Why we should all be thinking about something called 'IKIGAI.'

During the pandemic working from home has been a test – limited in-person conversations, random daily structures and children sometimes barging themselves onto work calls. More extended hours, coupled with the feeling of not being able to switch off, are making workers ask themselves some critical questions about what they do and why they do it. 'Am I in the right job'? 'Am I doing something that genuinely interests me'? 'Do I have a passion for what I do'? 'Does my work add any value? If so, whose needs and interests does my work primarily serve'?

Some of you reading this may have already asked yourselves similar questions; you might have had fleeting thoughts about work, your purpose and fulfilment from it. Whatever way you have engaged this topic, there is no doubt that now, more than ever, you should seek to find the reason behind what you do. 

Ikigai – a Japanese concept that means 'A Reason for Being'. It is a Japanese formula for happiness and fulfilment. This concept has four elements:

1.     What you 'Love.'                           | Your Passion

2.     What you are 'Good At.'               | Your Vocation

3.     What the world 'Needs.'               | Your Mission

4.     What you can be 'Paid for.'          | Your Profession

Ikigai focuses on the notion that you experience true happiness in the centre of all four elements, and these are the determinants that motivate us each day. Purpose drives sustainable productivity, allowing you to press through challenging times.  

Whether you are working in a dead-end job or working in the job you've always dreamed about, it may be beneficial to use Ikigai to (re)calibrate and assess the work you do. Here are the four elements to Ikigai:

What you love

There are things in life that you naturally gravitate towards and find pleasure in doing, something you might freely do without being paid.  It gives you that unexplainable joy inside, and we all know what that is. You may find that it is always on your mind. Take note of this joyous feeling and learn to cultivate that thing that adds joy. Understand it, and make sure there are aspects of this that you can incorporate into your daily work. 

What you are good at

There is a misconception that you should not bother with it tomorrow if you are not good at something today. Do not rule yourself out from trying to develop your ability on what you are not good at today. Instead, commit to being consistent. Practice and improve your craft. Learn daily and engage your mind. Surround yourself with people and resources that will challenge you and cause you to grow. Dedicate time and effort to your skills – you will find that you will gradually develop the skills you are practising. 

What is the saying? Practice makes perfect; however, while being 'perfect' cannot be guaranteed, consistent training will improve your skills. Your daily motivation will increase when you know you are good at what you do. 

What the world needs

It's the middle of summer, and its 30 degrees Celsius in your room at home. What might come to your mind is, "I need a fan". You'll either go and look for one in your house or go to a store and purchase one. The fan has now met your immediate need. We, as individuals, are figurative 'fans' to someone in the world. We have inbuilt skills and qualities that the world needs (our families, friends and the people around us). 

Have a look deep inside and think about how your work is beneficial to the world. It can be demoralising to work so hard and realise that all your hard work has no impact at the end of the day. If you find this to be the case, realign yourself and the work you do to serve at least one person in this world. It spawns a satisfaction that contributes to your Ikigai. Imagine a world where we all live to help each other. Life would be much better. You can start by making this change now. 

What you can be paid for

Money can sometimes be an awkward topic—the world exchanges money for products and or services. We need money to secure a roof over our heads, food to eat, put clothes on our back and acquire many other things in life. There is a good saying that we should have enough money not to steal but should also have just enough money not to kill us. Whatever your stance on money, you need it. Make sure that your job pays you well enough so that you can live. 

Find your Ikigai

All these four points should provoke some thought towards your Ikigai. Take some time out and evaluate your position. If you are unhappy, Ikigai could be the catalyst you need to finding happiness and fulfilment in your role today. The secret to longevity in your job is finding purpose in it daily. Don't let your job work you, but rather work your job (using the principles of Ikigai). Discovering your Ikigai could change your world forever.