We've Been Sold a Lie on "Ikigai"
Finding Joy Beyond the Venn Diagram
We've Been Sold a Lie on "Ikigai"
When I first stumbled upon the ikigai Venn diagram—where passion, mission, vocation, and profession converge—it seemed like a blueprint for fulfilling life.
However, as time passed, this model became a source of stress rather than inspiration. The pressure to weave my primary income source into my sole joy source was immense.
It reminds me of my days as a salsa enthusiast. I used to dance socially a couple of times a week and even taught classes at my local church. Initially, turning my hobby into a paying gig was thrilling, but slowly, as it became more of a job, the joy waned and eventually extinguished. After 14 years, I still don’t enjoy salsa dancing (much to my wife’s disappointment).
What is Ikigai Really?
In Japanese, "ikigai" combines "iki" (life) and "gai" (worth), referring to what gives your life meaning—something beyond just professional success.
True ikigai is about finding joy and fulfilment daily, not only through career achievements but also through simple pleasures that bring happiness and significance.
The Misinterpretation
The popular ikigai diagram that pitches a blend of passion, mission, vocation, and profession is fundamentally flawed.
In Japan, ikigai is understood as a holistic approach to life—embracing activities that bring intrinsic satisfaction rather than segmenting life into compartments.
Examples of Real Ikigai Activities
Consider these activities that many Japanese regard as their ikigai:
Gardening: Cultivating beauty and sustenance every day.
Tea Ceremony: Emphasising mindfulness and respect through traditional rituals.
Calligraphy: Combining discipline and creativity in the art of writing.
Volunteering: Creating a sense of purpose and community through service.
Cooking for Family: Nourishing both body and soul with daily meals.
For me, my ikigai lies in simple joys like riding my bike through the city, especially near nature, bushwalking, swimming at the beach, travelling with my wife, teaching, facilitating engaging workshops, and partaking in community events like free hugs. Even playing with my nephews fills me with joy.
Why Does This Matter?
Embracing the real meaning of ikigai could change how we view our lives, prompting us to find satisfaction in the mundane rather than chasing monumental achievements. It's about appreciating the beauty in our daily routines.
Questions to Ponder
What simple daily activity makes you lose track of time?
Who in your life embodies the concept of ikigai, and what can you learn from them?
How can you integrate more of these joyful activities into your everyday routine?
How do you discover ikigai in your everyday activities? I’d love to hear how simple daily tasks bring you joy and fulfilment. Let’s share and motivate each other to cherish the small moments that make life truly worth living.
👍 3 THINGS THAT CAUGHT MY ATTENTION
1/ Watch: How Apple and Nike have branded your brain
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Check out this eye-opening substack on Sidney Yoshida’s 1989 "Iceberg of Ignorance" study. It’s a must-read for any entrepreneur or leader trying to align with their team’s reality.
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See you next week,
Anf Chansamooth
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All the way agree. I think I first got onto the Ikigai after you suggested it, but when I did it and went through the process of answering the questions I remember thinking 'this seems like a total joke' and never integrated it at all. Life is the beauty, and being able to see it in everything is the art!