Discovering Ikigai: A Journey to Your Purpose, Part 4

Discovering Ikigai: A Journey to Your Purpose, Part 4

ikigai concept

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:

  1. What unique value do you offer that people consistently appreciate or seek out?
  2. How do your skills, passions, and impact translate into a product, service, or opportunity others need?
  3. What problems can you help solve that people are willing to invest in fixing?
  4. Have you explored ways to monetize your passions, such as teaching, coaching, or creating?
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Research Opportunities:
    • Explore industries, niches, or markets where your passions align with demand.
  3. Talk to Your Audience:
    • Ask potential clients or peers what they would invest in that aligns with your skills or passions.
  4. Brainstorm Monetization Ideas:
    • Consider ways to turn your offerings into products, services, or experiences.
  5. 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.

Discovering Ikigai: A Journey to Your Purpose, Part 1

Discovering Ikigai: A Journey to Your Purpose, Part 1

ikigai meaning

Discovering Ikigai: A Journey to Your Purpose, Part 1

Finding purpose in life can be challenging, but the Ikigai meaning to your life provides a powerful framework to help you align passion, mission, vocation, and profession. If you’re ready to go deeper into self-discovery and personal transformation, Transformative Coaching can guide you through uncovering and embracing your unique purpose.


Understanding Ikigai Meaning

Ikigai (pronounced “ee-key-guy”) is a Japanese term combining “iki,” meaning “life,” and “gai,” meaning “worth” or “value.” Together, they translate to “a reason for being,” signifying the things that make life worthwhile. The Ikigai meaning encourages individuals to find joy and purpose in daily living.


The Essence of Ikigai

At its core, Ikigai represents the intersection of four fundamental elements:

  • What you love: Activities that bring you joy and satisfaction.
  • What you are good at: Skills and talents you possess.
  • What the world needs: Ways you can contribute to society.
  • What you can be paid for: Professions or vocations that provide financial support.

Finding the Ikigai meaning in your life involves identifying where these elements overlap, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful life. Download the diagram for Ikigai.

Ikigai meaning - Ikigai Venn Diagram

 


The Cultural Significance of Ikigai

In Japanese culture, the Ikigai meaning is deeply rooted in daily life. It’s not solely about grand ambitions but also appreciating the small joys that make life meaningful. This perspective fosters resilience, contentment, and a balanced lifestyle.


Preparing for Ikigai

Setting the stage for discovery is essential before diving into the details of these elements. Here are some steps to help you prepare:

  • Reflect on Your Identity: Your job or external roles do not define your identity. Who are you beyond your title?
  • Take Pleasure Seriously: Find joy in simple activities and hobbies. Often, these small moments lead to deeper passions.
  • Connect with Others: Engaging in what you enjoy often leads to meeting like-minded people who can inspire and support your journey.

Reflective Questions to Begin Uncovering Ikigai

As you explore the first element of Ikigai—What You Love—consider these reflective questions:

  • What do you never get bored with? (Do you remember loving anything as a child?)
  • When do you feel happiest? (What fills you with joy and fulfillment?)
  • What were you doing when you last lost track of time? (What activities absorb you completely?)
  • If you’re working: Are you excited to go to work? Do you feel emotionally connected to the results of your efforts?
  • If you have a hobby: Is it something you can’t get enough of? Does it bring you excitement and joy?

These questions will help you identify what truly lights you up and connects to the first pillar of your Ikigai.


My Insights

Ikigai manifests in my love of creating, learning, and helping others heal. Whether exploring new tools like Canva, coaching clients through trauma, or sharing the joy and freedom I’ve found in recovery, my Ikigai is rooted in curiosity and connection. These are the passions and talents that guide me every day.

Discovering the Ikigai meaning is a journey that begins with curiosity and reflection. Take some time to explore the questions above, and don’t rush the process. In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into the second element of Ikigai: What you are good at. Together, we’ll continue to uncover the unique purpose that makes your life worth living.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series where we’ll explore the Ikigai diagram and take the first steps toward finding your purpose.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance in uncovering your Ikigai and living with purpose, Transformative Coaching at Go Within Spiritual Coaching can help you gain deeper self-awareness and clarity on your journey. Schedule a complimentary 1-hour Discovery call so we can chat about your journey towards embracing your Ikigai—your reason for being.