On finding your sweet spot... or your Ikigai :)

There are a few approaches and frameworks that I am quite found of and, thus, tend to use on a very regular basis. Definitely among my Top 3 is one called Ikigai.

Ikigai is a Japanese word that is meant to refer to your reason for being, what gives you a sense of purpose or meaning or, in more practical terms, 'what gets you out of bed in the morning' :)

‍The concept is fairly simple yet, in my opinion, rather accurate and powerful, for anyone but especially for those seeking a clearer career direction. Your Ikigai is supposed to be found in the overlapping area between what you love to do, what you are good at, what the world values and what you can get paid for. If you lack any of these 4 components, something will be missing.

If you are not competent in the area, you do not like it, it it unpaid or no one needs it, then you have not yet found your Ikigai.

‍Are you already living in your Ikigai spot?

‍If not, I usually suggest you start by looking at what is in 'your control', that is, finding what your Passion area is. Take some time to reflect on it :)

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[Challenge of the Week]

‍Find what your 'Passion area' - according to the Ikigai concept - is.  [Use this voucher to get a free template to get you started and for some examples.]

1. Reflect on what you truly enjoy doing as well as on what you are really good at. Don't overthink it: if it gives you pleasure and if you can do it better than most/average, it counts. And think out of the box: consider your personal and professional dimensions, but also your hobbies, sports, travelling and other projects.
2. Now find what is the overlapping area. That is your 'Passion'.

Are you focusing your (professional and personal) life in that area? Are you living in misalignment with your Passion? ‍

‍[Note: there are definitely other interpretations of passion ;) ]

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[First Published in the Seeds for Growth and Joy newsletter on 01-09-2022.]