Ikigai

Ikigai is a Japanese concept to improve your work and life. My understanding is that the correct pronunciation of ikigai is ee-kee-guy (not icky-guy or eye-key-guy). There is no direct English translation, it’s a term that embodies the idea of happiness in living. I’ve seen ikigai translated as:

• “reason for being”

• “the reason for which you wake up in the morning”

• “The direct translation is the ‘happiness of being busy.’” (Note: I’ll assume they mean living a full life vs busy life)

“Essentially, ikigai is the reason why you get up in the morning”

The concept of ikigai is said to have evolved from the basic health and wellness principles of traditional Japanese medicine. This medical tradition holds that physical wellbeing is affected by one’s mental–emotional health and sense of purpose in life.

Japanese psychologist Michiko Kumano (2017) has said that ikigai is a state of wellbeing that arises from devotion to activities one enjoys, which also brings a sense of fulfillment.

He further distinguishes ikigai from transitory pleasure (hedonia, in the ancient Greek sense) and aligns it with eudaimonia – the ancient Greek sense of a life well lived, leading to the highest and most lasting form of happiness.

Ikigai also resonates with Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy’s emphasis on pursuing activities that produce enjoyment and a sense of mastery, specifically as a way to alleviate depressive disorder.

The concept of ikigai as a purpose in life with both personal and social dimensions is captured by the well-known ikigai diagram. This diagram includes overlapping spheres covering:

• What you love

• What you are good at

• What the world needs

• What you can get paid for

Todays Practice

Click below to download and print the workbook I’ve created for you so you can find your ikigai (or you can simply get out your journal and write the prompts in there if you don’t have access to a printer)