IKIGAI

 The Secret to Living Your Happiest Life

Anata no chansu o tsukutte kudasai! Jinsei wa kikai desu. Ippan tekini motto mo toku ni unten shita hito wa nanika o shitai to aete nozomu hitodesu (Create your opportunities; life is an opportunity. The person who goes the furthest is usually the one who is willing and brave enough to take action)

A research study was conducted on a community of long-lived individuals in Okinawa, Japan to uncover the secrets of a long and happy life.

Essentials happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for (Hector Garcia Puigcerver)

Ikigai is a term that means "value in life" (iki=life, gai=value). It relates to a long-term life purpose that can serve as motivation and make us feel meaningful, balanced, and truly happy. Ikigai can also be interpreted as the reason someone feels enthusiastic about starting their day. The people of Okinawa simplify ikigai as the reason someone gets up in the morning and lives their day with purpose.

Fundamentally, ikigai is the intersection of a Venn diagram comprising four elements: passion (what you love + what you are good at), mission (what you love + what the world needs), vocation (what the world needs + what you can be paid for), and profession (what you are good at + what you can be paid for). 

We need to identify the overlap of these four elements because excelling in something alone won't bring happiness if it's not something you enjoy. It also needs to be something the world needs; otherwise, it becomes meaningless. Furthermore, it must also be able to sustain your livelihood.

By embracing ikigai, we can experience a greater enthusiasm for life, a solid work ethic, and better protection against work-related stress. It enables us to excel in our field with passion, enjoy our work, and potentially achieve better performance and career advancement. Additionally, ikigai has a positive effect on both physical and mental health.

He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how (Hector Garcia Puigcerver)

Discovering ikigai starts with identifying what you love. Then, focus on what you are skilled at, including things you can learn quickly and easily, and even if you're not yet an expert, have the interest and enthusiasm to keep improving. Next, identify your passions and talents that can also generate income. Finally, assess whether these activities are still relevant and necessary in today's world.

Ikigai emphasizes the necessity of balance. Pursuing your passion won't lead to happiness if  basic needs are not fulfilled. While many jobs can be enjoyable and profitable, it's important to consider their moral and ethical implications as well.

Anata ga kyou shite iru koto wa shourai no zen to hakai e no kagi desu. Kyou no tame ni saizen o tsukushi. Sore o kokai shinaide kudasai (What you do today is the key to future success or failure. Do your best today, and never have regrets.).

Attaining ikigai starts with self-reflection: understanding your likes and dislikes, setting your boundaries (what you will and won't do), and having clear aspirations. Envision the activities that energize you and that you're willing to pursue consistently. Then, focus on a single goal. It's crucial to remain determined in shaping your environment and habits towards that goal. Believing in yourself is essential before expecting others to believe in you.

Let go of the past and stop worrying about the future. Concentrate on what you can accomplish today. Begin and keep repeating what you love, even if the progress is small. Continue moving forward without overthinking. View failures as valuable lessons that help you improve. Find a supportive environment that encourages your growth, inspires development, and keeps you motivated. The right surroundings will help you stay optimistic and maintain a positive mindset.

Anata ga tassei shita koto ni tsuite yume o miru koto o osorete wa ikemasen. Anata ga nozomu basho ni ikimasu. Watashitachi wa jinsei de atarashi koto o suru kikai ga hitotsu shikanai kara desu (don't be afraid to dream about what you want to achieve, travel to the places you desire, and become who you want to be.  Try new things! we only live once).

Take it SLOW and find your FLOW

It doesn't mean being lazy, but rather being enthusiastic and striving to do your best in everything you do, no matter how small. Sometimes, it's important to slow down and reflect, taking time to enjoy and appreciate what you have right now, including simple things like breathing in fresh morning air and being fully present when communicating with someone.

Slowing down is not easy, but it can lead to greater happiness.

Okinawans emphasize the magic of finding "Flow" moments frequently in life. Flow happens when you're deeply engrossed in an activity, where everything clicks, and nothing else matters. In these moments, you hit your peak performance. With Flow, you feel a new surge of energy, a sense of being truly alive, and an inner peace that envelops you. You’re fully present, untroubled by future uncertainties or past regrets. This state is typically achieved when you're free from distractions and focused on a single task.

The happiest people aren't those who accomplish the most; they're the ones who spend more time in a state of Flow.

Stay ACTIVE, never RETIRE

For the Okinawans, Staying active is is the secret to a long, fulfilling life. They don't believe in retirement. Every day is brimming with meaningful pursuits, making you feel essential and contributive. By keeping our minds and bodies actively engaged, we ensure our brains continue to grow and revitalize. Shift your perspective from saving for an early retirement to building a an extraordinary life in the present. Embrace the journey, stay dynamic, and savor every moment.