Ikigai
"a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living"
Good Day lovely human and sorry for being a day late this week. Today we'll be discussing the concept of Ikigai and its relationship with the concept of Budgeting Your Energy (B.Y.E).
Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates to "a reason to be" or "a reason for living." and it coensides with the topics in these writings and post COVID times where many of us are searching (or should I say researching) for a way to lead a fulfilling and purposeful life.
The concept of ikigai is often depicted as a circle with four quadrants (as seen above), each representing one of the four key elements of ikigai: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The intersection of these four elements is believed to be where your true purpose lies.
Budgeting Your Energy (B.Y.E) is a concept that relates to the management of your energy levels throughout your day. It involves being aware of how much energy you have and allocating it wisely to the tasks and activities that matter most.
The two concepts are related in that they both involve the pursuit of a purposeful and fulfilling life. Just as the concept of ikigai involves finding your purpose in life, B.Y.E involves using your energy wisely to pursue that purpose.
One way to apply the concept of B.Y.E in relation to ikigai is to use the quadrants of the ikigai circle to help prioritize your activities. By identifying the activities that align with each quadrant, you can allocate your energy towards those activities that are most important to your overall purpose.
For example, if you identify that what you love and what you're good at is writing, and that the world needs more voices on the topic that you are passionate or even curious about, then you can allocate your energy towards writing about those topics. By doing so, you are not only fulfilling your purpose but also using your energy wisely towards the activities that matter most to yourself, which has an energy reward attached to it, try it and let me know how it works for you.
In my personal experience, I have found that using the concept of B.Y.E in conjunction with the concept of ikigai and the previously mentioned power of habit, has helped me to be more productive and fulfilled in my daily life. By being intentional about where I allocate my energy, I am able to pursue my purpose in a more focused and meaningful way. It is a work in progress, but a process that I am finding very useful.
Remember, finding your ikigai and budgeting your energy go hand in hand. Take the time to reflect on what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Identify the activities that align with these elements and prioritize them in your daily life.
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Incorporating B.Y.E into your routine can be as simple as setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and being mindful of how you expend your energy throughout the day. Listen to your body and mind, and be aware of when you need to recharge or take breaks.
Align your energy budget with your ikigai. Embrace the concept of B.Y.E and make conscious choices to invest your energy where it truly matters. I encourage you to reflect on the principles discussed in these writings. Take the time to adapt them to your own personal experiences and circumstances.
Now, it's your turn. Take a moment to assess your own ikigai and how you can integrate B.Y.E into your daily life. Start small, be consistent, and watch as your purpose and energy align to create a life of greater satisfaction and contentment.
If you're interested in learning more about ikigai and other strategies for leading a purposeful life, I highly recommend reading the book "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. It delves deeper into the concept of ikigai and provides practical guidance on how to incorporate it into your own life as well as their experiences during their research.
Have a progressive week ahead
B.Y.E. for now …