In the dynamic landscape of global leadership, the pursuit of purpose and fulfillment holds profound significance. As successful global leaders navigate the complexities of today’s corporate world, they are increasingly recognizing the value of finding their Ikigai – their reason for being – in guiding their leadership journey. This article explores the intersection of finding your Ikigai in global leadership, and the reflections and investigations that successful executives will have to make to achieve that. We delve into the timeless wisdom of Ikigai, examining how it informs and enhances leadership practices across diverse cultural contexts.
What Is Ikigai And Why Should You Care?
I was recently helping a client prepare for her next steps on the global corporate ladder, but she was questioning the meaning of life and work when there’s no passion involved in what we do. While hearing her concerns and the outlook on life that she wanted, I was hesitant to share IKIGAI with her, as I thought this was a well-spread enough philosophy already. I thought her line of questioning and concern was actually already coming as a direct translation of this philosophy.
But something told me to ask her anyway. Have you ever heard about Ikigai?
The reality was that she never heard of it and loved it, loved talking about it, and our conversation brought great insights to her. It brought great insights to me as well, on a side note. The insight that, many times, I assume people already know what I know, so I shouldn’t bother them by repeating information. This dangerous assumption might prevent me from sharing great things that more people in the world need to know.
When I reflected on my own learning, I concluded that I should write about this topic and let people who hadn’t encountered this idea yet learn about it. That’s why I want to share IKIGAI with you today; it might also help you in your journey, wherever you may be.
Many of us find ourselves caught up in the daily grind, often losing sight of what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. Do you relate? It is in this context that the ancient Japanese concept of Ikigai emerges as a beacon of guidance, offering a pathway towards a life of purpose and contentment. Does it sound too good to be true? Humor me, and keep reading.
Ikigai Definition
So what’s Ikigai? At its core, Ikigai (生き甲斐) encapsulates the idea of finding one’s reason for being, a purpose that gives meaning to life. Originating from the Japanese words “iki” (生き) to live or life, and “gai” (甲斐) worth, Ikigai embodies the essence of what makes life worth living.
At its core, Ikigai represents the convergence of four essential elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Visualized as the intersection of these dimensions, Ikigai lies at the sweet spot where passion, vocation, mission, and profession intersect, leading to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Brief History And Origin Of The Concept
The concept of Ikigai finds its roots in the Okinawan culture, which is known for its longevity, high quality of life, mental health, and physical health. It emerged as a guiding principle among the inhabitants of Okinawa, who attribute their longevity not only to healthy habits but also to a strong sense of purpose and connection to the community in their everyday life. Over time, Ikigai has permeated various aspects of Japanese culture and society, influencing everything from personal relationships to work ethics.
While the term “Ikigai” gained prominence in recent years, its essence traces back centuries, embodying the wisdom of generations past. It reflects a holistic approach to life, emphasizing the importance of balance and harmony in pursuing one’s goals and aspirations in professional life.
Importance Of Finding Purpose And Fulfillment In Life
In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, the quest for purpose and fulfillment has become more crucial than ever. Studies in positive psychology consistently highlight the correlation between a sense of purpose and overall well-being. When individuals have a clear sense of meaning and purpose, they are more resilient in the face of challenges, experience higher levels of a sense of satisfaction, and report lower rates of stress and depression.
Moreover, finding one’s personal Ikigai goes beyond life satisfaction; it has ripple effects that extend to society as a whole. Individuals who live with purpose are more likely to contribute meaningfully to their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion.
In essence, Ikigai serves as a guiding principle for living a life that is not only fulfilling on a personal level but also enriching for the world around us. As we delve deeper into the concept of Ikigai, we uncover timeless wisdom that can inspire us to cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in our own lives.
The Four Dimensions Of Ikigai
Ikigai is the convergence of these 4 dimensions, and it’s important to understand each to pinpoint Ikigai. Let’s have a look at each dimension and some powerful questions to help you exercise critical thinking for each dimension when brainstorming about your Ikigai.
What You Love (Passion):
Passion represents what you love to do, the activities that ignite your enthusiasm and bring you joy. It's about pursuing your interests and hobbies with zeal, whether it's painting, playing music, or gardening. Here are some questions to help you find your passion.
- What activities make you lose track of time?
- What brings you joy and fulfillment?
- What are your interests and hobbies?
What You Are Good At (Vocation):
Vocation relates to what you are good at, your skills and talents. It encompasses your strengths, abilities, and expertise, whether it's in analytical thinking, communication, or craftsmanship. Here are a few questions to help you map what's needed out there and that you might be able to provide.
- What skills do you excel at?
- What tasks come naturally to you?
- What do others often seek your advice or help for?
What the World Needs (Mission):
Mission refers to what the world needs, your contribution to society, or the greater good. It involves identifying problems or needs in the world and working towards solutions or making a positive impact, such as environmental activism, volunteering, or teaching. Here are some questions to help you find out more about your vocation.
