Ikigai is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning.
"
It represents the intersection of four fundamental elements of life:
1. What you love (Passion)
2. What you’re good at (Profession)
3. What the world needs (Mission)
4. What you can be paid for (Vocation)
When these four areas align, they create a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Here’s how each of these
elements connects with Ikigai:
1. Passion (What You Love + What You’re Good At)
Passion is the area where your interests, hobbies, and skills overlap. It represents the things that bring you
joy and fulfillment, things you love doing that you are also good at.
o Example: A person who loves painting and is skilled at it. Their passion lies in creating beautiful
works of art, and they feel joy and satisfaction from the act of painting.
o Ikigai Connection: Passion is an important part of Ikigai because it helps fuel personal happiness
and motivation. When what you love overlaps with what you're good at, you find enjoyment and
energy in the pursuit of that activity.
2. Profession (What You’re Good At + What You Can Be Paid For)
Profession refers to the work or career that requires skill, knowledge, or expertise. It's something that
you’re not only good at but also trained for, and that can be monetized to provide an income.
o Example: A doctor, lawyer, engineer, or graphic designer. These are professions that require
specialized skills, and people can get paid for performing these jobs.
o Ikigai Connection: Profession fits into Ikigai because it enables you to earn a living while using
your skills. It’s where your competence and marketable skills align, providing financial support
while also contributing to society.
3. Mission (What the World Needs + What You Can Be Paid For)
Mission refers to the things you feel deeply called to do, actions that have a positive impact on others or the
world. This is often something you are passionate about, but it focuses more on what’s needed in the world
rather than just personal satisfaction.
o Example: Working in a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation,
addressing social issues, or helping people in need. It’s a role that involves making a meaningful
contribution to society.
o Ikigai Connection: Mission represents a sense of purpose. When your work addresses the needs
of others or the world, you feel fulfilled because you’re contributing to something larger than
yourself. It can lead to deep personal satisfaction and a sense of living a meaningful life.
4. Vocation (What You Love + What the World Needs)
Vocation refers to the calling or purpose you feel to help others or contribute to society in a way that feels
fulfilling. It’s the intersection of what you love doing and what the world requires, often linked to your core
values.
o Example: A teacher who loves helping others learn and feels passionate about educating the next
generation, making a positive impact on their students and society.
o Ikigai Connection: Vocation is often what drives us to make a difference in the world, helping us
connect our passions with societal needs. It’s where your personal interests and societal
contribution meet, giving you a sense of moral and emotional fulfillment.
