Discovering Ikigai: A Journey to Your Purpose, Part 4
In Part 1 we began by exploring the Ikigai meaning in your life. Part 2 showed how to use the Ikigai diagram to discover what you’re good at and Part 3 focused on using the Ikigai Venn diagram as guidance on “What the World Needs.” In this final step of the Ikigai journey, we explore the fourth and often most practical element of the Ikigai concept: What Can You Get Paid For?
Remember, the Ikigai concept is a Japanese philosophy that signifies “a reason for being.” It represents the intersection where your passions, talents, societal needs, and financial viability converge, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
But finding your Ikigai isn’t just about passion, skills, and impact—it’s about turning those into a sustainable livelihood. This post on the Ikigai concept will help you identify how your purpose can align with financial abundance.
Understanding the Ikigai Concept
The Ikigai concept is a Japanese philosophy that signifies “a reason for being.” It represents the intersection where your passions, talents, societal needs, and financial viability converge, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
The Role of “What You Can Be Paid For” in the Ikigai Concept
Identifying “What You Can Be Paid For” is crucial in the Ikigai concept as it ensures that your passions and skills are sustainable and valued in the marketplace. This element transforms your purpose into a viable profession, aligning your personal fulfillment with economic reality.
At the heart of this element lies a question: What value can you provide to others for whom they are willing to compensate you? It’s not about chasing money for the sake of it but creating a meaningful exchange where your purpose supports others—and they, in turn, help you.
For me, the answer is clear: I can get paid to inspire, guide, and help others step into their light. It’s not an easy path but the most rewarding one. Helping others shine their light and live their highest purpose while feeling happy, joyous, and free is one of the greatest blessings in my life.
Reflective Questions to Identify Your Earning Potential
To align your purpose with what you can get paid for, the Ikigai concept focuses on the following questions:
- What unique value do you offer that people consistently appreciate or seek out?
- How do your skills, passions, and impact translate into a product, service, or opportunity others need?
- What problems can you help solve that people are willing to invest in fixing?
- Have you explored ways to monetize your passions, such as teaching, coaching, or creating?
- Is there a gap in the market that you can fill with your unique abilities?
Reflecting on these questions can help you identify opportunities where your purpose aligns with financial compensation.
Integrating “What You Can Be Paid For” into Your Ikigai
Aligning your passions and skills with market needs ensures that your purpose is both fulfilling and sustainable. For instance, if you excel in writing and have a passion for storytelling, you might explore careers in content creation, journalism, or authoring books. This alignment allows you to do what you love while meeting financial needs.
My Insights
I have discovered many ways to align my Ikigai with financial rewards:
- Coaching: Helping people live their truth and heal has become a cornerstone of my work—and a way to sustain my purpose.
- Speaking: As an inspirational speaker, I can share stories and lessons that help others find the courage to embrace their light.
- Guiding Others: Whether through coaching programs, workshops, or courses, I help people walk their healing paths toward their highest purpose.
But these aren’t just ways to earn money—they’re also extensions of my mission to inspire transformation and joy.
Practical Exercise to Identify “What You Can Get Paid For”
Here’s an actionable exercise to help you connect your purpose to earning opportunities:
- Make a Value List:
- Write down the skills and passions you enjoy most (from the first two Ikigai elements).
- Identify which of these provide value to others.
- Research Opportunities:
- Explore industries, niches, or markets where your passions align with demand.
- Talk to Your Audience:
- Ask potential clients or peers what they would invest in that aligns with your skills or passions.
- Brainstorm Monetization Ideas:
- Consider ways to turn your offerings into products, services, or experiences.
- Take Action:
- Choose one idea and start experimenting, even on a small scale.
Understanding the Ikigai concept involves harmonizing your passions, talents, societal contributions, and financial opportunities. By focusing on “What You Can Be Paid For”, you ensure that your purpose is not only personally fulfilling but also economically viable.
For personalized guidance on aligning your purpose with a sustainable career, consider exploring our Transformative Coaching program. At Go Within Spiritual Coaching, we are dedicated to helping individuals discover and live their true purpose. For personal direction and help with identifying and integrating your Ikigai, schedule your complimentary 1-hour Discovery call.
As this series ends, I hope you’ve gained the clarity and tools to embark on your journey to Ikigai. Thank you for being part of this exploration of purpose and meaning.
