top of page
Search

Understanding Ikigai: The Concept of Purposeful Living

The Japanese concept of ikigai (生き甲斐) translates to "a reason for being" and represents the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This philosophy encourages a life of purpose, balance, and fulfillment by integrating passion, mission, vocation, and profession.


The Four Components of Ikigai

  1. What You Love (Passion): Activities and pursuits that bring joy and fulfillment.

  2. What You’re Good At (Skills): Natural or developed talents and expertise.

  3. What the World Needs (Contribution): Ways to positively impact others and society.

  4. What You Can Be Paid For (Profession): Opportunities that align with skills and market demand to earn a living.


Your ikigai lies at the center where these elements overlap.


How can we all Implement Ikigai in Our Lives?


1. Reflect on Your Passions

  • Write down activities that make you lose track of time or bring joy.

  • Recall childhood interests and activities you loved.

  • Try new hobbies to rediscover hidden passions.


For example, if you enjoy storytelling, explore blogging, public speaking, or creating podcasts on topics you care about.


2. Identify Your Strengths

  • List your skills and accomplishments.

  • Ask friends or mentors to share what they think you’re good at.

  • Take assessments like StrengthsFinder or MBTI.


For example, if you’re good at problem-solving and connecting with people, consider roles in consulting or coaching.


3. Align with What the World Needs

  • Look for gaps in your community or industry that resonate with you.

  • Research trends to identify pressing societal needs, such as sustainability or mental health awareness.

  • Volunteer for causes to understand broader challenges.


For example, start a sustainability-focused business in Singapore, such as selling eco-friendly products or offering workshops on reducing waste.


4. Discover Income Opportunities

  • Research industries that match your skills and passions.

  • Network with professionals to learn about untapped career paths.

  • Look for ways to monetize your expertise through freelancing, courses, or products.


For example, monetize a passion for fitness by becoming a certified personal trainer or creating workout plans for clients.


Let us now take a look at some execution strategies to lead a life of purpose, balance, and fulfillment:


1. Map Your Ikigai

Create a four-circle Venn diagram, labeling each circle as "What You Love," "What You’re Good At," "What the World Needs," and "What You Can Be Paid For." Start filling in each area based on your self-reflection.


2. Experiment and Iterate

  • Test your interests through side projects, freelance gigs, or volunteering.

  • Adjust your approach based on feedback and results.


For example, if you’re exploring a creative career in photography, start with small shoots for friends or local events.


3. Integrate into Daily Life

  • Dedicate time each day to activities aligned with your ikigai.

  • Prioritize work-life harmony to sustain enthusiasm.


For example, if you’re building a business, focus on aligning operations with personal values and societal needs.


4. Seek Guidance

  • Collaborate with a mentor, coach, or supportive community to gain clarity and stay accountable.


For example, join a Singapore-based networking group like The Founder's Network to connect with like-minded individuals.


Benefits of Living Your Ikigai

  • Increased Motivation: Working on something you deeply care about energizes you.

  • Resilience: A clear purpose helps navigate challenges with determination.

  • Balance: A holistic approach fosters harmony between work, relationships, and personal growth.


By living with ikigai, you’ll experience a life where personal fulfillment and professional success coexist.


Begin by asking yourself: What small steps can I take today to align with my purpose?



Contact PTXponential Growth

The team at PTXponential Growth has 5-years’ experience of providing exceptional mental and business coaching and consultancy services to our clients through Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and deep business analysis. Bespoke, highly curated and exclusive solutions and meticulous attention to the details are just a few of the things that set us apart from the rest! If you’re an aspiring side hustler or business owner exploring avenues to leverage on your strengths and creating a positive impact to the community, our professional team is here to not accentuate our commitment towards your business goals through proven and systematic processes, but also empower you to Xperience a transformational life!


Contact us today to get started!

 

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page