By honestly reflecting on what you enjoy and accomplish well, then seeking to combine this knowledge with earning a financial reward is a method of retaining motivation and following a useful existence throughout your life. Using the philosophy of Ikigai, allows you to regularly reassess whether your career is still suited to the ever-changing circumstances of your life. When the time is right, followers of Ikigai continue useful employment by simply exchanging high-flying careers for roles that are less demanding. It’s important that every day should still have a worthwhile purpose and motivation, factors that are especially beneficial in old age. The Japanese belief is that total retirement from a useful working life is detrimental to physical and emotional fulfilment. The philosophy of Ikigai is primarily to achieve purpose, energy and fulfilment throughout a long, contented life. Maintain an ideal balance by sparing time for relatives and friends who might be in more need of companionship than you are. However, Ikigai isn’t all about yourself. Relaxation and laughter amongst friends are essential for your well-being. Enjoy stimulating conversation to keep your mind sharp. Seek Inspirational Companionshipīalance the energy to be gained during bouts of solitary contemplation with the warmth of good company. It accelerates your digestive metabolism which then quickly raises your energy levels. It is a Japanese tradition to practise hara hachi bu, a regime where meals leave you feeling around 20% hungry. There isn’t a diet to follow, simply an awareness of consuming balanced amounts of essential vitamins and minerals through fresh ingredients. To achieve a life of worthwhile longevity with the assistance of Ikigai, you need to keep your body balanced with natural, healthy food. Keeping your muscles and joints supple and flexible is important in maintaining mobility when pursuing a career in your later years. As you get older, try adopting gentler activities such as walking, yoga or tai chi. Learn to Remain ActiveĪim to extend the usefulness of your physical life by establishing a routine of regular exercise. The force of the natural world helps put your own existence into perspective renewing your energy and purpose. Admiring the intricate beauty of flowers or listening to birds singing, reminds you of the harmony to be found in nature. Its powerful antiquity is reassuring and calming. Appreciating an inspiring landscape of majestic forests, hills or lakes restores balance to a stressful life. Japanese culture places a great value on the restorative forces of nature. Enrich the quality of today by spontaneously visiting an exhibition, trying a new hobby or relaxing with a favourite book. Time can never be recaptured so pause occasionally to appreciate the unique opportunities of each day. However, Ikigai is a reminder that a personal journey through life should also value the present. Planning for the future is part of building a life that realises ambitions and ensures financial security. Only by being honest will you find your Ikigai and real purpose in your life and career.įor instance, if your Ikigai chart reveals a love of plants but in reality, you’re stifled by an office environment, a career in horticulture might be of greater benefit to your personal well-being. When compiling your chart, remember the phrase ‘to your own self be true’. The ultimate aim is to adapt your career to ensure your personal fulfilment. Each section represents the motives that directly affect your life: what you excel at, what you adore, how you can earn and if your skill is of use to anyone. On a sheet of paper, draw four circles that overlap in the centre. Here are 8 tips to help you achieve fulfilment using the Ikigai framework: 1. Achieving this balanced contentment is the surest route to a long, worthwhile and healthy life. A successfully fulfilling career is not necessarily one that only exists at a high-flying executive level but one that harmonises with the unique qualities of your inner-self. Guided by a simple framework, it encourages each one of us to seek an ideal balance of life’s needs in relation to our personalities. Ikigai promotes ‘the individual’s raison d’etre’ or ‘reason to be throughout a long and meaningful life’. When translated, iki means ‘life’ and gai represents ‘hopeful expectation’. The Japanese philosophy of Ikigai became established in the 8th century on the island territory of Okinawa.
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