Ikigai - 7 Tips for Finding Your Purpose in Life

This isn't a new phenomenon. Psychologists have researched the concept of purpose for decades, and the data is compelling. Studies involving over 108,000 participants across 16 samples found that greater purpose in life is associated with significantly less subjective stress (meta-analytic estimate of -.228). More importantly, people with higher levels of education experience more meaning in life, with the most significant improvement seen between those with no formal education and those with primary education.

The concept of purpose is present in cultures worldwide, with one of the most compelling examples being the Japanese concept of ikigai, which translates to your reason for being. This ancient wisdom has gained unprecedented popularity, with over 1,000 HR references published in the last three years containing the word "ikigai" in their title.

Ikigai is a Japanese term meaning "A reason for being." It's the concept of identifying something that gives you a sense of purpose or a reason for living “your purpose in life”. Unlike some theories that focus solely on passion, ikigai recognises that being able to make money and being rewarded are also key features of a fulfilling life.

The ikigai framework includes four key elements that intersect to form your unique purpose. To discover your ikigai, you must reflect thoughtfully on each component and how they overlap in your life.

The Four Pillars of Ikigai

The ikigai diagram shows four interconnected circles, each representing a fundamental aspect of purposeful living:

1. What you love (Passion)
2. What the world needs (Mission)
3. What you're good at (Profession)
4. What you can be paid for (Vocation)

At the intersection of these four elements lies your ikigai, your reason for being.

Let's start with the foundation: what you love. This isn't just about hobbies or interests, it's about identifying what genuinely energises and excites you. When researchers studied psychological richness (the dimension of well-being characterised by diverse, interesting experiences), they found that people who pursue what they love show stronger correlations with coping confidence, achievement, and positive emotions than other dimensions of well-being.

Deep Reflection Questions

Think about this fundamental question:

What is it that you are passionate about? If someone asked you today, what would you say? Is it football, fashion, poetry, reading, animals, or something entirely different?

If you're struggling to identify your passions, try this reframing exercise:

What would you do if you completely removed money from the equation and could do anything for the rest of your life? This could be anything: become a footballer, an award-winning actress, a full-time parent, a doctor, or an artist.

The Power of Authentic Passion

Research from the Global Meaningfulness Index involving participants from 31 countries shows that purpose is consistently ranked as one of the most critical drivers of meaning in life. People who align their daily activities with what they genuinely love report higher levels of life satisfaction and resilience.

Clear your mind and think deeply. You will have something that drives you, whether it's big or small. The key is honest self-reflection, free from the constraints of practicality or societal expectations.

You can approach this from multiple angles:

Global Needs: Following reports on climate change, what does the world need? As we continue to recover from global challenges, what do people need most?

Human Needs: Do people need hope, happiness, healing, or connection? Research shows that relationships are the most significant source of meaning and purpose, with nearly half (46%) of young adults citing relationships or loved ones as their primary source of purpose.

Community Needs: Consider what your local community, workplace, or social circles need. This might be as simple as making people laugh, providing good food, offering something to believe in, or creating music that moves people.

The Intersection of Personal Values and Global Impact

Seventy-five per cent of Gen Z and millennials say that an organisation's community engagement and societal impact are important factors when considering potential employers. This indicates that younger generations are actively seeking ways to align their work with the world’s needs.

Nothing is off the table when considering what the world needs. The key is identifying what matters most to you and starting there.

The third pillar focuses on your skills and capabilities. This is where many people struggle with self-assessment, but it's crucial for finding your ikigai.

Beyond Traditional Talents

You're not allowed to say, "I'm not good at anything." Everyone is good at something. Skills don't have to be traditional talents or technical abilities. Consider these examples:

• Interpersonal skills: Are you good at making people laugh? Perhaps you excel at listening when friends need support.
• Practical skills: You may be excellent at finding bargains or throwing together last-minute tasty meals.
• Emotional intelligence: You might be skilled at reading people's emotions or mediating conflicts.
• Creative abilities: This could be anything from problem-solving to artistic expression.

The Blind Spot Effect

We often don't recognise our talents because they come naturally to us. A powerful tip is to ask your friends and family what they think you're good at. They may spot talents you haven't considered because you take them for granted.

Research shows that people who know and use their strengths every day have higher energy and greater confidence. They're more likely to achieve their goals and are more effective at personal growth.

The fourth pillar brings practicality into the equation: What can you be paid for? This is where your ikigai becomes sustainable and actionable in the real world.

Monetising Your Natural Abilities

If you naturally have a great sense of humour and enjoy making others laugh with your quick wit, you might find your passion in comedy, entertainment, or content creation. If you're warm, approachable, and genuinely enjoy listening to and helping others navigate their challenges, careers in counselling, coaching, or human resources could be an excellent fit for you.

If you have an eye for fashion and love shopping, exploring options like personal styling, retail buying, or fashion consulting could be exciting paths for you.

The modern economy offers unprecedented opportunities to monetise diverse skills. Eighty-six per cent of Gen Z employees want purpose-driven work, and many are creating their own opportunities rather than following traditional career paths.

Consider these expanding areas:

• Digital content creation
• Consulting and coaching
• Sustainable and ethical business
• Health and wellness services
• Educational technology
• Community building and social impact

These four elements create your unique reason for being when they intersect. However, finding your ikigai is not a one-time discovery; it's an ongoing journey that evolves as you grow and change.

