Ikigai" is a Japanese concept that refers to the reason for being, the thing that gives life meaning, or the thing that makes one's life worth living. The term is derived from "iki" meaning "life" and "gai" meaning "value" or "worth."
Ikigai is often represented as the center of a Venn diagram where four overlapping elements come together:
What you love (your passion)
What the world needs (your mission)
What you are good at (your vocation)
What you can be paid for (your profession)Where these elements intersect, you can find different outcomes:
Intersection of what you love and what you are good at: Passion
Intersection of what you are good at and what you can be paid for: Profession
Intersection of what you can be paid for and what the world needs: Vocation
Intersection of what the world needs and what you love: MissionYour Ikigai is at the center of all these intersections. It's where you find something you love, something you're good at, something the world needs, and something you can be paid for. The idea is that finding your Ikigai leads to satisfaction and a sense of meaning in life.
It's worth noting that not everyone might find or seek a singular Ikigai, and the concept doesn't necessarily imply that you must find a career that fulfills all four areas. Rather, Ikigai can also be understood more broadly as a balance of different life factors that make one's existence feel rewarding and meaningful.
About Deanna Byrne: Deanna Byrne is a dedicated professional with an impressive array of qualifications. She holds certifications as a 300-hour meditation and mindfulness facilitator, a master's degree in Hypnosis, and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). Additionally, she is a Certified Grief Coach, allowing her to bring compassion and understanding to those facing challenging emotional times. Her APP Meditate With Deanna is now available in play stores.