Ikigai: The Secret to a Purposeful Life | Emily Bidle | TEDxYouth@ASIJ

Summary

The concept of 'ikigai' from Okinawa, Japan, is explored in this video. 'Ikigai' means 'life value' and represents the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. Discovering your ikigai involves deep self-exploration and taking concrete actions to align your passion, mission, profession, and vocation. By finding your ikigai, you can lead a more meaningful and healthier life. The video emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and seizing opportunities to fulfill your purpose and make a positive impact on the world.

Takeaways

• 🌸 Ikigai is the Japanese concept of living a purposeful life, originating from Okinawa, where residents have the highest life expectancy in the world.
• 🕊️ Ikigai stands at the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for.
• ❤️ The intersection between what you love and what you're good at is your passion, something meaningful enough to make sacrifices for.
• 🌍 Adding what the world needs is vital, as serving society gives a sense of belonging and purpose.
• 💰 Including what you can be rewarded for is essential to make a living out of your purpose.
• 🔍 Finding your ikigai requires deep experimentation and self-exploration through concrete actions and thoughtful reflection.
• 👨‍💻 Steve Jobs exemplifies ikigai, combining his passion for creativity with technology, leading to the unique typography of Apple.
• 🛡️ Possessing a high sense of purpose in life is associated with reduced risk of mortality and cardiovascular accidents, leading to healthier, more motivated, and resilient lives.
• 💪 The speaker's personal journey involved overcoming self-doubt and building confidence through participation in the FutureHack entrepreneurial program, discovering a passion for design and entrepreneurship.
• 🧘‍♂️ The Dalai Lama's quote emphasizes that realizing one's potential and having confidence can lead to building a better world.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'ikigai' as described in the script?

'Ikigai' is a Japanese concept that refers to the things that make one's life worthwhile, or the reason you get out of bed every morning. It stands at the crossroads of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for.

What are the four main qualities that intersect to define 'ikigai'?

The four main qualities that intersect to define 'ikigai' are what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for.

How is the concept of 'passion' related to 'ikigai'?

Passion, which is the intersection of what you love and what you're good at, is a crucial component of 'ikigai'. It is something that is truly meaningful to you and you are willing to make sacrifices for.

Why is it important to consider what the world needs when finding your 'ikigai'?

Considering what the world needs is important because serving society gives us a sense of belonging and purpose, which is vital to finding one's 'ikigai'.

How did Steve Jobs exemplify the concept of 'ikigai'?

Steve Jobs exemplified 'ikigai' by pursuing his passion for tools that would unleash his personal creativity. His curiosity and interest in calligraphy eventually inspired Apple's unique typography, aligning his passion, mission, profession, and vocation.

What benefits does having a sense of purpose (ikigai) provide according to the American Psychosomatic Society?

According to the American Psychosomatic Society, possessing a high sense of purpose in life is associated with a reduced risk for mortality and cardiovascular accidents, meaning those with a sense of purpose tend to live healthier lives and are more motivated and resilient.

What personal challenges did the speaker face in discovering their 'ikigai'?

The speaker faced self-doubt, a lack of confidence, and the belief that their contributions did not matter. They had to detach from fears, negativity, and worries to discover their 'ikigai'.

What steps did the speaker take to build confidence and discover their 'ikigai'?

The speaker took concrete actions, such as joining the FutureHack entrepreneurial program, where they collaborated on educational innovation projects, met inspirational people, and gained confidence by pitching ideas and contributing meaningfully.

What impact did participating in the FutureHack program have on the speaker?

Participating in the FutureHack program helped the speaker build confidence, realize their capability, and uncover their passion for design and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to discovering their 'ikigai'.

What advice does the speaker offer to others seeking their 'ikigai'?

The speaker advises others to undertake deep self-exploration, let go of fear, pursue opportunities despite insecurities, and shift their mindset from viewing obstacles as challenges to seeing them as opportunities. By doing so, they may discover their 'ikigai'.