How to find a job to love: using the IKIGAI model

Someone said “If hygge is the art of doing nothing, ikigai is the art of doing something- and doing it with supreme focus and joy”.

The Japanese believe that everyone has an IKIGAI, a concept of discovering their individual purpose or the idea of “why you are getting up in every morning” or “the reason for living”. It says 4 main aspects that will support you to find a job to love.

The combination of words means:

IKI (LIFE/LIVING) + KAI (VALUE/RESULT)

This concept can be illustrated well by the four circle Venn diagram to find the meaning of your mission, passion, calling and career.

There are 4 aspects everyone should consider. They are,

1.what do I love?

2.what am I really good at?

3.what does the world need?

4.what can I earn money with?

This concept is much easier when you are saying but it needs a deep sense of understanding yourself. Practically it can be difficult to do.

So how can you find a job to love?

You can begin by filling Venn diagram out with keywords, pictures or ideas that the most suitable for you.

What kind of thing that you can do better? What are you really good at? Are there many jobs that suits these skills? What can you do with these skills to the world?

You can find out all your answers and your preferences in a Venn diagram. When you consider about the complete diagram, you will realize some connection between them. Try to find out your “ikigai” and a job to love.

1.what do I love?

Actually, what you prefer to do? Think.

• What do you enjoy of doing?
• What makes you happy?
• What kind of things that you love to do?

Ask from yourself and find the answers for them.

2.what am I really good at?

You have got distinctive talents and abilities. So,

• What kind of things that you can do easily?
• For what people admire you?
• What can you do naturally?

Think about your hidden talents also. It will help you to find your “ikigai” better.

3.what does the world need mostly?

You can contribute more things to the world with using your skills and abilities. Think more and get answers for following questions.

• What activities which would make a positive difference on the world?
• Is there anything that you can do for helping others?
• What would your family and people around you make proud of?
• Is there someone who wants your help?

4.what can I get paid for?

Last but not least, you have to be independent with money. So, this question will give the answer to that one. It will help you to find a job to love.

• What skills have the best demand?
• What is your experience?

After considering about all the above 4 questions, finally the question is,

what is your “IKIGAI”?

Try to find the points of intersection. With finding your ‘IKIGAI’, you will be helpful you in a lot of ways. Knowing what job to look for, improving your skills in order to reach your goals and targets and finding what is crucial to you will support you to live a joyful and comfortable life.