Ikigai - a life of purpose

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Purpose is a powerful force—it’s the difference between merely existing and truly living. It helps you face challenges head-on, pushes you through adversity, and fuels your resilience. When you live with purpose, even the smallest tasks feel more meaningful because they are tied to something greater.

However, many of us lose touch with our purpose. We get caught up in the grind of everyday life, meeting expectations, and ignoring our inner calling. This disconnection leaves us feeling unfulfilled and restless. So, how do we rediscover our purpose? That’s where the concept of ikigai comes in.

EXPECTATIONS

Yours or Theirs?

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates to “a reason for being.” It’s the sweet spot where your passions, skills, and contributions to the world meet. To find your ikigai, you ask yourself four key questions:

1. What do you love? – Your passions, the activities that bring you joy.

2. What are you good at? – Your strengths and natural talents.

3. What does the world need? – How you can contribute to the world or help others.

4. What can you get paid for? – The profession or vocation that sustains you financially.

Where these four elements overlap is your ikigai—the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling life. The popular book by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia suggest it can also help unlock a longer life.

Purpose gives life direction. It makes even tough moments feel worthwhile, as they are stepping stones toward something meaningful. Living with purpose fuels optimism, motivation, and resilience, allowing you to overcome obstacles with a sense of determination. Without purpose, it’s easy to feel stuck or lost, moving through life without a clear sense of direction.. 

It is considering both you as the individual as well as the bigger picture. There’s an old parable that illustrates the power of purpose featuring three construction workers. 

“Three construction workers are busy at a worksite, laying bricks for what will eventually be a large building. A curious passerby stops and decides to ask about what they are doing. He walks by and notices one of the workers and asks them.

The first worker replies, with a shrug of the shoulder "me, I’m just laying bricks." s and carries. He is focused on the immediate task at hand and views it as a repetitive, mundane activity. His answer reflects a lack of personal connection to the larger project.

He continues on and notices the second worker replies, looks at the man and smiles, "I’m building a wall."  His perspective is a little broader; he understands his work is contributing to something bigger than just laying bricks. However, his answer shows he still sees his job as just a functional task with no deeper meaning. Finally the man asks the third worker, who with infectious enthusiasm and pride,  smiles and says, "I’m building a cathedral." Although his job is identical to the other two, he views it with a sense of purpose. He knows that his work is part of something grand and meaningful. To him, every brick he lays brings him closer to completing something of lasting significance.”

If you feel disconnected from your purpose, asking the four ikigai questions can help guide you back. It’s not an instant answer; it’s a journey of self-reflection and discovery. But by understanding what you love, what you’re good at, how you can help others, and how you can support yourself, you’ll start to create a life filled with intention. 

Purpose is the key to living fully rather than merely existing. Through ikigai, you can rediscover your “reason for being” and lead a life filled with joy, meaning, and fulfilment. 

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