Ikigai: Find Your Purpose in 5 Steps | Hello! Seiiti Arata 140

Summary

The video by Seiiti Arata explains 'ikigai,' a Japanese concept meaning the reason for getting out of bed every morning. It discusses the importance of finding your purpose for lasting motivation and a fulfilling life. The video outlines five steps to discover your ikigai: start small, free yourself from external influences, seek harmony and sustainability, find joy in little things, and live in the present moment. By following these steps, you can align your life with your true values and enjoy a more meaningful existence.

Takeaways

• 🌞 Ikigai is a Japanese concept representing the reason one wakes up motivated each morning, and finding it can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• 🔍 Understanding why you pursue certain dreams is crucial for internal and lasting motivation, which is more effective than temporary external influences.
• 📚 'Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life' by neuroscientist Ken Mogi explains that ikigai is deeply connected to one's reason for living and contributes to longevity.
• 🏝 The term 'ikigai' originated from Japanese islands known for their residents' long life spans, where people engage in activities they love for a lifetime.
• 💡 To find your ikigai, one must engage in self-reflection and introspection, avoiding the influence of external expectations and societal norms.
• 🌱 The first step to finding your ikigai is to start small, focusing on one area of life that needs improvement, rather than seeking grandeur.
• 💡 The second step involves freeing oneself from preconceived notions and societal pressures to truly understand personal desires and aspirations.
• 🌿 The third step is seeking harmony and sustainability in one's ikigai, ensuring it can be maintained long-term and contribute positively to life.
• 💰 Ikigai is found at the intersection of what you love, what the world needs, what you are good at, and what can provide a livelihood.
• 😄 The fourth step encourages finding joy in the small moments and not just in achieving big goals, to avoid a cycle of constant dissatisfaction.
• 🌐 The final step is to live in the present moment, enjoying the journey towards one's ikigai, rather than focusing solely on the end goal.

Q & A

What is the Japanese concept of 'ikigai'?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to the reason why you feel motivated to get out of bed every morning, essentially your purpose or reason for living.

Why is it important to know your ikigai?

Knowing your ikigai is important because it provides internal and lasting motivation, which is more effective than temporary motivation from external sources, and helps in achieving your goals.

How does ikigai relate to the longevity observed in certain Japanese islands?

Ikigai is believed to contribute to longevity because people who know what they like to do and engage in it for a lifetime tend to live with greater satisfaction, care, and productivity.

What does neuroscientist Ken Mogi say about finding your ikigai?

Ken Mogi explains that finding your ikigai is about finding your reason for living, which is a key factor in the Japanese secret to a long and happy life.

What are the five steps to finding your ikigai as mentioned in the script?

The five steps are: 1) Start Small, focusing on one area of life at a time; 2) Free yourself from preconceived ideas; 3) Seek Harmony and Sustainability in your ikigai; 4) Have joy in the little things, not just in achieving big goals; 5) Be in the here and now, enjoying the journey.

What does 'starting small' mean in the context of finding your ikigai?

Starting small means focusing on one area of your life that needs more attention and making small, consistent improvements rather than chasing grandiosity and trying to achieve everything at once.

How can one break free from old ideas that may not align with their true desires?

One can break free by reflecting on whether certain desires are truly their own or are influenced by external factors such as family, colleagues, or advertising, and then consciously choosing to pursue what they genuinely want.

What does the concept of 'harmony and sustainability' in ikigai entail?

Harmony and sustainability in ikigai mean finding an activity that can be maintained over the long term, contributes positively to your life, and allows you to make a living while maintaining your health.

Why is it important to have joy in the little things while pursuing your ikigai?

Having joy in the little things is important because it prevents you from only finding happiness in the achievement of grand goals, which can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction and constant pursuit of more.

What does the script suggest about living in the present moment in relation to finding your ikigai?

The script suggests that living in the present moment is crucial for finding your ikigai because it allows you to enjoy the journey of life and not just the end goals, which can lead to a more fulfilling and less suffering-filled existence.

How does the script define the intersection of the four circles in finding one's ikigai?

The four circles are defined as: What you love, What the world needs, What you are good at, and That which makes you earn enough money for your living. Finding an activity that meets these four qualities is the essence of discovering your ikigai.