October Updates from Better People

Ikigai – Why do you do what you do?

I’ve been lucky this last couple of months to have had a bit of an epiphany. I realise that I can do more of what I like and what I find fulfilling and be paid for it.

For the most part that is what I have been doing over recent years, but I realise there is a kind of work I want to do and work I definitely don’t want to do!

When I was talking to someone about this recently he said to me,

“So, you have found your Ikigai”

So, I had to explore this. What does that mean? A rough translation for Ikigai is “reason for being”.

Basically, Ikigai is a framework that helps you to identify the intersection of four key elements.

• what you love
• what you’re good at
• what others need
• what you can be paid for

When these aspects align, you’ve found your Ikigai — a source of deep fulfilment and motivation.

But Ikigai isn’t just about personal satisfaction; it also involves contributing to something larger than yourself. Ask yourself, “What pressing needs or challenges in my industry or community could I help address?” Aligning your talents with the needs of the world – or even just your team! – can imbue your work with a deeper sense of purpose.

Explore how you can monetize your skills and passions in a way that aligns with your values. Its fine to earn money whilst we are within our Ikigai framework.

Discovering your Ikigai is an ongoing journey of self-reflection and experimentation. But the rewards — a deep sense of meaning, engagement, and satisfaction in your work and life — are well worth the effort.

I am looking forward to experiencing those rewards.