Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It's about finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life by balancing four key elements: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

In layman's terms, Ikigai is the sweet spot where your passion, skills, and values align with opportunities to create a meaningful and satisfying life.

World Economic Forum

Here are some simple examples to help illustrate the concept:

1. A passionate gardener with a green thumb could find their Ikigai by starting a small business that offers landscaping and garden design services, which not only aligns with their passion and skillset but also fulfills a need in the community and provides financial compensation.

2. A talented musician who loves teaching might find their Ikigai by becoming a music teacher, sharing their knowledge and passion with others while also making a living and contributing to the world through education.

3. An individual with strong communication skills and a love for animals might find their Ikigai by working at an animal rescue organization, raising awareness and funds for the cause, while also utilizing their skills and passion to make a difference.

4. A skilled chef who loves experimenting with healthy recipes might find their Ikigai by opening a healthy food restaurant, combining their passion for cooking, their talent for creating delicious meals, the opportunity to earn a living, and contributing to the well-being of their community.

In each of these examples, the individuals have found a way to combine their passions, skills, values, and opportunities to create a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives – which, in essence, is the concept of Ikigai.

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to the convergence of an individual's passion, skills, values, and opportunities, resulting in a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. The term Ikigai combines the Japanese words "iki" (生き), meaning "life," and "gai" (甲斐), meaning "value" or "worth." The concept is closely related to other principles and scientific topics, such as positive psychology, self-determination theory, and the psychology of flow.

In the context of positive psychology, Ikigai shares similarities with the concept of eudaimonia, a Greek term for flourishing or living a meaningful life. Both concepts emphasize the pursuit of activities that align with an individual's values, passions, and strengths, contributing to well-being and personal growth (1).

Self-determination theory, a widely researched psychological framework, focuses on the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fulfilling an individual's basic psychological needs (2). Ikigai aligns with this theory, as it encompasses the pursuit of activities that align with one's interests and values (autonomy), allow for the development of skills and mastery (competence), and contribute to the betterment of the world or the lives of others (relatedness).

Flow, a concept introduced by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, refers to the state of being completely absorbed in an activity, resulting in a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment (3). Engaging in activities that align with one's Ikigai often leads to experiences of flow, as individuals become immersed in tasks that are both challenging and enjoyable.

In summary, Ikigai is a Japanese concept that focuses on the intersection of an individual's passion, skills, values, and opportunities, contributing to a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It shares similarities with principles from positive psychology, self-determination theory, and the psychology of flow, emphasizing the importance of pursuing activities that align with one's values and strengths, fostering personal growth and well-being.

References

1. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141-166.
2. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
3. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper & Row.