Ikigai: Finding Purpose
Ikigai: finding purpose is one of the IDG courses. It is a Japanese concept that refers to the things that bring value to our lives and make life worthwhile. It enhances our personal growth and it is future-oriented.
Finding purpose is like seeking meaning in life and when we get the answers, it helps us live a fulfilled life. Finding purpose encompasses four different areas and they are;
- Passion: this is what you love, the things you do that makes you happy and keeps you fulfilled
- Vocation: this is what you can be paid for, these are most often the skills we acquire
- Mission: this is what the world needs
- Profession: these are your strengths
When we are able to reflect on the above statements, it is easier to find your purpose. I was once confused on what my purpose in life is but when I took out time to reflect and answer these four questions below, I started getting them together
1. What am I passionate about?
2. What skills do i possess that i can be paid for?
3. What is my mission, what can I offer to the world
4. What are my strengths, what do I want the world to know me for?
Have you thought about finding your purpose and how did you go about it?
Thank you @Nebi20 ✨🙏🏽✨
I think that our “propuse” can be many things and not just one… Also, you can always add more skills, you can change what you like or be curious about something completely different…
This is an interesting philosophy, but in my humble opinion, it could be felt as limited too 🙂
Sending lots of good vibes ✨
@ElenaDeMonaco
Yes you are correct, we can have many skills and also have more than more purpose. But I believe at the end of the day, there’s one you’re particularly drawn or there could also be a way to draw all of them together and be fulfilled
@Nebi20
I think my purpose. In life is to do something to help people. Also on cups I think my purpose is to. Be kind and caring for others.
@Nebi20
I like the concept of Ikigai. Though, I have noticed that some people suffer from not being able to find "purpose". I feel like some people focus too much on what they "should do". But I think it is totally fine to find purpose in what you "want to do", or what you enjoy doing.
To answer your questions... I reflected as below.
1. What am I passionate about? I am passionate about mental health advocacy.
2. What skills do i possess that i can be paid for? I am going to be a clinical social worker that can professionally hear people, treat people, support people and get paid.
3. What is my mission, what can I offer to the world My mission is to let the people be aware of the importance of connection among people. We all suffer from loneliness because we want to connect with someone, or something. If we all realize that and step forward for someone, the world can be a better place.
4. What are my strengths, what do I want the world to know me for? My strength is that once I started caring for one thing, I would never stop caring about it. I will make sure everything and all the good things are done to it.
@listening4listening
this is truly amazing ❤️
@Nebi20 Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been thinking a lot about purpose lately too. Asking myself those four questions helped me realize I love helping others grow, especially through listening and support. I’m still figuring out how to connect that with my skills and strengths, but your post reminded me that reflection takes time and that’s okay.
Thank you for your post! Finding my 'purpose' is something I struggled with for many years, until I had a near-death experience. It put everything into perspective and made me realize that fear was what had stopped me from pursuing the calling I'd always felt in my heart the whole time. I had so many doubts that I would be bad at it, or didn't have the strengths/skills for it, etc. I'm still scared, but will pursue it despite the fears, trusting that what's needed will be provided and what I need to learn I can grow in. I also believe that we are more than what we do, and our purpose can change over time, but I will start down the path that I can see ahead of me, open to new directions at later points. This is part of the reason I'm here on 7 Cups - my purpose is to help people cultivate mental and relational health 💛 Psychology has always been my passion!
@SilverWhiteWinters
Hello, I’m happy you chasing your purpose despite your fears. Goodluck
@Nebi20
Well said 🥹
@Nebi20
I love the idea of ikigai. I have been thinking about my purpose a lot lately. For me, reflecting on what I enjoy doing and what makes me feel alive has helped. I’m still figuring it out, but asking myself these questions gives me more clarity and hope for the future.
@Nebi20
Have you thought about finding your purpose and how did you go about it?
I’ve thought a lot about finding my purpose, and for me, it’s been about tuning into what truly feels fulfilling, not just what looks impressive or what others expect. It started with paying attention to the things I naturally enjoy and where I feel energized, whether that’s helping others, creating, or learning new things.
From there, it was about experimenting, trying different activities, roles, or projects to see what clicked. Sometimes it meant taking small steps, like volunteering or exploring side interests, to get a better sense of what fits. Along the way, I learned that purpose isn’t always a sudden “aha” moment but more like a path that unfolds as you align your passions, strengths, and values.
Ultimately, purpose feels like making space for what you love to be part of your daily life in a meaningful way, whether through your work, hobbies, or relationships. It’s about creating a life that reflects who you really are.
@Nebi20
Thanks for the post! I love the idea of Ikigai. 💌
@Nebi20
My purpose is becoming a voice for the voiceless and I’ve decided to become a lawyer