How To Find And Do Work That You Love (Ikigai)
what exactly is ikigai?
The origin of the word ikigai goes back to the Heian period (794 to 1185). Clinical psychologist and avid expert of the ikigai evolution, Akihiro Hasegawa released a research paper in 2001 where he wrote that the word “gai” comes from the word “kai” which translates to “shell” in Japanese.
During the Heian period, shells were extremely valuable, so the association of value is still inherently seen in this word. It can also be seen in similar Japanese words like hatarakigai, (働きがい) which means the value of work, or yarigai ~ga aru (やり甲斐がある), meaning “it’s worth doing it.”
Ikigai is what gets you up every morning and keeps you going
Gai is the key to finding your purpose, or value in life. The best way to really encapsulate the overarching ideology of ikigai is by looking at the ikigai Venn diagram which displays the overlapping four main qualities: what you are good at, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and of course, what you love.
Why is ikigai important?
Numerous sociologists, researchers, and writers have investigated and conjectured the value and truth behind this specific marvel, and they’ve gone to various exceptionally fascinating ends. One specific hypothesis is that ikigai can make you live more and with more bearing.
In September 2017, the famous Japanese TV program Takeshi no katei no igaku cooperated with a gathering of researchers to direct research in the modest community of Kyotango in Kyoto, a spot which highly esteems having a populace that has multiple times more occupants beyond 100 years old contrasted with the normal of the remainder of the country.
The program needed to understand what shared traits these older cheerful individuals had in their day by day lives thus followed seven individuals in their late 90s and mid 100s around from morning ‘till sunrise, doing blood tests and other wellbeing registration.
What they found intriguing was that each of the seven individuals had extraordinarily high figures of DHEA, a steroid chemical discharged by the adrenal organs that many accept might be the wonder “life span chemical.”
What’s your ikigai?
In his book, Garcia says that considering the ikigai philosophy has changed the manner in which he shapes his day.
“I have improved my morning schedule to begin my days doing what is generally essential to me prior to getting going with others.” as such, he focuses on the obligations that give him reason. “This implies that I have some green tea, complete 15 minutes of simple yoga stances and afterward compose for 60 minutes. Prior to venturing out from home, I have committed opportunity to my wellbeing and one of the exercises that offer ikigai to my life: which is composing books.”
In spite of the fact that it might sound vocation centered, ikigai isn’t generally about monetary undertakings. Having a pastime that you can commit your opportunity to, raising a family, or having the option to work and make ventures towards plunging profound into that meaningful venture you’ve generally fantasized about, are all ikigai.
Finding your ikigai
If you’re feeling lost or unsure about what your ikigai is, there are a number of ways to refocus your mind and purpose.
“If you find yourself blocked because change is difficult, try adding some new thing to your life: a new hobby, new circle of friends, or a new job on the side,” Garcia suggests.