In one of my favorite books, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, shares that a sense of meaning is essential for individuals to thrive, particularly in the face of adversity. He suggests that our primary motivational force is the pursuit of meaning, which helps us overcome any challenges we encounter.

“Everyone has his own specific mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated.”
- Viktor E. Frankl

“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.”
- Viktor E. Frankl

This idea resonates deeply with the Japanese concept of Ikigai — loosely translated as "the reason for being" or "the joy of living." It is a framework that helps you discover your unique purpose in life by aligning your work with your passions and values.

I love this model because it ties together everything we covered in the last section, Understanding Yourself. It not only pushes you to explore what brings you joy but also challenges you to apply your value in practical ways. By answering questions like What can you be paid for? and What does the world need?, you can find alignment between personal fulfillment and professional opportunities.

Ikigai is the intersection of your mission, passion, calling, and career.

Passion: Your inner desires and interests. 

Mission: The contribution you want to make to society.

Calling: Work that aligns with your values, interests, and personal mission.

Career: The practical aspect of your work and how it provides value professionally.

🔹For me, discovering my Ikigai wasn’t immediate. When I first started my career, I pursued high-paying jobs without questioning whether they aligned with my deeper purpose. Over time, I realized that true fulfillment came when I found work that combined my love for writing, teaching, and helping others grow. This clarity transformed my approach to work and led me to more meaningful opportunities.

How to Find Your Ikigai

Ask yourself these fundamental questions:

1. What do I love? (Your passion)

2. What am I good at? (Your strengths)

3. What does the world need? (Your mission)

4. What can I be paid for? (Your career potential)

Take time to reflect on these questions. Your Ikigai lies at the intersection of these answers.

📝 Exercises

Q1 - What does the world need?

Observe trends, problems, and opportunities in the world. Write down only those that you are uniquely positioned to solve.

For inspiration, check out these in-demand skills and career trends:

• LinkedIn: Most In-Demand Jobs 2023

• Indeed: Best Jobs 2023

• AI Jobs in Demand

Q2 - What can I earn money with?

List potential ways to make money that align with your passions, skills, and values. Avoid focusing solely on the highest-paying jobs. Instead, prioritize roles that fulfill you while also being financially sustainable.

Example Table:

🔸If you’re considering entrepreneurship, there are additional exercises and resources in the Entrepreneurship section.

Q3 - My Ikigai

Fill each sphere of the Ikigai model with keywords, ideas, or images that resonate with you. Use your answers from previous exercises to guide you.

What do you love?

• Writing

• Teaching

• Helping others grow

• Storytelling

What are you good at?

• Communication

• Research

• Problem-solving

• Creativity

Passion:

• Sharing knowledge

• Inspiring people

Profession:

• Content marketing

• Writing

• Coaching

Mission:

• Helping others find purpose

• Educating and inspiring

Vocation:

• Mentorship

• Public speaking

What can you be paid for?

• Consulting

• Coaching

• Writing courses

What does the world need?

• Education on purpose and fulfillment

• More meaningful career paths

• Support for self-discovery

   

By refining and aligning your answers, you will begin to see your Ikigai emerge clearly.

Finding your Ikigai is a journey, not a destination. It evolves as you grow and learn more about yourself. The key is to continually ask yourself these questions and make small adjustments toward a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

When I started embracing my Ikigai, I felt a shift. Work became more than just a paycheck; it became a source of joy and impact. I hope this framework helps you find the same clarity and direction!