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- RICH IN IKIGAI
CONTEXT
“Ikigai” is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to your “reason for being.”
Mark Manson (author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck) shared a framework to find your life calling, which inspired this exercise.
These 4 steps will only take about 20 mins.
But it’s surprisingly effective.
THE METHOD
🙌 Grab a pen and paper.
Step 1: What do you love doing?
Write down everything you enjoy spending time on. Be as specific as possible. Big. Small. Even medium joys.
Make the list long. Recall your childhood favorites, too.
(Bonus points for things you love doing that most people don’t).
Step 2: What could you get paid for?
Go through the list, and cross out any item that would probably be difficult to get paid for (e.g., taking naps, eating tacos).
I know I said to list ALL of your joys, but that was mainly to make you grateful for how many there are. 😉
Step 3: What are you skilled at?
Go through what’s left, and ask yourself: What are you better than 90% of people at? (Or at least willing to put in the work to become better than 90%)?
Another way of thinking about this… what do people in your life ask for your help or advice on?
Cross out the ones that don’t apply.
Step 4: What’s good for the world?
Last step: Circle the things that can have a positive impact on other people. In any way. Big or small.
Cross out the rest.
Now take a look at what's circled.
This combination will help you uncover your ikigai.
WHY IT WORKS
You’re looking for the intersection of:
1). What you love
2). What you can get paid for
3). What you’re uniquely skilled at
4). What’s good for the world
The intersection of those four is the westernized version of “ikigai.”
That combination is unique to you. Which means you have a significant advantage in achieving it.
After all…
“No one can compete with you on being you.” – Naval Ravikant
👋 Want your own copy of my Ikigai graphic? Here’s the free PDF link. Enjoy!
BTW—
I mentioned this Venn diagram is a westernized version of the Japanese concept of Ikigai. This one’s more relevant for finding your “career purpose.”
(To dive deeper, I recommend a book called Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life).
Until next week,
Jade
P.S. Thank you to everyone who booked a coaching call with me last month. It was such a delight meeting all of you.
There are only 4 slots left in April! If you’re considering becoming a thought leader on LinkedIn, book your coaching session now. You can read tons of client reviews here. 🔥