What Is Your Ikigai, and How Do You Find It?
Did you know that people in Japan have the second-highest life expectancy in the world? Only people in Hong Kong can expect to live longer on average.
This may not be purely chance. Many Japanese follow the idea of finding your ikigai to lead a long and fulfilled life.
What exactly is your ikigai? How can you find it?
Read on to find out!
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai (pronounced like icky guy) is a Japanese word that roughly translates as "reason for being" or "happiness in being busy".
Ikigai is a way of life that's being touted as the new Hygge. It's a fairly simple philosophy to follow, but the effects on your life can be profound.
Let's take a look a look at how to find your ikigai.
How to Find Yours
There are many ways to find your ikigai. We'll take a look at some of the most important.
Stay Active
If we stop doing the things we love, we lose our purpose in life. That's why it's important to stay active, and never "retire" from the passion that drives you.
The Japanese don't have a word for retire, after all!
Take Your Time
21st-century life is all a bit of a rush. We barely take a moment to breathe, constantly on our phones, or rushing around.
To find your ikigai you should see quality of life as inversely proportional to how much you rush. The more you rush, the worse your quality of life.
Take your time and happiness will follow.
Don't Eat Your Fill
We also live in a consumerist world. You only have to look at the obesity crisis in many western countries to see that many of us overindulge.
Ikigai says that you should eat only until you are 80% full. By eating what you need, rather than what you crave, you can improve your health and happiness, although this may take some willpower!
Keep Moving
Another huge cause of the obesity crisis is our lack of exercise.
Ikigai encourages us to keep moving. It's important to take care of your body on a daily basis if you want a long and healthy life.
Surround Yourself With Friends
I get by with a little help from my friends.
Surrounding yourself with friends gives you much needed support when things are hard, and offers you the opportunity to help others when they are in need. Both can have a huge positive impact on your mental health.
Give Thanks
If you are following your ikigai and living a fulfilling and happy life, then you should remember to be thankful.
By taking the time out to give thanks for your life, it can reinforce your happiness and make it grow even further.
Are You Ready to Find Your Ikigai?
If you're ready to find your ikigai, you might like some support along the way.
That's where Jim Riley can help. He's spent his life saying yes to opportunities, and he can teach you to do the same. As well as a life coach, Jim is also a successful consultant and speaker.
If you're looking to accelerate your life, and take your first steps on the path to achieving your potential, then contact Jim today.