to jot down whatever comes to mind, no matter how simple, crazy or irrational it might seem. A few of the things on my list include photography, teaching, an appreciation for beautiful things, inspiring others, and generating new ideas. Dustin and I had a few career-related overlaps (obviously), but his also included things such as community service, leadership and hosting parties. What would be on your list?

What are you good at?

The second question to ask yourself is “What am I good at?” This question speaks to your profession. Sometimes the things you love to do will also be the things you are good at, but don’t be surprised if the list looks different. A few on my list are inspiring others, planning and social media marketing. Dustin says the things he is good at include organizing, bringing people together and inspiring others. He is also really good at making other people feel at ease. If you are struggling to find what you are good at, it’s a great idea to ask close friends and family; they will be able to fill in some of the gaps.

Ask yourself is “What am I good at?” This question speaks to your profession. Sometimes the things you love to do will also be the things you are good at, but don’t be surprised if the list looks different. @Worthit_Podcast @DRGranger… Click To Tweet

What does the world need from you?

The question “What does the world need from you” speaks to your mission in life. If you imagine where the world is headed, then think about what other people would need to see that future realized, you can start to create a list of things you can offer the world if called upon. It can be hard to start this list, as it feels a little vulnerable at times, but don’t give up, the results are worth it! After thinking about this for some time, I wrote down the following list: inspiration to follow your dreams, financial well-being, marketing concepts and life coaching. Dustin did the same and came up with leadership, new technology and scientific development, financial well-being, and political vision. If called upon, we could offer those things to the world.

What can you get paid for?

What can you get paid for? This question is focused on your vocation. What do you do that will pay the bills? List everything – planning, teaching, marketing, advising/coaching, building, creating, cooking, shopping, advising, consulting, the list goes on…After you’ve answered these questions thoughtfully, start to look for patterns. What kinds of themes are apparent? Are there obvious intersections among categories, or do they seem disparate?

What can you get paid for? After you’ve answered these questions thoughtfully, start to look for patterns. What kinds of themes are apparent? @Worthit_Podcast @DRGranger #worthitpodcast #Ikigai #LifePurpose #Lifeplanning #findyourself Click To Tweet

Finding your Ikigai

Download our Free Ikigai Worksheet that will walk you through each question listed above. These are worthwhile questions to ask, whether you determined your ikigai forty years ago or you’re just learning about the concept now. If you’re on an initial ikigai fact-finding journey, integrating instinctive nudges with logic-driven thinking can lead to a deeper, more coherent sense of purpose. The chart also explains how each question or category overlaps, eventually focusing to a point where all four categories are connected. This is your Ikigai, your purpose, and passion!

Download your free Ikigai Worksheet

Dustin and I realized that one side effect/bonuses of finding our ikigais is that it has become our subconscious compass in life. When confronted with the opportunity to do something, whether it be for fun, work or charity, we are now mentally thinking about our ikigais and asking ourselves: Is this something that I love, or something I’m good at, or something the world needs of me, or something that I could potentially be paid for? If it doesn’t answer at least 2 out of the 4 questions, then it’s easier to politely decline. Saying “no” to something that doesn’t align with your purpose makes room for things that do.

Resources & People Mentioned

• Free Ikigai Worksheet
• BigThink Article on Ikigai
• Ikigai Wiki
• Pablo Picasso Quote
• Jacinda Ardern
• A dying woman’s heartbreaking letter to the world

 

Connect With Danielle and Dustin

• Ask your questions!
• On Facebook
• On Twitter

Connect with Dustin on Twitter: @DRGranger

Grab a journal and ask yourself the following question: What do you love doing? This question speaks to your passion. @Worthit_Podcast @DRGranger #worthitpodcast #Ikigai #LifePurpose #Lifeplanning #findyourself Click To Tweet The question “What does the world need from you” speaks to your mission in life. If you imagine where the world is headed, then think about what other people would need to see that future realized, you can start to create a list of things you can… Click To Tweet