Real-world example: Let's say you love tennis (what you love). Tennis provides entertainment, and it's a huge sport that the world enjoys (what the world needs). However, if you're not skilled at playing tennis competitively (what you're good at), your life purpose likely isn't to be a professional tennis player. You might enjoy playing tennis, but it won't provide sustainable income or deep fulfilment.

Another scenario: You might be excellent with computers and possess the technical skills to be a fantastic software engineer (what you're good at). The demand is high, and the money is excellent (what you can be paid for). However, if you have no passion for coding or technology (what you love), you'll likely feel unfulfilled despite external success.

Step 1: Deep Self-Reflection

Work through the ikigai framework in this specific order:

1. What do you love? - Start with pure passion, removing all practical constraints
2. Are you good at it? - Honestly assess your skills and natural abilities
3. Does the world need it? - Consider the broader impact and value
4. How can you earn money from it? - Explore practical implementation

Step 2: Challenge Your Assumptions

Don't let money be the driving force behind what you love. If you're thinking about money first, it's not your true passion. Ask yourself: Would you happily do this thing you love for free forever if you didn't need an income?

Add another layer: What is the thing you love, that you are good at, that you would happily do for free forever?

Step 3: Test for Genuine Impact

Challenge your passion by asking: What does it bring to the world? How does it positively affect another person?

Research consistently shows that purpose must extend beyond personal satisfaction. The Global Meaningfulness Index found that people in countries with strong community connections and shared purpose report higher levels of meaning in life.

Step 4: Create Your Sustainable Path

Finally, explore: How can you earn from it? This might involve:

• Traditional employment in related fields
• Entrepreneurship and business creation
• Consulting and freelancing
• Teaching and mentoring
• Content creation and digital products

Generational Shifts in Purpose-Seeking

The data shows a clear generational divide in how people approach purpose:

• 77% of Gen Z prioritise work-life balance when considering job opportunities
• 50% of Gen Z and 43% of millennials have rejected assignments based on personal ethics
• 72% of Gen Z would leave a job if their employer didn't offer flexible work policies

The Mental Health Connection

The connection between purpose and mental health is undeniable. Young adults with little to no purpose reported more than twice the rates of anxiety or depression compared to those who felt purpose and meaning (54% vs. 25%).

This isn't just about career satisfaction, it's about fundamental well-being. Purpose in life is associated with less subjective stress across all populations, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or education level.

The Post-Pandemic Perspective

The global pandemic shifted perspectives on work and life purpose. Global employee engagement declined to 21% in 2024, with workplace fulfilment dropping significantly. This crisis has accelerated the search for meaningful work and a genuine sense of purpose.

Cultural Context and Authentic Practice

It's important to note that the popular ikigai Venn diagram is a Western adaptation of the original Japanese concept. Traditional ikigai isn't a checklist for career success; it's about finding joy in daily rituals, from morning tea to gardening.

Japanese people don't typically use the four-circle diagram or ask themselves these specific questions. Instead, they follow their ikigai as a way of living that embraces the joy of being alive.

The Five Pillars of Traditional Ikigai

According to Ken Mogi's research, authentic ikigai includes five pillars:

1. Starting small - Finding joy in little things
2. Accepting yourself - Embracing your authentic self
3. Connecting with others - Building meaningful relationships
4. Showing appreciation - Gratitude for what you have
5. Living in the moment - Mindful presence

"I Don't Have Any Passions"

This is one of the most common barriers people face. If you feel this way, try these approaches:

Childhood Curiosity: What fascinated you as a child before practical concerns took over?

Energy Mapping: What activities make you lose track of time? What conversations energise rather than drain you?

Value Exploration: What injustices or problems in the world genuinely upset you? Often, our frustrations point toward our purpose.

"I Can't Make Money from What I Love"

The modern economy offers more opportunities than ever to monetise diverse interests:

Creator Economy: Content creation, online courses, and digital products
Service Economy: Consulting, coaching, and specialised services
Impact Economy: Social enterprises and purpose-driven businesses
Gig Economy: Freelancing and project-based work

"I Have Multiple Passions"

This is an advantage. Research on psychological richness shows that people who pursue diverse, interesting experiences tend to report higher levels of well-being and resilience.

Consider how your various interests might complement each other or create a unique combination that sets you apart.

Evolution and Adaptation

Your ikigai isn't static. As you grow, learn, and change, your purpose may evolve. The key is maintaining the practice of regular self-reflection and staying open to new possibilities.

Career fulfilment research shows that the most satisfied people regularly reassess their alignment with their core values and adjust their path accordingly.

Integration with Life Stages

Your ikigai might manifest differently at various life stages:

Early Career: Focus on skill development and exploration
Mid-Career: Integration of experience with deeper purpose
Later Career: Mentoring and legacy building
Retirement: Continued contribution and meaning-making

Immediate Actions

1. Complete the ikigai assessment honestly and thoroughly
2. Seek feedback from trusted friends and family about your strengths
3. Research opportunities in areas where your interests align with market needs
4. Start small - begin incorporating elements of your ikigai into your current situation
5. Connect with others who share your interests or work in relevant fields