Ikigai – Find meaning and fulfillment in life

Japanese culture has its own way of approaching the topic of motivation: Ikigai (生き甲斐) is the search for meaning in life and the pursuit of fulfillment. “Iki” (生き ) stands for the meaning of the word “life” and “Gai” (甲斐) means "value" or “meaning” in Japanese. Loosely translated, it means finding out what drives us in life and what makes life worth living.

The central question of Ikigai is therefore: What fills our “meaning of life” and motivates us to get up in the morning, take action, and experience fulfillment and joy in the process?

The Japanese art of finding meaning and fulfillment in life

In our fast-paced world, many people are searching for a deeper meaning - a reason to get up in the morning with joy. In Japan, there is a beautiful concept for this: Ikigai. It describes what gives our lives meaning, satisfaction, and direction. But Ikigai is much more than just a philosophical idea - it is an attitude toward life that can promote happiness, health, and inner balance.

It describes not only major life goals or vocations, but also small everyday pleasures - such as the aroma of morning tea, a conversation with a friend, or the feeling of having done something good. Ikigai is the interplay of meaning, joy, and purpose - individual and changeable over the course of a lifetime.

How to find your personal ikigai

Ask yourself the following questions and take enough time to reflect on them:

1️⃣ What do you love - where does your passion lie?

Get clear about what you enjoy doing. That's usually where your strengths lie, which you can then bring to your work and put to good use. Consider the question from the following perspectives:

What inspires me? In my work, but also in my private life?
What tasks or activities can I do endlessly without getting tired or bored?
When do I feel that what I am doing is right for me and makes sense?
What do I really enjoy, or what tasks or activities bring a smile to my face and motivate me?

2️⃣ What am I particularly good at - where do my calling and talent lie?

This question helps you find out which tasks come easily to you, where your interests lie, and where you have which skills and abilities. Knowing this makes it easier for you to choose the right tasks and roles for you and to use your strengths in a way that benefits your work:

What are my strengths?
Where do I have (possibly hidden) talents?
What can I do better than others?
What special skills do I have?
What qualifications, training, education, experience, etc. do I have?

3️⃣ What does the world need from me - my mission?

What meaning does life have for you - both professionally and privately? Finding out what drives you and what your personal values compass looks like will help you move in the right direction for you. The more you look deep inside yourself, the clearer you will see your place in the world:

What exactly is my “purpose”?
What are my values?
Which activities or tasks give me a sense of purpose?
What should the world remember about me?
What would be immediately noticeable if I were no longer here (what would remain undone or unrealized)?

4️⃣ What am I paid for - my job?

When you figure out which of your skills and strengths are so profitable that they pay off, you can become more efficient in what you do and sharpen your focus. The boundaries between professional and private life are fluid here, i.e., it's not just about monetary aspects:

What is my profession? My role? My position?
Where do I have passive or active income?
How do I earn my money?
What non-monetary payment do I receive for what, from whom, and when?
What is my contribution (monetary and non-monetary) to the success of my profession?

Where all four areas overlap is where your personal Ikigai emerges. It is the point where heart, mind, meaning, and usefulness are in harmony.

The 5 pillars of ikigai

Japanese neuroscientist Ken Mogi has researched the effects of the concept of happiness known as Ikigai on the human brain and personal well-being. In the course of his research, he discovered that there are five fundamental things that are relevant to feeling more joy and meaning in life:

Cultivate gratitude for the little things in life
Live mindfully in the here and now
Maintain a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature
Let go of your ego
Start small in everything you do

Ikigai in everyday life

A common misconception is that Ikigai is exclusively linked to professional fulfillment. In reality, Ikigai can be found in all areas of life - in relationships, hobbies, spirituality, or in helping others. No matter what it is, the key is that it enriches you internally and makes you feel like you are contributing something - no matter how big or small that contribution may be.

Ikigai means understanding life as valuable – in big goals as well as in small moments. It invites you to find your own path between joy, meaning, and contribution. Because your Ikigai is not something you have to discover outside yourself – it is already within you. You just have to uncover it.

I would be happy to accompany you on your journey to finding your personal Ikigai - let's talk....

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