Md Consulting

In our daily lives, we continuously seek the ideal balance of happiness, purpose, and success. While some may have effortlessly discovered this equilibrium, others are still on the journey. The start of a new year is a perfect time for self-reflection. It’s a chance to ponder where your life is headed. Consider what your purpose is and what brings you joy. Finding the right path to happiness and success can often feel like piecing together a complex puzzle.

Did you know that the Japanese have already figured out this formula? It helps in finding the right balance of purpose, happiness, and success. It is called IKIGAI. Let me first bring you back where this concept is coming from. IKIGAI is born in Okinawa. Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県, Japanese: Okinawa-ken) is a prefecture of Japan. Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, has a population of almost 1.5 million people and a geographic area of 2,281 km2 (880 sq mi).

Karate evolved in East Asia over a period of centuries. It became systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century, probably by people forbidden to carry weapons. It was imported into Japan in the 1920s. Several schools and systems developed, each favoring somewhat different techniques and training approaches.

I am practicing Karate for more than 15 years, starting Kata competition in 2022. Starting competition is a real challenge for me. I really enjoy this martial art. Karate showcases a series of values that represent the main differentiating element of the discipline. Values such as honor, respect, tradition, altruism… are at the core of the sport. Every karateka learns the strength and importance of these values from day one. Their application is fully connected to the true nature of the sport.

So, Okinawa is also home to IKIGAI. IKIGAI is a concept that has been rooted in the cultural fabric of Japan for centuries. It simply means, “reason to live.”

IKIGAI (生き甲斐) (pronounced [ikiɡai]) compounds two Japanese words: iki meaning “life” and gai meaning “result”. Hence, Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being”. The word refers to having a meaningful direction or purpose in life. IKIGAI is a sense of meaningful direction or purpose in life. It lies where four areas of your life intersect. These are what you LOVE. They are what you are GOOD AT. They include what you can be PAID FOR. Finally, they are what the world NEEDS.  

For those who are fortunate to be living in the zone of their IKIGAI, work never feels like work. They feel lucky to get paid for doing what they love. They would do it even without compensation. Ironically, they are so good at it. It is something that the world needs. People value it and are willing to pay them for their service.

If you want to understand better IKIGAI, you can read this international bestseller, with more than 1.5 million copies sold worldwide. I have read it and this is really very inspiring. In researching this book, the authors, Héctor García and Francesc Miralles interviewed the residents. They were from the Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds. It is one of the world’s Blue Zones. Ikigai reveals the secrets to their longevity and happiness. It shows how they eat, how they move, and how they work. Ikigai explains how they foster collaboration and community. Most importantly, it shows how they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives. And it provides practical tools to help you discover your own IKIGAI.

I have also found this TEDx from Tim Tamashiro. Tim Tamashiro delights us with a journey into the discovery of Ikigai, a treasure map for finding one’s own happiness. In this TEDx, Tim explains that IKIGAI originates from Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of Karate. It is also home to one of the highest percentages of centurions in the world. In this TEDx, Tim guides you on how to take the first step in discovering your own IKIGAI. You will earn your yellow belt in finding your purpose.

Have you already found your IKIGAI ?