Ikigai

The girls in my class at school used to flock to me just before the exams. I was their 'go to' person for geography and biology. I enjoyed both subjects, and right from middle school, enjoyed helping others understand and learn. In fact, I derived more joy in the marks those friends got, than in mine.

This early Usha started her career as an operations manager, but somewhere, gravitated to become a lecturer at the very institution that I studied in. Enjoyed the role immensely, was a tough teacher as many of my 'kids' will tell you, but must have done a decent job because many of them have stayed on as friends and many still think of me fondly.

The next career switch came, moved back into the industry into Learning and Development. Grew and scaled managerial levels, diversified my skills, moved across industries, lost the 'L&D' tag, became a 'transformation' specialist and today, see myself as a consultant, a change specialist, an author, a podcaster, and many other things.

Like a good transformation specialist, I picked up the book 'Ikigai' to understand the concept several years ago.

Was confused. What is my Ikigai? I have played different roles, with varying profiles and responsibilities and enjoyed all my jobs thoroughly, how can I find that one thing that I am passionate about, that people have been paying me for and will continue to pay me for?

But when I sat down to introspect, I saw the common thread - I feel myself 'in the flow', get the most joy, feel most alive - when I am able to 'help someone learn or use something new' 'transfer knowledge'. Whether it is facilitating a workshop, or running a meeting to design an intervention, I get joy when I am the facilitator or the teacher.

When I got to thinking more deeply, I realised people remember me most for my ability to do just that. In fact, many of the folks who worked with me in Taj, still remember me as their favourite 'training manager'

I also realised that I would weave in an element of imparting knowledge into every role and assignment. Whether it was the 'kick-off' meeting to align everyone to the project or the leadership workshop on the next year's strategy or just a simple team development activity, I found ways to 'impart'.

This clarity helped immensely. When I want to pivot, to find something that I can continue forever, I can pick those activities that help me do what I love - impart learning. I do it well (even if I say so myself) and I love all the work that goes into preparing the content, designing the delivery, interacting (where relevant) and responding to the audience, get a high when I finish my day. I get the same high when I write, when I podcast because in my mind, they are also cut from the same cloth.

Why are you baring your soul to us Usha, who cares?

True to my 'Ikigai' I want to share tips on how you too can look for your passion - the one that you can keep alive, the aspect to look for in every job role and assignment you pick-up so that you enjoy your work.

First, and foremost, don't see it as a 'role' or a certain industry or even activity. I find the same joy of imparting knowledge when I sit with a client and show them how to design a policy based on best practices of a different industry, as I do when I create a podcast about 'practice the pause'. It is the underlying thread of giving something new through my efforts.

Second, check for the common thread in what people say about you - the things they praise you for. Like me, you can start right from your school or college. What were you fondly called? What did people come to you for? What did you willingly take on, over and above your job role at work? Where did you happily put personal time and effort?

Third, think back on the periods of time - it can be a day, an hour, a whole few months, maybe an entire role - when you felt most alive, wanted to get up and go to work. What did you look forward to, what did you spend the most time on during that period?

Yesterday was teachers day, and I am always touched and humbled when I receive messages from people who I touched in my career.

My 'Ikigai' is imparting knowledge, helping others learn and use something new - what is yours?

#Ikigai #sparkjoyinyourcareer #findyourpurpose #joyatwork #careers #careerchoice #growth #findyourpassion