R&R 1: Keep on Running To Be Free
I think it’s safe to say that no one believes there’s a one-size-fits-all recipe for happiness. But, after diving into Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, I’ve uncovered a few key pieces of the puzzle that have helped me better understand my Ikigai and reach that elusive flow state.
Here are some insights that really resonated with me:
·?????? As the book emphasizes, "our ikigai is hidden deep inside each of us, and finding it requires a patient search" (p. 9). It's all about finding the intersection between four crucial elements:
·?????? Life’s meaning evolves over time. And, as the book warns, "excessive obsession over creating meaning can keep us from it." Ever wanted something so badly that your worry about it blocked it from coming to fruition? Certainly happens to me! When I become too fixated on finding or creating meaning, I can get caught in a loop of overanalyses.
We worry too much about the “right” path, the perfect moment, or the perfect way to make something work. Instead of just letting things unfold or being in the moment, our minds get cluttered with the pressure to make things meaningful, often paralyzing and making us unable to take the simple actions that could lead us there.
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·?????? The joy of little things. Embracing a rhythm in the mundane tasks of daily life not only helps you find happiness in the present moment, but it also clears your mind for the big stuff. For me, it’s as simple as making my bed, tidying up my space, and enjoying a coffee while reading. There's peace in the simplicity.
·?????? Multitasking? It’s a myth. The single most important step in achieving flow is letting go of the idea that you can juggle everything at once. Focus on one task at a time - it’s more effective, and your brain will thank you!
·?????? " Sometimes I write better than I can.” - Ernest Hemingway. To achieve flow, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and finish what you started. There is happiness in pushing your limits. And so .. I booked a boxing class this week to push my fitness limits!
·?????? “ A happy man is too satisfied with the present to dwell on the future.” - Albert Einstein. Shift your focus from the end goal to the process itself. Yes, it’s important to have direction, but if you fixate too much on the trophy, you’ll miss out on the joy of the game. This is our family mantra and what I teach my kids: To appreciate and enjoy the journey.
Coming up next , in no specific order (or something else I am still R&R - ing!):
Stay tuned!
Secondary School Administrator, specialist in SEND (Special Education Needs and Disability)
3 周I really like this idea; especially about being present and enjoying the journey not just the destination. I know whenever I go on vacation the journey itself is just as much a part of the whole eas arriving at the destination. It’s funny how it’s so tricky to sometimes translate this across to the everyday. We take so much for granted and always assume there is something better to strive towards when in reality we should acknowledge our achievements and enjoy life more.
Digital Tech Founder | Advisor | Speaker | Human-centric AI | Passionate about Driving Innovation with Integrity, to Ensure Technology Helps People Flourish & Serves Society Responsibly
3 周Interesting that I had never thought of "ikigai" as "the happiness of being busy" but as "something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for living". Maybe it is because with my tendency to workaholism and multitasking, I have developed a negative perception towards the word "busy", as if it is by default devoid of purpose. But as long as you are busy doing something toward a purpose, a goal, it does not have to be negative, I guess ;-) Thank you for inviting us to reflect!
Director, People & Places Partnership: Bringing facts & faces to places.
3 周Lots to unwrap in there ?? I enjoy being ‘interesting ’ busy/stimulated though need the stimulus of falling behind to focus on the ‘boring’ busy tasks ??
Office management / Adjointe de direction at Wittenstein France
3 周I find it very interesting ! We're always looking for something that satisfies us wether it's a professional activity or not but even more if it's part of our profession which it's considered a compulsory activity... Thank you so much Alia to highlight this topic !