The Japanese concept of “ikigai,” which translates to “your reason for being.
The Westernized version of this concept is based on the idea that there are four components a person must have complete to achieve ikigai.
Each concept is represented by a question. As you actively pursue what you enjoy doing in service of yourself, your family, and your community, think about whether that activity allows you to answer “yes” to any combination of those four questions:
Are you doing an activity that you love?
Are you good at it?
Does the world need what you offer?
Can you get paid for doing it?
Japanese neuroscientist and happiness expert Ken Mogi also suggests considering if the activity has the five pillars that further allow your ikigai to thrive:
Does the activity allow you to start small and improve over time?
Does the activity allow you to release yourself?
Does the activity pursue harmony and sustainability?
Does the activity allow you to enjoy the little things?
Does the activity allow you to focus on the here and now?
On a deeper level, ikigai refers to the emotional circumstances under which individuals feel that their lives are valuable as they move towards their goals.
It discusses how people can find purpose.