Ikigai Flow
When I began studying about Yasuke, the Black samurai who was a part of The Oda Clan, I studied the culture around that time to see what he might have learned. The history is amazing, but two things of mindset I carry with me are kaizen and ikigai.
Kaizen is incremental improvement. 1% better than yesterday. That is enough.
There's no direct translation for ikigai, it's closest approximate is "reason for being".
You need to list what you're good at, what you like to do, what people will pay you for, and what the community needs.
If the thing fits all 4, that is your ikigai. That is your reason to be.
Putting those things in alignment will bring you the focus you think you lack.
You know, there was a time I felt like I was just drifting, going through the motions without a clear sense of direction. I had a job, hobbies, and friends, but something was missing. That's when I stumbled upon these incredible Japanese philosophies: Ikigai and Kaizen. They weren't just abstract ideas; they offered a practical framework for finding genuine purpose and continuous growth. For me, understanding Ikigai was like unlocking a secret map to a fulfilling life. The concept, often translated as 'a reason for being,' isn't just about finding one thing; it's about the beautiful intersection of four key elements that the diagram beautifully illustrates. I started by listing what I love – not just hobbies, but activities that truly ignite my spirit and bring me joy. Then, I considered what I am good at, acknowledging my skills and talents, both obvious and hidden. Next came the slightly more practical but equally important question: what I can be paid for. This isn't just about a salary, but about valuing my contributions. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, I reflected on what the world needs. This last piece shifted my perspective from purely personal gain to contributing to something larger than myself. The magic truly happens when these circles overlap. The diagram showed me how these intersections define different aspects of life. For instance, the blend of 'what I love' and 'what I am good at' forms your passion. When you combine 'what you love' with 'what the world needs,' you find your mission. 'What you are good at' mixed with 'what you can be paid for' becomes your profession. And then there's vocation. This was a big 'aha!' moment for me. In the Ikigai framework, vocation emerges at the intersection of what the world needs and what you can be paid for. It's about finding work that not only provides for you financially but also genuinely serves a greater purpose. It's not just a job; it's a calling that aligns with societal benefit. For example, I realized my knack for organizing information and helping others understand complex topics could be a valuable service. It aligned with a need for clarity and accessible knowledge. Discovering this helped me reframe how I approached my career choices, looking for opportunities where I could genuinely make a difference while also earning a living. It’s about more than just earning money; it’s about feeling a sense of contribution and fulfillment through your work. But finding your Ikigai isn't a one-and-done deal. That's where Kaizen comes in. Kaizen, the philosophy of continuous, incremental improvement – being '1% better than yesterday' – became my daily companion on this journey. It's not about making drastic changes overnight, which can be overwhelming. Instead, it’s about taking small, consistent steps towards aligning with my Ikigai. Maybe it's spending an extra 15 minutes each day honing a skill, or dedicating a little more time to researching a community need I care about. This slow and steady approach ensures that I'm always evolving and refining my understanding of my purpose. It’s about building habits that support my Ikigai, rather than waiting for a grand revelation. Embracing both Ikigai and Kaizen has brought a profound sense of clarity and 'flow' into my life. It's not that life became perfect, but I now have a compass. I highly recommend taking the time to map out your own Ikigai Venn diagram. It's a powerful exercise that can reveal your unique path and help you live a life filled with purpose and continuous growth. It truly helped me connect the dots between my skills, passions, and the impact I want to have.
