As the UK’s only ICF and Ikigai qualified and certified practising coach, I’ve noticed a recurring theme among my clients as January unfolds – a month marked by questions like “what’s it all about?” and “what’s the point?” The anticipation of the Christmas break provided a sense of relief, but with summer holidays seeming distant, many are left feeling adrift. This year, Blue Monday falls on the 15th, later than usual, yet the “Monday blues” aren’t solely experienced on a single day of the month.
In the West, we often set our sights on future positive events and goals, a practice with its merits. However, this exclusive focus on the destination can lead to a loss of appreciation for the journey, missing out on the small pleasures in our daily lives. Moreover, once the initial rush of achieving a goal fades away, the return to a low emotional state can be swift.
Enter Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that you may have come across from the misconceived Western model which asks what we are good at, what we enjoy, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for. The true Japanese Ikigai concept is much deeper than this and serves as a tool to help regulate and balance the emotional highs and lows, fostering a daily experience of joy, meaning, and value. Instead of fixating on the end goal, Ikigai encourages us to find fulfilment in the journey itself.
To delve deeper into this transformative concept, I invite you to join my next Ikigai Webinar. In this session, we will explore the intricacies of Ikigai and uncover where your Ikigai currently resides. More importantly, you will gain insights into simple practices that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily life, fostering a more positive outlook and helping you discover your purpose.
In a world that often prioritises distant goals and grand achievements, Ikigai offers a refreshing perspective, reminding us to find contentment in the present moment. Let’s navigate the path to purpose together and embrace a life filled with joy, meaning, and value, not just on special occasions but every day.
