Today I was reminded about Ikigai, (pronounced “eye-ka-guy”)

Ikigai is above all else, a lifestyle that strives to balance the spiritual with the practical.  This beautiful balance is found at the intersection where your passions and talents converge with the things that the world needs and is willing to pay for.

How to discover your Ikigai

To discover your Ikigai, you must first find what you’re most passionate about.  Then, you must find the medium through which you can express that passion.  Sounds simple, but not for all of us.  I have only recently been able to articulate my passion, in a succinct way, which is to support women through professional and personal transitions and the medium through which I am able to express my passion is coaching.

I arrived at this on reflecting on the changes that have happened within me and for me since I gave up my career in marketing and publishing to become a coach.  It has been a immensely rewarding journey and I would like to be in a position to have impact on other women’s lives, particularly through times of transition, and of course be remunerated for it.

We all know that it’s all too easy to fall victim to siloed thinking ie that our job, family, passions and desires are all separate and unrelated aspects of our lives.  The fundamental truth of Ikigai is that nothing is siloed.  Everything is connected.

Important to note is that there is a difference between the things that are important in your life and your life’s work.  Ikigai is about finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in the daily routine of life.

My invitation to you is to not fret about finding your passion.  I would often draw a blank when asked the question, “What is your passion?”  It will come to you, possibly when you least expect it to.  Thereafter you can discover your Ikigai.