- What problems or issues resonate with you?
- How can you contribute positively to your community or society?
- What causes are you passionate about?
What You Can Be Paid For (Profession):
Profession represents what you can be paid for, your career or means of livelihood. It includes your job or occupation, the work you do to sustain yourself financially, such as being a doctor, engineer, or entrepreneur. Here are some questions to help you investigate how you can put things in perspective with a more strategic financial management approach.
- What services or products can you offer?
- What marketable skills do you possess?
- How can you monetize your talents and expertise?
Let me share an interesting example of these 4 dimensions. I know a medical doctor who works in the pharmaceutical industry and has always been a “geek” in the very good sense. Because of his “geekiness,” he learned Excel and Power BI and developed models to work with medical data. I was curious about this combination of medicine, science, data, and geekiness, and he told me he wants to make sure companies provide accurate and quality data to put safe and health-enhancing medicines on the market (mission). He loves to learn new computer-related tools like Power BI (passion), which allows him to work with all the data to achieve his goal (vocation), and he is sought after by many companies wanting to implement data models, procedures, and technology to enhance their medical data processes and analysis for good decision-making (profession).
You don’t have to be an activist or volunteer—although these work, too—to have a mission that relates to what you love, are good at, and are paid for. This is usually the topic that gets the most hold up with my clients, but when you reflect and think deeper about problems that resonate with you, anybody can find their answer regarding their mission. If it makes it any easier, you can think about the mission as a problem your organization (or department) has and that you are passionate about solving.
Now that you know more about the four dimensions and which questions you need to ask to start investigating each, let’s discuss how they relate.
How These Components Intersect To Create Ikigai
Ikigai emerges at the intersection of these four components, where passion, mission, vocation, and profession converge. When you engage in activities that align with what you love, what the world needs, what you are good at, and what you can be paid for, you experience a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. In other words, as soon as we grasp the proper direction in life using this methodology, harmonizing our core values with our daily routines and various aspects of personal life through actionable steps, and syncing our professional choices with our current Ikigai, effortlessly falls into place.
For example, imagine someone who loves photography (passion), recognizes the need for capturing meaningful moments in people’s lives (mission), possesses exceptional artistic skills (vocation), and works as a professional photographer (profession). In this scenario, photography becomes their Ikigai, as it combines their passion, mission, vocation, and profession into a cohesive and fulfilling endeavor.
I actually know a person who had a regular corporate job and went precisely through this Ikigai journey when she finally realized her dissatisfaction with life. For more than a year, she looked into many aspects of life to understand what was going on to create all this lingering dissatisfaction with life. In all honesty, she knew her average life was not bad, so she even felt guilty for searching for a more positive outlook. She started changing daily rituals and searched for opportunities for growth with hopes of finding her answer.
One day, a friend asked her for a favor. This friend said they were very low on budget, but wanted someone to photograph their humble wedding ceremony. She agreed to help the friend and take the pictures. To everyone’s surprise, including hers, the visual representations she created through her photography of the wedding were spectacular. It was unbelievably super professional.
She told me that this entire experience rocked her world and made her make a great professional leap. Today, she is a well-known photographer in her city and feels happy with her job. She covers all sorts of events and feels successful, fulfilled, comfortable, and excited — all at the same time! You don’t need to know her for long to see that she is really happy. She clearly found her Ikigai.
Want a simple but powerful tool? Here is a visual tool with the Ikigai diagram to help you visualize this concept:
How Ikigai Connects With Your Executive Presence Through Energy Leadership™?
Understanding the connection between Ikigai and the principles of energy leadership offers a powerful framework for enhancing executive presence in the pursuit of professional excellence and personal fulfillment.
Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy meaning “a reason for being,” guides individuals to discover the intersection of their passions, talents, societal needs, and financial viability. This concept emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s inner motivations with external pursuits, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in both personal and professional endeavors.
Energy Leadership™, as outlined in the Energy Leadership Index Assessment, provides a unique lens through which individuals can explore and enhance their leadership capabilities. This assessment identifies distinct levels of energy that influence attitudes, behaviors, and overall effectiveness in various situations. By gaining insight into their energy patterns and mindset, individuals can identify areas for growth and transformation, ultimately unlocking their full potential as leaders.
Research shows that people who have higher scores in the Energy Leadership Index Assessment have a greater sense of fulfillment and display their authentic leadership style with stronger executive presence.
When we bridge the philosophy of Ikigai with the insights offered by Energy Leadership, we create a powerful synergy that elevates executive presence. By aligning our passions and strengths with our energy dynamics, we cultivate a sense of authenticity and purpose that radiates through our leadership style. This alignment enables us to engage with clarity, confidence, and resilience, enhancing our ability to inspire and influence others positively.
