Going Beyond Ikigai – Deciphering what you love doing and what you are good at
Most of you would have heard about Ikigai. Ikigai is the Japanese concept that represents the intersection of four key elements:
1. What you are good at 2. What you love doing 3. What the world needs & 4. What it will pay you for
It is the balance between aptitude, passion, societal value and market value, offering a sense of purpose and fulfilment in life.
Two aspects of Ikigai — identifying what the world needs and what people are willing to pay for — are relatively straightforward to recognize. In contrast, discovering the more personal elements — what you truly love and what you’re naturally good at — requires deeper reflection. To aid in this exploration, I’ve assembled 10 questions aimed at helping you uncover these two vital dimensions. While I don’t claim complete originality, since I’ve curated them myself, let’s refer to this set as PC (Passion & Calling)-10.
PC-10: The Ten Questions to Help You Discover Your Passion & Calling i.e. What You Love Doing and What You’re Good At.
1. What Do You Understand Quickly? Think about the activities or subjects that come naturally to you. These could be skills or concepts that others may struggle with but make sense to you almost intuitively. Natural aptitudes often hint at your zones of genius.
2. What Do You Easily Remember for Long? Pay attention to what effortlessly sticks with you. Is it technical information, creative ideas, people’s stories, or numerical data? Your ability to retain specific types of knowledge could signal where your passion and aptitude intersect.
3. What Did You Love Doing as a Child? Revisit your childhood passions. Many times, the seeds of our calling are planted early, before societal expectations or practical concerns steer us away from them.
4. In What Tasks Do You Lose Track of Time? Think about activities where you experience “flow” — where time flies without you noticing. When you’re “in the zone,” completely absorbed, you are likely aligned with your innate passions. Be sincere, though — Don’t answer this question with “Bingeing on Netflix”. This is a path finder to your calling and not a hedonistic search!
5. What Compliments Do You Get? Take note of the feedback you frequently receive from others. Are you praised for your creativity, leadership, empathy, or problem-solving? Sometimes others can spot your talents better than you can. Pay attention to compliments — but discount compliments motivated by self-interest, e.g. a whiner praising you for being a good listener so that he can continue venting.
6. What Do People Seek Your Help For? Notice the areas where others seek your guidance or expertise – it could advice for conflicts, career decisions, or problem-solving? This can reveal your natural strengths and how others perceive your unique contributions.
7. Who Are Your Role Models? List and examine the people you admire deeply. What about their careers or lives resonates with you? Your role models often embody the traits or paths you aspire to emulate, offering clues to your own calling.
8. Who Do You Feel Jealous Of? Viewed perspicaciously, jealousy can be a brutally honest indicator. Whose lives trigger that pang — and why? Is it their freedom, success, creativity, or impact? The answers can illuminate unmet aspirations within you.
9. What Problems Are You Driven to Solve Without Expecting a Reward? Real passion often comes without the expectation of compensation. Whether it’s fighting for justice, promoting cleanliness, or exploring philosophical dilemmas, the problems you are drawn to solving reflect your true nature.
10. What Does Your Ideal Day Look Like? Visualize a perfect day: What are you doing? Who are you with? Where are you? The answers can reveal the kind of life and work environment that would fulfil you. Again, be careful not to confuse fleeting indulgences – four naps a day with strong wi-fi for serial watching when you are awake- with deeper fulfilment.
Closing Thoughts
Ikigai is a profound beginning but not enough. The next step is about self-discovery: Understanding your passion and your aptitude.
Discovering your passion and aptitude is the next step. I will be glad if these questions become the torch for you to take that step. The idea is to move beyond the wonderful abstractness of ikigai to your fulfilment.
Contrary to the romantic notion of a sudden, mystical tug from the universe, discovering your calling is not about fate. It is about wide exposure — experiencing as much of the world as you can — and wise assistance — seeking mentors and guidance along the way.
Ask yourself these 10 questions honestly. Reflect deeply. Encourage your children and younger colleagues to do the same. Finding your calling isn’t just about choosing a career. It’s about unlocking your truest potential and living a life filled with meaning.
Keep walking!
PS: If you prefer to watch/hear this piece on youtube please go to the link below. Thanks.