Do I have a potential Ikigai?
To grow into a happy person, we must seek out something appealing, relevant, ambitious, and worthwhile. But how can we know whether it's our potential Ikigai?
I, like everyone else, want eternal bliss. It should be more than simply a passing fad; it should be a true passion whose delight lasts a lifetime. The majority of great people, most books, and the bulk of my friends all say similar things about this bliss. I believe that the book "Ikigai" most accurately articulates the synthesis of all happiness-related suggestions.
After reaching this conclusion, the logical next step was to identify my Ikigai. My thoughts began to race—I had a job that I liked. However, it is not always delightful. I have various hobbies, but they rarely pay. Hell, I'm not even the greatest at my work or any of my hobbies yet. So, how can I track down this elusive Ikigai? Which of my interests or side hustles may be my Ikigai?
I converted Ikigai's venn diagram above into the below four-step diagram. It made it easier to start somewhere. For me, it usually starts with “what I like."
Among my hobbies (painting, gardening, and reading), writing socially is the one that gives me the most hope of achieving my Ikigai. Let me assess it using this 4-step framework and analyze the reasons for my hope
Step 1: Do I enjoy writing?
To be honest, it frightens me. It forces me to articulate my thoughts. It also makes me more mindful of my words and ideas. This challenge is what draws me to writing publicly.
I strive to be as genuine as possible. But I've had some terrible thoughts in response to some writing-prompts. Obviously, I could not share them. No one can be that genuine, right? However, by realizing I didn't want to publish certain thoughts, I also realized I didn't want to be someone who had negative thoughts.
Writing in public is daunting, but in a therapeutic, even daring manner. That is why I like writing so much.
Step 2: Am I good at writing?
To improve my writing, I started learning the "writing processes" of some of my favorite authors. My attention was drawn to Fedrick Beckman's comment. "The thinking process is significantly more crucial than the writing process," he remarked.
I've realised that linguistic competence is only one aspect of writing that may be taught along the way. Seeing my friends succeed with their ideas while not allowing language to be a hindrance has just reinforced my belief that language is merely a facilitator. We all recently tested and played with chatGPT. It became clear that language proficiency and knowledge will be democratised. As a result, a writer will be bound solely by his thoughts, rather than his language.
Therefore, my motto is - More thoughts, Better thoughts, and clearer thoughts.
Step 3: Does the world need my writing?
I communicate with my younger self through my writing. I wish she had the knowledge and guidance that I now have. So, on a regular basis, I write about how to be a happier person, a better people manager, a marketer, a stakeholder manager, or how to pursue an enjoyable professional life. As a working professional, I am aware that someone similar to me may be struggling; my experiences may offer them the hope they require. So, certainly, the world in which I exist needs my writing.
Step 4: Would someone be willing to pay for my writing?
Eventually, yes.
In my opinion, it is sometimes OK to ignore this step of Ikigai in the beginning. Not everything is designed to provide instant returns on investment. It is sufficient to create a new, steady interest that occupies the challenge-seeking intellect. That is why, before monetizing any of my work, I am focusing on my joy and the acceptance of my readers.
Channeling my creative energy and having a unique space in this world is important to me. For now, this is enough.
Would you chase your Ikigai?
Reading, teaching, volunteering, drawing, or photography—it could be anything that piques your interest. Humans eventually aim to share their work and have their tribe acknowledge their efforts. This is what elevates any work to the status of the “Holy Grail of Human Happiness,” which is Ikigai.
If you're unsure if you'll ever be talented enough to present your work, take my advice and jump in. Begin small, gather feedback, and just take the next step. Every step we take will propel us forward. The final stage of Ikigai is to be paid for our passion, but that won't happen until we've completed the first three steps—actually enjoying something that has a place in this world.
P.S.
Books that I recommend to understand happiness, joy, anxiety, and life’s meaning
The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
21 Lessons for 21 Century by Yuval Noah Harari
Life’s Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Hyperbole by Allie Brosh
How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell
Image Credits:
Ikigai Venn diagram: https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai_japanese_secret_to_a_joyful_life.html
A hobby’s step-by-step evaluation to see if it can be Ikigai: https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai-test-questionnaires/
Canva design platform for its wonderful tools
Do I have a potential Ikigai?
May you achieve your Ikigai!!
Nice one !!!!!