Hygge Design

Ikigai: The Japanese method for discovering the meaning of life.

Ikigai is one of the most interesting Japanese principles, which can be translated by the expressions “reason to live” or “reason for one’s existence.”

“Ikigai” a Japanese term meaning “reason for being and existence.” Iki in Japanese, means “life” and gai means “value.” So, it is one’s life purpose or happiness. It is what gives a person joy, the reason why we get out of bed every morning. According to traditional Japanese philosophy, everyone has their own. You just need to find it and follow it to be happy.

One’s Ikigai principle lies at the point where one’s passion, mission, profession and vocation intersect.

It is thus located at the intersection of 4 fundamental areas:

• the things you enjoy
• what the world needs
• what you are good at
• the things you can get paid for

To understand what this personal principle is, it might be helpful to compile a diagram consisting of 4 intersecting circles.

1) In the first circle one must list all the things one is good at. This sphere encapsulates talents or skills that one possesses, regardless of whether the person is passionate about them or not.

2) In the second circle one writes down everything that one loves, brings joy and makes one feel more alive and accomplished. For example, singing, writing, hanging out with friends, swimming, reading novels, etc.

3) In the third circle, things that the world and humanity need should be listed. This could be Humanity understood in a global sense or even just a small community.

4) In the last circle, you have to list the activities for which you could be paid. And so all those services and things for which there is a market.
At the intersection of what you love and what you are good at are your passions. At the intersection of what one loves and what the world needs is one’s mission.

At the intersection of what the world needs and what one can be paid for is one’s vocation. And at the intersection of what one is good at and what one can be paid for is one’s profession.

The central intersection is the most important. That is one’s principle.

In conclusion, this principle is both something that you are passionate about, that you are also good at, that the world needs and that someone would be willing to pay for.

If you liked my blog post “Ikigai” have also a look at Embracing Happiness