Have you ever found yourself wondering what your true purpose is?
What gets you out of bed in the morning feeling energized, fulfilled, and aligned?
In Japan, there is a beautiful concept that helps people uncover this sense of meaning. It’s called Ikigai.
Ikigai is more than a trendy self-development tool ... it’s a powerful framework for living with clarity, intention, and purpose.
What Is Ikigai?
Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates loosely to “a reason for being.”
It represents the deep sense of purpose that makes life feel meaningful and worth waking up for.
At its core, Ikigai is the intersection of four essential parts of life:
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What you love
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What you are good at
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What the world needs
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What you can be paid for
When these areas overlap, they reveal the sweet spot where passion, talent, service, and sustainability come together.
Why Ikigai Is So Powerful
Ikigai is powerful because it helps people move beyond simply “getting through life” and toward truly living with intention.
Many people feel stuck because they are disconnected from one or more of these areas:
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They may be successful, but not fulfilled
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They may be passionate, but unsure how to turn it into a career
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They may serve others, but feel burned out
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They may have talent, but no clear direction
Ikigai provides clarity by showing that fulfillment isn’t found in just one thing — it’s found in alignment.
My Ikigai: A Personal Example
One of the most meaningful parts of the Ikigai process is seeing how your own experiences, strengths, and passions come together.
Here is my personal Ikigai:
In my diagram, the themes are clear:
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I love helping people feel grounded, supported, and seen
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I’m good at coaching, listening deeply, and guiding transformation
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The world needs more emotional wellness and compassionate leadership
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I can be paid for coaching, teaching, writing, and consulting
At the center of it all is my purpose:
I help people feel grounded, supported, and empowered to create meaningful lives through compassionate coaching and emotional wellness work.
Ikigai as a Compass for Growth
Ikigai isn’t something you find once and never revisit.
It’s a lifelong practice ... a way of checking in with yourself and asking:
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Am I living in alignment with what matters most?
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Am I using my gifts in service of something meaningful?
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Am I creating a life that feels fulfilling and sustainable?
When you discover your Ikigai, you begin to make decisions with greater confidence, direction, and peace.
Your Turn: What Might Your Ikigai Be?
If you’re feeling called to explore your own Ikigai, start by reflecting on these four questions:
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What do I love?
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What am I good at?
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What does the world need?
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What can I be paid for?
Your answers may hold the key to a life that feels deeply aligned.
Ready to Discover Yours?
If you’d like support uncovering your own Ikigai and building a life around your purpose, I’d love to help.
Coaching is a powerful space for clarity, growth, and transformation.
Happy Thursday all,
-srt
#ReaCoachingandConsulting #Ikigai #Love #worldneedsyou


