One Way Life

By Brian Gonzalez

When I was a teenager, it seemed like everyone around me had their lives all figured out. My friends knew exactly what they wanted to study in college and had clear visions of their future careers. They were confident in their passions and understood the kind of people they wanted to become — it all seemed so obvious to them. Meanwhile, I struggled just to get out of bed in the morning, let alone plan for the future or navigate social situations.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that finding one’s purpose isn’t something that happens overnight or through sheer willpower. It’s a journey of self-discovery that requires patience, openness, and a bit of trial and error. The Japanese concept of Ikigai, which translates to “reason for being,” encapsulates this journey perfectly. If you’re ready to embark on this path with me, here are some insights and tips to help you get closer to your true purpose.

What Is Flow?

First, let’s talk about flow. Flow is a state of mind where you’re so fully immersed in an activity that you lose track of time. Some call it “being in the zone” or “living in the moment.” When you’re in flow, you’re energized, focused, and fully engaged with what you’re doing. Experiencing flow regularly can guide your life choices and contribute significantly to your personal growth.

Understanding Ikigai: The Intersection of Four Elements

The concept of Ikigai revolves around finding the sweet spot where four critical elements intersect:

1. What You Love (Passion)

2. What You Are Good At (Profession)

3. What the World Needs (Mission)

4. What You Can Be Paid For (Vocation)

By exploring each of these areas, you can begin to uncover your Ikigai.

1. Discover What You Love

Start by identifying your passions. What activities make you lose track of time? What topics can you talk about endlessly? Do certain songs move you deeply, or do specific activities make you feel alive? Your passions are the things that light up your life and give it meaning.

Action Steps:

• Make a list of activities that you genuinely enjoy.

• Reflect on moments when you felt truly happy and fulfilled.

• Consider hobbies or interests you’ve always wanted to explore.

2. Identify What You Are Good At

Next, assess your skills and talents. These are the things that come naturally to you or that you’ve honed over time. Sometimes, what you’re good at aligns with what you love; other times, it might be something you’ve overlooked.

Action Steps:

• List your strengths and skills.

• Seek feedback from friends, family, or colleagues about what they think you’re good at.

• Reflect on tasks or subjects you’ve excelled in.

3. Determine What the World Needs

Consider how your passions and skills can meet a need in the world. This could be anything from addressing social issues to providing services or products that improve people’s lives.

Action Steps:

• Identify causes or issues you’re passionate about.

• Think about problems you’d like to solve.

• Research how others have made an impact in areas that interest you.

4. Find What You Can Be Paid For

Finally, think about how you can monetize your passions and skills. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice what you love for a paycheck, but rather find a sustainable way to support yourself while doing what you enjoy.

Action Steps:

• Explore careers or industries that align with your passions and skills.

• Consider freelancing or starting your own business.

• Look into additional training or education that could enhance your earning potential.

Bringing It All Together

Finding your Ikigai involves the interconnectedness of these four elements. It’s about harmoniously blending what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Tips to Discover Your Ikigai:

• Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your interests, values, and goals.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Sometimes, you discover your passions through new experiences.

• Seek Guidance: Talk to mentors, career counselors, or people you admire in fields that interest you.

• Be Patient: Finding your Ikigai is a journey. It’s okay if it doesn’t happen overnight.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey to find your Ikigai is a deeply personal and rewarding process. By asking yourself questions like “What am I passionate about?”, “What are my unique skills?”, “How can I contribute to the world?”, and “How can I make a living from this?”, you begin to navigate towards a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Remember, your Ikigai is not just about personal happiness; it’s about contributing to the world in a way that feels authentic to you. As you explore these intersections, you’ll find that living in a state of flow becomes more natural, and your purpose becomes clearer. So take that first step, embrace the journey, and discover the joy of living a life aligned with your true self.