On top of that, the integration of Ikigai and Energy Leadership encourages a holistic approach to leadership development. It invites individuals to reflect on their values, goals, and impact, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their role within their organizations and communities. By nurturing a strong sense of purpose and self-awareness, leaders can navigate challenges with grace, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to their core values.
In essence, the connection between Ikigai and Energy Leadership offers a roadmap for cultivating executive presence that is grounded in authenticity, purpose, and resilience. By embracing this integrated approach, leaders can unlock their full potential, inspire others, and make meaningful contributions to both their organizations and the world at large.
Examples Of Individuals Who Have Found Their Ikigai
Numerous real-life examples illustrate the concept of Ikigai in action.
Take, for instance, Dr. Albert Schweitzer, a renowned physician, philosopher, and humanitarian. His passion for helping others, combined with his medical expertise, led him to establish a hospital in Africa to provide healthcare to the underprivileged, embodying his Ikigai of serving humanity through medicine.
Similarly, Oprah Winfrey found her Ikigai in empowering and inspiring others through media and storytelling. Her fantastic personality traits and passion for communication, coupled with her mission to uplift and educate, fueled her successful career as a talk show host, producer, and philanthropist.
These individuals demonstrate that Ikigai is not just a lofty ideal of having a meaningful life but a practical framework for living a purpose-driven everyday life. By aligning their passions, missions, vocations, and professions, they have not only found personal fulfillment but also made significant contributions to society. Their stories inspire us to explore our own Ikigai and unleash our potential to make a positive difference in the world.
Utilizing Ikigai In Your Career
Understanding your Ikigai can be transformative in navigating your professional journey. By aligning your work with your passions, strengths, societal needs, and financial viability, you can create career aspirations that bring you both satisfaction and success.
Here are some helpful tools and ideas to apply the principles of Ikigai in your career:
- Self-Reflection: Take the time to introspect and identify what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Reflect on your passions, strengths, and values. Yes, you can take those career quizzes to help you through the process, but there’s nothing more powerful than self-reflection. If that proves difficult, hire specialized help like a career or executive coach.
- Exploration: Explore different career paths and opportunities that align with your Ikigai. Consider how each option aligns with your interests, skills, and the needs of the world. With the client I mentioned before, we drilled down 3 main paths for her. She started connecting with people already trailing those paths and checking if her assumptions and ideas of the jobs made sense.
- Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Experiment with different roles and projects to discover what resonates most with you. Don’t want to set things in stone? Arrange short-term assignments as an experimentation process, then. I’ve done that in my career several times, and it has helped me greatly.
- Alignment: Strive to align your career goals with your Ikigai. Look for roles and organizations that allow you to leverage your strengths, pursue your passions, and make a meaningful impact.
- Continual Growth: Embrace lifelong learning and personal development to continually evolve and refine your Ikigai. Stay curious, seek new challenges, and adapt to changes in the world around you.
Incorporating the principles of Ikigai into your career can lead to a deeper sense of purpose, fulfillment, and success. By following your Ikigai, you can kick off a journey that not only enriches your own life but also contributes positively to the world around you. Let me share my philosophy: happiness is contagious; when you are happy, you make people around you happier, too. So when you set the goal to be happy, you are actually multiplying happiness!!!
Want an online guided course with a workbook to help you with all those tools for your journey? Then, you should check out our Career Development Plan online course. It was created with the corporate professional in mind, but you can use the tools in this guided course for any career you want. Even if pivoting from corporate to something else. I highly recommend you check it out.
To expand on Descartes’s famous line: I think, therefore, I am; then, if I am, there must be a purpose. Jokes apart, all of us can have a meaningful purpose that brings comfort, satisfaction, fulfillment, and excitement. It’s up to you to find yours.
Did you see that Ryan Reynolds movie “Free Guy“? Basically, he is a game NPC (non-player character) who wants to have more meaning in life than just being an NPC. Why? Because players make things happen. Players enjoy. Players are free to decide what their missions are. My personal reading? Players in the game operate under their Ikigais.
When I saw that movie, quite frankly, I reflected a lot. A. Lot. Did I emphasize a lot? Why am I in this world? I don’t want to be an NPC, either. I want to be a player. I want to make a difference. But I also want joy and success. I want it all. And I don’t think it’s unreasonable. I think it’s perfectly achievable. How about you?
Comparison Of Ikigai With Similar Concepts In Other Cultures
While Ikigai is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, similar concepts exist in other cultures, albeit with different names and nuances. In Western psychology, the concept of “purpose” bears resemblances to Ikigai, emphasizing the importance of having a clear sense of direction and meaning in life. However, Western perspectives often focus more on individual goals and aspirations rather than the interconnectedness of passion, mission, vocation, and profession, as seen in Ikigai.
