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:

Where these elements intersect, you can find different outcomes:

Your 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.