Finding Purpose: How Ikigai Can Guide Your Next Chapter

There comes a point in life when you start to reflect more deeply. You’ve achieved certain milestones—whether in your career, relationships, or personal life—and yet, something feels unsettled. You begin to ask yourself, “Is this really what I want?” It’s a natural period of reassessment, often triggered by the realization that the path you’ve been on may not fully align with your deeper desires and values.

This isn’t a crisis, but rather an opportunity. It’s a chance to rediscover your purpose, and one powerful tool to help guide you through this journey is the concept of Ikigai.

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” It represents the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. When these elements align, you unlock a life filled with meaning and fulfillment.

As we move through life’s stages, especially after spending years focused on career or family, the question of purpose becomes louder. The great thing about Ikigai is that it provides a clear framework for finding that alignment.

Using Ikigai to Navigate Life’s Transitions

Here’s how you can apply the principles of Ikigai to rediscover your sense of purpose:

1. What Do You Love? At this point in life, it’s crucial to reconnect with what genuinely excites you. What are those passions or hobbies you may have neglected over the years? What activities light you up?
2. What Are You Good At? Over the years, you’ve honed certain skills, both in your career and in life. Reflect on what comes naturally to you. What talents can you tap into to bring more meaning into your everyday life?
3. What Does the World Need? There’s often a shift in focus toward wanting to contribute more broadly to the world. What causes, problems, or communities can benefit from your unique skills and experience? What impact do you want to leave?
4. What Can You Be Paid For? Whether you're considering a career change, a passion project, or a side venture, think about how your skills and interests align with opportunities for financial stability. How can you merge purpose with practical sustainability?

Turning Reflection into Purpose

This phase of life isn’t about closing doors; it’s about opening new ones. It’s the perfect moment to realign your life’s focus and discover what truly matters to you. By applying the principles of Ikigai, you can gain clarity and purpose, turning this moment of reflection into a powerful pivot toward a more meaningful life.

Rather than seeing this period as unsettling, view it as a moment of transformation. As your values evolve and priorities shift, this is your chance to consciously design the next chapter of your life with intention and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Finding your Ikigai can transform this phase of life into a deeply fulfilling journey. It’s not about changing everything at once but about aligning your actions with who you are at your core—what you love, what you’re good at, and how you want to contribute to the world.

As you reflect, ask yourself: What’s your Ikigai? And how can it guide the next chapter of your life?