Introduction
In the 33rd verse of the 3rd chapter of Srimad Bhagwadgita it is written that “All living creatures follow their tendencies, which means they act according to their nature. A knowledgeable person also acts according to his own nature”. If we work according to our basic nature, not only do our chances of success increase, but we also do our work with greater satisfaction. Let us know our “Ikigai”. Ikigai is a Japanese concept, which means “reason for being” i.e. purpose of living. This concept integrates four important areas:
1. Passion – Things you like and enjoy.
2. Mission – Things the world needs and you can contribute to.
3. Vocation – Work you can do to earn money.
4. Profession – Something you have skill and expertise in.
Through the framework of Ikigai, students can clear the confusion about their career and choose a clear path by understanding their inner selves. It makes the process of self-discovery easy and systematic, which helps students understand the true purpose of their lives. These days students and many other people have become a victim of procrastination that I am not doing anything because I have not yet found the true purpose of my life. I want to tell such people that no one will tell you, you will have to identify yourself. You will have to keep trying. This can be understood from some lines of Swami Vivekananda “Whatever work is in your hands, keep trying to do it in the best way and keep trying to know the purpose of your life, you will soon attain light. So, friends, in this blog we will understand what Ikigai is and how we can use it to understand the purpose of our life.
Section 1: Understanding the four dimensions of Ikigai
The concept of Ikigai guides us to create a balance between the four important dimensions of our lives: Passion, Mission, Vocation, and Profession. Each dimension has a different role in career selection, and understanding them is very important for self-discovery.
1. What You Love (Passion & Mission)
Think about your hobbies and activities that make you the happiest. These are the things that you can do without getting tired and that you are passionate about.
• How to identify?
o Think, what do you like to do in your free time?
o Does painting, singing, writing, or teaching inspire you?
• Example:
o If you like art, you could become a graphic designer or illustrator.
o If someone have interest in music, you could consider becoming a music composer or performer.
o If you have a passion for teaching, you could become a motivational speaker or educator.
2. What the World Needs (Mission & Vocation)
It is important to understand which fields are in demand in the world and their connection to your personal values. When you align your values with the needs of the world, you are doing meaningful work.
• How to identify?
o Understand what you can contribute to the world.
o Which fields match your values?
• Example of Fields:
o Healthcare: Doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and physiotherapists are always in demand.
o Education: Teachers and mentors who help provide new ideas and skills.
o Sustainability: Environmental scientists and renewable energy experts who address climate change.
You can explore one of these fields or many more depending on your interest.
3. What You Are Good At (Passion & Profession)
Identifying your skills and talents is the most important step for self-awareness. Find things in which your confidence is high and which you do naturally well. Suppose you like singing, the world also needs singers, but you also know that you are not good at singing, then that may not be your Ikigai.
• How to identify?
o Use self-assessment tools, such as aptitude tests or SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
o Take feedback from your mentors and friends that can highlight your hidden strengths.
• Example:
o If you are strong in communication, you can become a marketing professional or a public relations expert.
o If you are interested in problem-solving, you can become a data analyst or a software developer.
4. What You Can Be Paid For (Profession & Vocation)
Financial stability is a basic requirement for a successful career. Find out the fields that provide good salary and growth according to your interest and talent.
• How to identify?
o Research which industries are in demand today.
o Understand the scope of emerging careers like AI specialist, UX designer, or content creator.
• Example:
o Fields like IT and data science are in high demand now and they provide growth along with good salary.
o Digital marketing and freelance content creation are also lucrative careers nowadays.
These four dimensions act like a roadmap that takes you towards a balanced and purposeful career. When you take decisions after understanding them, you choose not just a career but a fulfilling life.
Section 2: Steps to Discover Your Ikigai
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for understanding yourself.
• Journaling: Get into the habit of writing down your daily thoughts and feelings. This will help you clearly understand your likes, dislikes, and aspirations.
• Mind-Mapping: Draw your strengths, weaknesses, and interests in the form of a diagram. This will help you visualize your goals and options.
• Make Lists: Make a list of your skills and hobbies that make you happy and confident.
2. Ask the Right Questions
The right questions can increase your clarity. Students should focus on these questions:
• Which subjects or topics excite me the most?
• What do people praise me for?
• What problems of society can I contribute to?
3. Explore and Experiment
Along with theoretical understanding, it is important to get practical experience as well.
• Work in fields of your interest by doing internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering.
• This will give you a chance to not only develop skills, but also to understand whether you want to work long-term in this field.
Mentorship is very important, as an experienced person can give you better perspective and direction.
