Ikigai is often described in the West as the place where passion, talent, purpose, and income meet.
It’s presented as a tidy Venn diagram.
A career formula.
A way to “do what you love and get paid for it.”
But this is not how Ikigai is understood in Japan.
In its original cultural context, Ikigai loosely translates as:
“That which makes life worth living.”
It is not a performance metric.
It is not a career framework.
And it is certainly not dependent on how much money you earn.
Ikigai is deeply personal, quiet, and human.
The Western Misinterpretation of Ikigai
Much of what is taught about Ikigai in the West has been shaped by productivity culture — our collective desire to optimise, monetise, and justify our existence through output.
We have subtly turned it into another standard to meet.
Another thing to “get right.”
Another measure of success.
But in Japan, Ikigai is often found in much simpler, more human places:
- Caring for others
- Small daily rituals
- Craft, routine, and contribution
- Relationships and community
- Doing something simply because it matters to you
It may show up in your work.
It may not.
And that distinction matters.
Because when purpose is reduced to achievement, many people begin to feel they are “failing” at Ikigai — when in fact, they are simply being human.
Why Ikigai Matters Now
I work with people who are outwardly successful but quietly disconnected.
They are competent. Capable. Responsible.
They are doing what is expected of them.
Yet something feels misaligned.
Not broken.
Not dramatic.
Just… muted. Empty. Unclear.
Often the question they are circling is not:
“What should I do next?”
It’s:
“What actually matters to me?”
Ikigai offers a gentle but powerful way back to that question.
Not by handing you answers.
But by creating space to listen.
In a world that rewards speed and noise, Ikigai invites stillness and honesty.
An Invitation to Explore Your Ikigai
On Wednesday 4th March at 6pm, I’m hosting the next Ikigai Masterclass — a guided, reflective session grounded in the authentic Japanese understanding of Ikigai.
This is not a productivity workshop.
It is not a career strategy session.
It is a personal, thoughtful exploration of meaning.
During this interactive masterclass, you will:
- Step away from external noise and expectations
- Explore meaning, value, and joy in your own life
- Reflect on purpose across multiple roles — work, home, relationships, and self
You’ll take part in simple, structured activities:
- From the comfort of your own home
- In a confidential, psychologically safe space
- With no pressure to share more than you choose
People often leave with clarity, insight, and renewed direction — not because anything is “fixed,” but because they reconnect with what already matters to them.
Early Bird Invitation
The standard price for the masterclass is £99, but for a limited time you can book an early bird place for £39 by entering the promo code PURPOSE at checkout.
👉 Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977283737887?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you’ve been feeling disconnected…
If you’ve been questioning what really matters…
If you sense there is more to life than simply getting through it…
This may be the right space for you.
