One of the most transformative concepts I’ve discovered in my journey as a physician who embraces Lifestyle Medicine medicine is the Japanese philosophy of ikigai (pronounced ick-ee-gah-ee). While difficult to succinctly translate, ikigai essentially refers to your reason for waking up each day – the driving sense of purpose that gets you out of bed eager to embrace life’s adventures and possibilities.
At its core, ikigai is about realizing your life’s meaning through the intersection of four components:
• What you love (your passion)
• What the world needs (your mission)
• What you’re good at (your vocation/profession)
• What you can get paid for (your profession)
When you find the beautiful overlap of these four elements, you’ve tapped into your own unique ikigai – your energizing reason for being that fills you with satisfaction and keeps you motivated through life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Beyond just a feel-good mindset, research shows that having a strong sense of ikigai supports mental and physical health while promoting longevity. A robust study of Japanese citizens revealed that those who had a defined ikigai had substantially lower risks of cardiovascular disease and enjoyed longer lifespans. Other studies link ikigai with lower rates of dementia, improved sleep, and healthier body weights.
The science points to ikigai’s role in reducing stress and cognitive strain. When we live with intention and an overarching sense of meaningful purpose, our daily efforts feel more rewarding and worthwhile. Tasks feel lighter, anxieties dimmer. We wake up invigorated rather than fatigued. Our resilience soars in the face of obstacles.
While finding your ikigai can be a substantial inner journey, there are mindful daily practices to begin weaving its philosophy into your routine without overhauling your entire life:
1. Regularly check in on your “ToBeMap.” That is, ask yourself: What activities do I most love To do? What am I Best at? What incredible Mission could my efforts serve? And how could my efforts Allow me to Pay my bills? Chart where these overlap.
2. Express gratitude each morning for the larger reason propelling you through the day beyond just professional duties or chores.
3. Throughout the day, pause and consciously choose to re-align your actions with your defined purpose and priorities rather than habitually reacting.
4. Turn mundane tasks into purposeful acts through your intentional mindset. Transform dishwashing into nurturing self/family, driving into environmental stewardship, and beyond.
5. Schedule time for passionate hobbies and interests that make your heart sing.
6. Find at least one aspect of your work that you can elevate into a calling that positively impacts others.
7. Curate your social circle to include friends who share your deepest values and aspirations.
8. Keep learning and embrace beginner’s mind to continually evolve your skills.
9. Volunteer your time and talents in service of social missions you care about.
10. When you need a reset, immerse yourself in awe-inspiring nature and quiet stillness.
11. Maintain stress-busting routines – exercise, nutrition, quality sleep, and mindfulness practices – to nurture your resilience.
Whether you’re looking to discover a whole new career path, deepen the meaning of your existing responsibilities, or simply recapture your everyday zest and motivation, weaving the philosophy of ikigai into your habits and mindset empowers you to live with intention and awaken to life’s profound magic. The Japanese have long embraced this wisdom, and you too can reap its transformational benefits.
Leave a Reply