In Indian philosophy, the concept of “dharma” shares similarities with Ikigai, referring to one’s duty or righteous path in life. Dharma encompasses moral and ethical responsibilities, guiding individuals towards actions that align with their inherent nature and contribute to the greater good.
In essence, while the terminology may differ, the underlying principles of purpose and fulfillment transcend cultural boundaries, highlighting the universal human desire to lead meaningful lives.
Cultural Differences In The Pursuit Of Purpose And Fulfillment
Cultural differences significantly influence how individuals pursue purpose and fulfillment. In collectivist cultures like Japan, where communal harmony and social cohesion are highly valued, Ikigai often revolves around contributing to the welfare of the community or fulfilling familial obligations. Individuals may find their Ikigai through roles such as caregiving, mentoring, or preserving cultural traditions.
In contrast, individualistic cultures, such as those found in Western societies, prioritize personal autonomy and self-expression. Here, Ikigai may manifest through pursuits that emphasize personal growth, creativity, and achievement. Individuals may seek fulfillment through entrepreneurial ventures, artistic endeavors, or pursuing careers that align with their passions and values.
If you want to learn more about High and Low-context cultures and their main traits and ways of thinking and communicating, you should read our extensive blog post on this topic.
How Global Awareness Of Ikigai Is Influencing Personal Development Practices Worldwide
In recent years, the concept of Ikigai has gained global recognition, transcending cultural boundaries to become a guiding principle for personal development and holistic well-being. As people worldwide seek antidotes to the stresses of modern life, Ikigai offers a compelling framework for navigating life’s complexities with purpose and clarity.
The global awareness of Ikigai has spurred interest in practices such as mindfulness, self-reflection, and intentional living, as individuals strive to align their actions with their values and aspirations. Books, workshops, and online resources on Ikigai have proliferated, providing people from diverse backgrounds with practical tools for discovering their purpose and leading more fulfilling lives.
Moreover, organizations and leaders are increasingly incorporating Ikigai-inspired principles into workplace culture and leadership development programs. For example, professional coaching can provide fertile grounds for discussing one’s Ikigai in leadership and how to best apply it in one’s organization. By fostering environments that prioritize employee engagement, meaning, and fulfillment, companies aim to enhance overall well-being and productivity while attracting and retaining top talent.
Books On Ikigai
* Please note that if you click the links below and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no cost to you. These commissions support the acquisition and our continuous reading of new books so we can carry on in recommending more incredible resources to our followers and clients.
Fun stuff? If you think this is something worth learning more about, I selected a few resources that might help you learn and expand your horizons.
My Little Ikigai Journal: A Journey into the Japanese Secret to Living a Long, Happy, Purpose-Filled Life
Author: Amanda Kudo | 2018
- Description: “My Little Ikigai Journal” by Amanda Kudo is a guided journey inspired by Japanese philosophy, helping readers discover their passions, clarify their missions, and live a purpose-filled life through engaging exercises and reflections.
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life
Author: Francesc Miralles | 2020
- Description: “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life” by Francesc Miralles explores the ancient philosophy of Ikigai, guiding readers to find purpose, happiness, and longevity through practical wisdom and lifestyle principles. You can also find a separate workbook by the same name, that helps you with practical exercises.
- Description: “Ikigai & Kaizen: The Japanese Strategy to Achieve Personal Happiness and Professional Success” by Anthony Raymond introduces readers to the powerful concepts of Ikigai and Kaizen, offering practical strategies to set goals, boost productivity, and cultivate habits for personal and professional fulfillment.
Don’t forget we also offer a splendid guided course that will help your career development planning, which contains guided meditation and information on Ikigai, skill mapping and building, and how to create your career stepping stones to achieve your career goals. Worth checking out.
Final Remarks: Bringing Ikigai To Your Corporate Team Members Or Organization
Now, imagine YOU sharing this with YOUR employees and organization. Helping people find their purpose and what fulfills them. This helps engage them on a whole different level! Engaged employees are retained for longer, plus they tend to work harder since they trust you more.
But Taty, what if I share this with my employees, they find their IKIGAI, and leave the company? Well, then, it means that person was not right for your company in the first place. When you share something as valuable as this, and people see the value of staying with you, you don’t get an employee. You get an ambassador for the company and what it stands for, and who happens to hold an employee badge.
So, I challenge you with this little assignment to help your teams and organizations thrive: share about IKIGAI with them, and have them talk about what IKIGAI would mean for your department, or company. What does IKIGAI look like when serving internal and external clients? During this goal-setting time of the year, what’s more perfect than providing the right food for thought for an enticing conversation?
If you’d like me to facilitate a workshop or brainstorming session for you and your group, don’t hesitate to set up a free consultation call with me, where we can discuss how to make this happen. We can also discuss individual coaching packages for you and your team members. Ikigai is an awesome topic to work on to create greater self-awareness and a leadership profession with a greater purpose.
