Chapter 1: Understanding Ikigai

Ikigai is often described as "a consciousness that motivates us to live fully in the present." — Aikihiro Hasegawa.

For a long time, I sensed that I was not where I was meant to be. Deep down, there was a void, a fear that held me back from expressing my discomfort, believing there was no solution to my dilemma. It’s akin to walking down a dimly lit street at night, where your instincts whisper that something is amiss, urging you to change course. Later, you reflect with gratitude on that decision to pivot.

However, unlike changing your path on a walk, life's choices can feel inescapable, especially when you lack a clear destination. Upon discovering the concept of Ikigai—a sweet spot within the overlapping circles of what you love, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and what you’re good at—I was initially skeptical.

Years later, I had all but forgotten about Ikigai, settling into a comfortable routine, both in my life and among peers who were similarly content with mediocrity. I often questioned my desire for more: How could I aspire to earn more when so many were struggling?

A few weeks ago, I shared with my newsletter audience that my departure from a conventional job wasn’t driven by financial motives or vanity but rather the freedom that it afforded me. For the first time, I felt truly alive. Recently, I believe I have unearthed my Ikigai.

I'm energized to pursue my work, feeling a sense of fulfillment I hadn't experienced before. As Ken Mogi aptly put it, "If you can make the process of effort your main source of happiness, you’ve tackled the most significant challenge of your life."

To begin this journey, I engaged in activities I loved without expecting anything in return, simply because they ignited my passion. Writing online became my escape—not to cultivate an audience or earn money, but to rekindle the joy I felt as a child when I wrote freely. My teenage self enjoyed crafting secret journals, coded to keep my thoughts private—a testament to my insecurities.

Then came my exploration into personal development, heavily influenced by Tony Robbins. While he may attract criticism, I’m thankful for the insights he provided, highlighting flaws in my mindset and encouraging me to address them.

I began to recognize the following concepts:

• Negative belief systems
• Abundance mindset
• Effective goal-setting strategies

Having been acquainted with the law of attraction since I was 16, I realized I lacked actionable steps to implement it effectively. As I delved deeper and began applying these principles, a transformation occurred. The seemingly unattainable became achievable through my own efforts.

Ikigai not only gives life purpose but also fosters resilience. Most of us crave this sense of direction. My genuine love for writing motivated me to improve my skills, leading me to invest in various learning resources, including YouTube tutorials, online courses, and books.

To evaluate my Ikigai, I reflected on a few guiding questions from the book:

• What do I love? Writing
• What does the world need? Knowledge and positive content that helps others grow
• What can I be compensated for? Freelancing and product creation
• What are my strengths? Curiosity, determination, and work ethic

This introspection clarified my path. Digging deeper into the diagram of Ikigai, I identified:

• Passion: Writing
• Mission: Supporting others to lead healthier, happier lives
• Profession: Creative entrepreneurship
• Vocation: The desire to enrich others' lives

This exploration brought me closer to the elusive Ikigai. Although our individual Ikigais differ, a common thread unites us: the quest for meaning. When we align our lives with what is meaningful, we experience a fuller existence; detachment, however, leads to despair. — Hector Garcia Puigcerver.

I firmly believe everyone deserves a joyful life, yet society often conflates the desire for happiness with entitlement. Taking responsibility for your happiness and striving to achieve it isn’t entitlement; it’s your right.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, just as I did, take proactive steps to assess your situation and seek change. You don’t have to make drastic shifts; sometimes, simply joining a Zen Meditation class can foster a sense of community and belonging.

Strive to understand yourself, identify where you can contribute, and acquire the skills necessary for your journey. The path may be challenging, but it’s what makes life worthwhile.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

7 Practical Steps to Discover Your Purpose

Live the life you were meant to lead.