Ikigai And Sustainability: Finding Purpose in a Sustainable Future

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to the reason for being or the purpose of life. It is a combination of four elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The intersection of these elements is what creates one’s ikigai and gives life meaning and fulfillment.

Finding your ikigai can be a powerful way to achieve a sense of purpose and satisfaction in life. It can help you to focus on what is truly important to you, and can give you the motivation and direction you need to pursue your goals.

The Four Elements of Ikigai

1. What you love: This refers to the things you are passionate about and that bring you joy. It could be anything from spending time with loved ones, to playing sports, to gardening, to reading.
2. What you are good at: This refers to your skills, talents, and abilities. It is important to recognize and acknowledge what you are naturally good at, as this can be a key factor in finding your ikigai.
3. What the world needs: This refers to the impact you can make on the world through your ikigai. It could be anything from providing care for the elderly, to working on environmental conservation, to teaching children.
4. What you can be paid for: This refers to the economic aspect of ikigai, or the ability to make a living through your purpose. It is important to consider this aspect, as having a source of income is essential for sustaining a fulfilling life.

How to find your Ikigai

1. Reflect on your values and interests: Take some time to reflect on what is important to you and what you enjoy doing. Make a list of your values, interests, and passions.
2. Identify your skills and abilities: Make a list of the things you are naturally good at and what you have a talent for. This can be anything from a skill you learned through experience or training, to a talent you were born with.
3. Consider what the world needs: Think about the problems and challenges facing the world and how you can contribute to finding solutions. This can be through a career, volunteer work, or a hobby.
4. Assess your options: Take a look at the intersection of your values, skills, and the world’s needs. Consider what options exist that allow you to combine these elements and create a fulfilling life.

Ikigai Personality Tests Online

To help people discover their Ikigai, there are several personality tests available online. These tests use different approaches to measure traits, skills, values, and interests that can help identify your Ikigai.

Here are some of the most popular Ikigai personality tests online:

1. Ikigai Quiz by Happify: This is a simple and quick quiz that asks questions about your personality, interests, values, and goals. The results provide a personalized report with recommendations for finding your IKIGAI.
2. Ikigai Test by Talentsmart: This test uses a combination of self-assessment and expert analysis to help you discover your strengths, values, and passions. The results provide a detailed report with specific actions to take towards finding your IKIGAI.
3. Ikigai Compass by Maria Popova: This test uses a visual approach to help you discover your IKIGAI by exploring four different domains: What you love, What you are good at, What the world needs, and What you can be paid for.
4. Ikigai Matrix by Lifehacks: This test uses a matrix approach to help you discover your IKIGAI by exploring four different domains: What you love, What you are good at, What the world values, and What you can be paid for.

While these Ikigai personality tests can provide valuable insights, it is important to remember that they are just a starting point. Your Ikigai is a personal journey, and finding it requires effort, self-reflection, and experimentation.

Taking an Ikigai personality test can be a great way to start your journey towards finding your purpose. By exploring your strengths, values, and passions, you can gain a deeper understanding of what makes you happy and fulfilled. Just remember to take the results with a grain of salt and continue your self-discovery journey.

Ikigai and Sustainability

Sustainability has become a major global issue nowadays, with growing awareness of the impact of human activities on the planet. Sustainability is about creating a better future for all, by preserving natural resources, reducing waste and emissions, and promoting social and economic equality.

The intersection of Ikigai and sustainability can offer a unique opportunity to find purpose and fulfillment while contributing to a sustainable future.

Here are some ways to connect your Ikigai with sustainability:

1. Align your passions and values with sustainable causes: Consider what you are passionate about and how it relates to sustainability. For example, if you love cooking, consider becoming a vegetarian or vegan and promoting plant-based diets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Use your skills and strengths for good: Identify your skills and strengths and consider how they can be used to promote sustainability. For example, if you are good at public speaking, consider becoming an advocate for sustainable living and spreading awareness about environmental issues.
3. Create a sustainable livelihood: Consider how your livelihood can be sustainable, by using sustainable products and services, reducing waste, and conserving energy. For example, consider starting a sustainable business or working in a green industry.
4. Support sustainable communities: Consider how you can contribute to sustainable communities by volunteering, supporting sustainable initiatives, and promoting sustainable living.

The intersection of Ikigai and sustainability can offer a unique opportunity to find purpose and fulfillment while contributing to a sustainable future. By aligning your passions and values with sustainable causes, using your skills and strengths for good, creating a sustainable livelihood, and supporting sustainable communities, you can make a positive impact on the planet and find fulfillment in your life.

Final Thoughts

Finding your ikigai can take time and self-reflection, but it is worth the effort. Having a sense of purpose and fulfillment can bring great joy and satisfaction to your life, and can help you to feel more motivated and engaged in the world. By combining what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, you can find your ikigai and live a life of meaning and purpose. Being a bilingual tour guide and listing your tour on HiddenWalks could be your first step towards finding your Ikigai. Take part in our journey to spread awareness about sustainable tourism within Japan!