Finding IKIGAI: A Path to Fulfilment

Every person on this planet has a purpose, a way of life and finding that purpose is one’s ultimate goal. The philosophy of IKIGAI teaches us just that. It’s a Japanese word that means a reason to be alive. The Japanese believe that everybody has at least one ikigai but finding it is no easy task. You must study your soul and being to find your ultimate purpose.

To find your Ikigai you must answer these four questions:

• What do you love ? You must think about doing what work gives you the most joy, the most energy. This could be anything from creative arts like painting, reading, travelling etc; or your professional work.

• What work are you skilled in ? This essentially means what skills do you have or what work are you expert in ? If you have an interest or a feeling you can be good at something, pursue it, you might not be good at it instantaneously but it will come to you slowly.

• Can you get money for your work ? Money is an essential part of human society. It is not possible that for every work that you love or are good at essentially pays you. The world will pay you for the work that they deem necessary or essential.

• Can you see what the world needs ? This means what does the world and people around you need, what problems do they have, so that you can solve people's problems through your favorite work and improve your lifestyle by earning money.

If you are able to answer these questions then you are one step closer to finding your Ikigai.