Purpose. The word has different connotations. Purpose is intention at a surface level. Purpose has a deeper meaning too. It’s our mission in life, the very reason to start our day. Our every step connects to the intensity of something we feel strongly about. It makes our life that much meaningful and defines our existence.
Our purpose goes beyond our bread-and-butter duties. They call it Ikigai in Japan, which essentially means a reason for being.
Ikigai broadens the scope of a meaningful life. It’s not just about being content and healthy. Ikigai follows the principle of creating a positive impact for those around us.
As an article in Forbes says, Ikigai is a multifaceted concept that could be broken down into:
- What we love, which essentially means passion for something.
- What we are skilled at: things we do effortlessly.
- What we do for a living or rewards for our skills.
- Our contribution to making the world a better place.
Ikigai is achieved when these four elements intersect.
The article alludes to Blue Zones, areas with people who are over 100 years old. Their stay on earth is long and enriching since they’re purpose-driven. Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and longevity researcher, has extensively studied these regions – it deserves a read.
But, as the article observes, the link between purpose and longevity is not limited to Blue Zones. Numerous studies claim that purpose-driven people tend to live longer and enjoy better health. The reasons are scientific.
Purpose boosts mental well-being. It gives us a direction. It equips us to cope with depression and low self-esteem.
When the mind is healthy, these benefits automatically translate into the body. Such people care for themselves, engage in fitness activities, and eat right. In short, they follow moderation.
Purpose also makes people resilient. It fuels us with inspiration to battle obstacles.
Naturally, we would connect to such like-minded people who share similar goals. The right social connections enhance us, providing a support system. Our emotional well-being is taken care of.
To sum up, we find our inner Ikigai through purpose. To achieve Ikigai, we must reflect on what we love, what we’re good at, and how we could contribute to the world a better place. Clarity is the key.
For sure, we could be paid for following the path of Ikigai – we need to identify activities for the same.
Yes, it’s never too late to discover our Ikigai. It’s a journey that could start anytime.
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