Why Ikigai?

Most coaches pick an approach or a framework which makes sense for them and which they think will bring value to their clients. Why have I picked the concept of Ikigai?

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It is a deceptively simple concept. It comes from the Japanese island of Okinawa where many people live very long healthy happy lives. Research into why this is the case found that Okinawans had something in their lives which gave them purpose, brought them joy, was their reason for living. It didn’t have to be anything major; it could be a relationship or a hobby.

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This is not a new idea. Most of us have heard of Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with why’ or the concept of having a North Star, something that guides us, gives us focus and direction.

My work as an executive coach involves working with business leaders and owners to help them grow their business and themselves as leaders, as well as others who may have come to a turning point in their lives like a business exit or retirement. I don’t push Ikigai on anyone, nor is it a concept that assumes a particular outcome. That’s why I like it: it’s up to each person to decide what is important for them.

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What I have noticed however, is what a difference it can make both in business and our personal lives. I have worked with very successful business leaders who have wanted to find that thing which helps make sense of what they’re doing and enable their personal growth and development.

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There are others I’ve worked with who are looking at their retirement and wondering what this next stage of this life involves. A retirement might last thirty to forty years, health permitting, and many feel the need to make this a time which is productive in different ways.

Others, having done a business exit, find themselves wondering what on earth comes next and don’t know how to go about finding it.

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Ikigai is about finding what really matters to us when then influences what we do in our businesses and acts as a compass or map which helps in decision making. It also helps when times are tough, and we have to remind ourselves why we’re doing what we’re trying to do.

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I will be interviewing Lisa Ansell L.ISP , Owner/Director of Sales Geek on the difference finding her Ikigai has made to her on a webinar at 1 - 2 on 31st October. Do join us if you’d like to explore more about Ikigai.

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