We’ve all had those mornings where we just can’t seem to find a reason to get out of bed.
I’ve been there too, questioning my purpose and feeling a little lost.
But here’s the thing – it doesn’t have to be this way. You can find your ikigai, your reason for getting out of bed in the morning. It’s like a compass that points you towards a life filled with purpose and passion.
In this article, I’m going to share eight steps that can guide you towards finding your ikigai.
1) Embrace change
Change is a constant in life. I know, it sounds cliché, but it’s true – and it’s also the first step towards finding your ikigai.
Maybe you’re feeling a bit stuck or lost because you’re clinging to what’s familiar, even if it isn’t fulfilling. I’ve been there too, and I can tell you, it’s a tough spot to be in.
But here’s what I’ve found: The more you resist change, the harder it is to find your purpose and passion. On the other hand, when you embrace change, even if it’s uncomfortable at first, you open up new possibilities.
Change can guide you towards activities that light you up, people who lift you up, and experiences that fill your life with joy and meaning. In other words, change can help you navigate your way to a more fulfilling life – your ikigai.
So don’t shy away from change. Embrace it. It’s not always easy, it’s worth it.
2) Understand your core values
A wise woman, Eleanor Roosevelt, once said, “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes.” I wholeheartedly agree with her.
Understanding your core values is like having a personal compass that guides you towards your ikigai. These are the principles that define who you are and what matters most to you.
When I was going through my own journey of self-discovery, I realized that my values were my anchors. They helped me understand myself better and led me towards my purpose.
To help you on your journey, I’ve created a simple exercise: Defining Your Values. It’s a tool designed to help you dig deep and truly understand what drives you.
Remember, your values are unique to you. They’re not what society or someone else thinks should be important to you. They’re what YOU believe in. So take some time to understand them. It’s a step towards finding your ikigai.
3) Set meaningful goals
Many of us set goals based on what we think we should want, not what we truly desire. We chase after promotions, bigger houses, and fancier cars, only to feel empty when we achieve them.
Why? Because these goals aren’t aligned with our ikigai. They don’t reflect our true purpose or passion.
Setting meaningful goals is about identifying what you truly want in life – the things that light you up, that bring you joy, and that align with your core values.
It’s not about ticking boxes or chasing after societal definitions of success. It’s about pursuing what matters most to you.
So ask yourself: What do I truly want? What goal would bring me joy and fulfillment?
This honesty with yourself is crucial. Because when you set meaningful goals, you give yourself a roadmap to your ikigai.
4) Steer your life’s direction
Life can sometimes feel like a car that’s veered off course. You’re in the driver’s seat, but you’ve lost control and you’re heading towards a destination you didn’t choose.
Here’s the raw truth: You are the driver of your life. And if you’re not happy with where you’re headed, it’s up to you to steer it back on course.
Finding your ikigai isn’t about letting life happen to you. It’s about deciding where you want to go and taking action to get there.
It might be scary. You might face roadblocks or detours along the way. But remember, you’re in control. You have the power to change direction and align your journey with your purpose and passion.
So take the wheel. Steer your life towards your ikigai. It’s a decision that can truly transform your life.
5) Start journaling
I cannot stress enough the transformative power of journaling. It’s a tool that has helped me and countless others navigate our way towards a more fulfilling life.
Journaling is like having a conversation with yourself. It allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It helps you gain clarity, identify patterns, and make connections.
But the true magic of journaling lies in its ability to reveal your ikigai. Through regular self-reflection, you can uncover your passions, values, and purpose.
In my course Reset Your Life Compass, we delve deeper into the art of journaling and how it can guide you towards your ikigai.
So grab a notebook and start journaling. You’ll be amazed at the insights it can bring.
6) Change your habits
Habits shape our lives more than we often realize. They’re the small, daily actions that, over time, determine our health, happiness, and sense of fulfillment.
If you’re feeling lost or unfulfilled, it might be time to take a hard look at your habits. Are they serving you? Or are they steering you away from your ikigai?
Changing habits isn’t easy. It requires commitment and persistence. But it’s absolutely possible. And the impact it can have on your life is profound.
Start small. Replace one unhelpful habit with a positive one. Over time, these small changes can lead to big shifts, guiding you towards a life that aligns with your purpose and passion.
Remember, your daily habits are the building blocks of your life. Make sure they’re building a life you love.
7) Find your purpose
Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” It’s a powerful statement that speaks volumes about the importance of having a purpose in life.
Purpose is more than just a job or a hobby. It’s the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning, fills your life with meaning, and directs your actions and choices.
Without purpose, we can feel lost, aimless, and unfulfilled. But when we find our purpose, our ikigai, it’s like a light has been switched on. Life suddenly has direction and meaning.
It’s not always easy to find your purpose. It requires introspection, honesty, and sometimes a little bravery. Check out my video below on more ways you can find your ikigai.
Say goodbye to living without purpose. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and align yourself with your true calling in life. Because when you live with purpose, every moment becomes meaningful.
8) Live authentically
This might sound counterintuitive, but often, the biggest obstacle to finding our ikigai is ourselves. We’re caught up in who we think we should be, instead of embracing who we truly are.
Living authentically means letting go of societal expectations and pressures. It means embracing your unique strengths, quirks, and passions. It’s about being true to yourself.
When you live authentically, you align your life with your true self – your values, passions, and purpose. That’s when you find your ikigai.
So don’t be afraid to be yourself. Embrace your uniqueness. Live authentically. It’s the final, and perhaps most important, step towards finding your ikigai.
So there you have it – eight steps to guide you towards finding your ikigai. Remember, it’s not about finding the ‘perfect’ life, but about aligning your life with your authentic self.
This journey towards your ikigai may not always be easy, but I promise you, it’s worth it.
If you need a helping hand along the way, my course Reset Your Life Compass is designed to guide you through this process. It’s a journey I’ve embarked on myself and one that I’ve helped others navigate too.
Here’s to finding your ikigai and waking up each day with purpose and passion.
