IKIGAI: Finding Your Reason for Being

Why?

In our relentless pursuit of success, we often lose sight of what truly matters – our sense of purpose and the reasons that make our lives worth living. This is where the ancient Japanese concept of IKIGAI can guide us to rediscover the harmonious balance between our passions, professions, values, and the needs of the world around us.

What?

IKIGAI is a beautiful philosophy that helps us find our unique reason for being – that sweet spot where our passions, talents, values, and the world's needs converge. It's about living each day with intention, aligning our actions with the things that truly matter to us, and making our lives worth living.

IKIGAI is a great amalgamation of the Japanese words "iki" (to live) and "gai" (reason), representing the convergence of four fundamental elements:

• what you love,
• what you're good at,
• what the world needs, and
• what you can be paid for.

At its core, IKIGAI encourages us to align our daily actions with our deepest motivations, creating a life that is not only fulfilling but also meaningful and valuable to society. I've come to appreciate the profound impact that embracing IKIGAI can have on our personal and professional lives several times. As an engineering leader and product manager, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of aligning my passion for innovation with the world's need for cutting-edge technologies. Whether it was pioneering intellectual property in IoT and connected vehicles, or driving the adoption of software-defined lighting solutions, each step was fueled by a genuine love for what I do and a desire to contribute to the greater good.

my first realisation

During my stint at Nokia, I led the team for IPSec and the mVPN application on Symbian OS. As part of a face-to-face meeting, I had to travel to the Espoo office in Finland. During my commute to the office from Helsinki Central Train Station, I noticed a non-Nokia passenger using the m-VPN application to connect to his office network. Witnessing firsthand how my product was being used to meet the user's requirements gave me a profound sense of purpose. It created an enduring drive within me to think from the end user's perspective and create products that not only meet but also delight the user. The sheer joy of seeing my work come to life in tangible products that positively impact people's lives was truly gratifying.

Additional benefits - collaboration & learning

IKIGAI teaches us the importance of continuous learning and growth. Grab every opportunity to learn. Never feel shy to learn the basics. If there is a possibility, lead as an example. Constantly seeking out new challenges within the team and if possible outside the team, helps in creating a deeper sense of connection and collaboration. Embracing IKIGAI has also fostered a deeper sense of connection and collaboration within the teams I've led. When individuals are empowered to pursue their passions and contribute their unique talents to a shared vision, a synergistic environment emerges, fueling creativity, engagement, and ultimately, success.

Within the teams I've led, IKIGAI has been a driving force, creating a culture of collaboration, creativity, and engagement. When individuals are empowered to pursue their passions and contribute their talents to a shared vision, magic happens. Suddenly, work becomes more than just a job – it becomes a labor of love, fueled by a genuine desire to create something meaningful and impactful. Once you follow IKIGAI in its true sense consciously, you inherently become the contagious positive vibe in the surroundings and inspire others to discover their purpose in life and do well.

In today's fast-paced world, where burnout and disillusionment are all too common, IKIGAI offers a refreshing perspective – a reminder that true fulfillment lies not in the pursuit of wealth or status, but in the harmonious alignment of our passions, abilities, and values with the needs of the world around us. By living with IKIGAI, we not only enrich our own lives but also leave a lasting, positive impact on society. So, if you find yourself feeling lost or unfulfilled, I encourage you to explore the principles of IKIGAI. Take a step back and ask yourself what truly ignites your passion, what unique talents you possess, what values you hold dear, and how you can contribute to the world in a way that aligns with those elements.

conclusion

So, whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or simply someone seeking greater meaning in your life, I encourage each of us to embrace the principles of IKIGAI. Discover what ignites your passion, hone your talents, identify the needs of the world, and find a way to contribute while sustaining yourself financially. In doing so, you'll unlock a life brimming with purpose, joy, and a profound sense of belonging – a life truly worth living.