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Preamble
The concept of Ikigai is a simple yet powerful one.
This is a Japanese word and concept that embodies a more diverse and holistic view of one’s purpose in life.
In a nutshell, it can be defined as, "Ikigai: the process of allowing the self's possibilities to blossom". (Kobayashi Tsukasa)
You can go as deep and wide with it as you’re willing. This is a framework to flesh out that journey. Check in with it periodically to make sure you’re working on the things that matter most to you.
Thank you for buying this journal. If you believe in this process and dedicate some time over the coming months to the questions put forward, I am sure you will grow. You develop a deeper understanding of your unique value to the world and how to share it with others around you.
Introduction
The plan:
What you Love
What you’re Good At
What the World Needs
What you can/will be Paid For
Ikigai is the intersection of all four of these realms. This will require unearthing then dismantling the values and beliefs that don’t serve you along this journey. It’s not easy but it’s quite rewarding.
Over the next forty weeks you should set aside time to think about then write your reflections on each question that is posed to you. (One per day)
On the fifth day of the week there won’t be a question, challenge yourself to brainstorm the intersections between the answers from the previous days and what they might look like in action.
Finally by the end of the forty weeks, it’s time to unpack what you’re doing well that contributes to your Ikigai journey and what is incongruent. Flesh out a realistic plan to align your daily thoughts and actions towards your Ikigai centre.
While nobody else can tell you what you’ll need to do at the end of your exploration, we will set up a dedicated digital community to share and continue your journey connected with others if you’d like.
There will be parts of this process that are emotionally charged and unearth surprising things inside you. At any point if you are overwhelmed with your responses to these questions, be kind to yourself. Consider taking a day or a few off then revisit the journal when you’re ready.
You’ll get as much out of it as you put into it. Don’t expect any grand epiphanies. The most valuable outcomes come incrementally. Try to enjoy the process each day and you’ll be amazed what you learn about yourself by the end!
Instructions
This journal is broken down into four main sections for each week:
Day 1: What You Love
Day 2: What You’re Good At
Day 3: What the World Needs of You
Day 4: What You Can Get Paid For
Remember whenever possible to frame your answers in the positive and focus on active activities rather than passive ones.
For example, an active activity is painting whereas a passive activity is watching T.V. Another way to think about it is consuming versus producing. Even if you are doing an activity that does not result in a tangible outcome, it’s still better to prioritize activities that you have to actively engage with.
Try to work on each question for at least 10 minutes. The more time you can spend with each question, the more you will get out of it though.
With that, let’s get started!
Part One
Let's start slow and with what you know best: yourself.
From there we will build on this and open up the perspective to your immediate community and eventually your broader world view.
These questions are aiming to put you in a mindset of self-reflection with the purpose of forward direction. The goal is not to 'fix' or 'improve' yourself but merely to give voice to self-awareness in an attempt to align yourself with your daily actions.
Remember try to give each question at least ten minutes of thought per day but don't force anything. Even if you just sit with the questions (or research) for those ten minutes contemplating but not writing, you're still working.
You might find strange or surprising emotions arising as you think about these questions. If this happens, ask yourself: "Where they are coming from?" Try not to fight against any thoughts or emotions. Simply observe them for what they are, document them, then allow them to exist for as long or short as your brain requires.
Week 1
Day 1: What were you doing the last time you lost track of time?
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Day 2: What have you won awards for in the past 5 years? (Or received any kind of recognition for)
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