• Talk to professionals in your field and try to understand their experiences.
• Mentors will guide you on how to explore your career options and overcome challenges.
These steps will help you discover the true purpose of your life and a meaningful career path.
Section 3: Practical Examples and Success Stories
1. Real-Life Stories Inspired by Ikigai
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: His passion was science and innovation, mission was national progress, and profession was aeronautics engineer. He aligned every aspect of his life with the 4 dimensions of Ikigai. His work was his source of happiness, purpose, and financial stability.
• Chef Vikas Khanna: A simple chef who transformed his passion for cooking into a global mission. He not only created his own identity by using his culinary skills, but also worked for society (e.g., feeding millions during crises).
2. Real Success Stories
I have seen many students in my teaching journey who became successful by understanding their Ikigai.
• A student came to me and said that he wanted to prepare for GPAT, I asked him “why do you want to prepare for this exam. He replied that he wanted to do M.Pharm, then I again asked him why. He got confused and came to me before the next class and said that Sir, I got the answer. Today that student is a scientist in the US and is doing well. You should know the purpose.
• Your one success lays the foundation for your next success and many times we have to keep working continuously on our Ikigai. But the best thing about this journey is that you improve with every step. A student who qualified GPAT, then did M.Pharm, during M.Pharm he cleared banking exam and became a bank manager, after that while working in a bank he cleared Public Service Commission exam and is currently on the post of Jailor. You may find this a bit strange, but he is continuously working on his Ikigai, and I don’t think he has suffered any loss because of it.
3. Simple Examples That Inspire
• A Graphic Designer: A student who was always interested in sketching and painting converted his passion into a career by learning digital tools. Today he is a successful graphic designer who achieves both financial stability and happiness through his creativity.
• A Teacher: I remember a student who wanted to make his interest in teaching and guidance his profession. He developed his skills through internships and workshops and today is a sought-after teacher and motivator.
These stories show that if you balance your passion, skills, and mission, it is possible to achieve life’s ultimate purpose and satisfaction through the Ikigai framework.
Section 4: Tools and Resources for Career Exploration
1. Aptitude Tests and Assessments
The first step to exploring a career is understanding yourself. Some of these tools help students identify self-discovery and strengths:
• Aptitude Tests: Such as the Mettl Career Guidance Test or Career fitter which assess students’ natural talents and career compatibility.
• Personality Assessments: Tools such as the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and Big Five Personality Test define your personality traits and indicate which careers align with your personality.
• Skill-Based Assessments: Platforms like SkillScan and StrengthsFinder allow students to focus on their transferable skills.
2. Career Counseling Platforms
Expert guidance is a must to plan your career properly. Here are some reliable platforms that help:
• NCS (National Career Service): An Indian government initiative that provides career counseling and job-related information.
• Edumilestones: A trusted platform for career counseling and aptitude testing.
• LinkedIn: The best network to connect with professionals and mentors in your field.
3. Books that focus on Ikigai and career growth
• “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles: This book explains the Ikigai concept in detail and how you can implement it in your life and career.
• “Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: Provides practical guidance for designing your career and life.
• “What Color Is Your Parachute?” by Richard N. Bolles: A classic career guide that provides a roadmap for students and professionals.
4. Podcasts That Inspire and Educate
• “The Ikigai Podcast”: Discusses the Ikigai framework with real-life examples.
• “The School of Greatness” by Lewis Howes: For inspirational stories and career advice.
• “WorkLife with Adam Grant”: Insights based on career and work-life balance.
5. Websites That Help in Career Development
• edumentorashish.com: Blogging website that guides students in career selection and stress-free study.
• Coursera and Udemy: Online learning platforms that offer courses for emerging careers.
• CareerExplorer: An AI-based platform that provides career matches and roadmap suggestions.
Using these tools and resources, students can identify their skills and interests and systematically achieve their career goals. The support of mentors and self-discovery exercises will make their journey even more rewarding.
Conclusion
Ikigai provides a holistic approach that makes career selection not just a decision-making process, but a journey of self-discovery and finding purpose. When you create a perfect balance between your passion, skills, and global needs, you are on your way to a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Students must understand that confusion and struggle are normal, but these challenges can be overcome with self-reflection and using the right tools. Start looking inside yourself today, discover your Ikigai, and take your first step toward a purposeful career.
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Mark Twain
Call-to-Action
If you are facing confusion or challenges while exploring your career options, this is a natural process. I am here to help you! You can share your questions and thoughts with me in the comments section below. You can get education content on my YouTube channel Edumentor Ashish and Pharma education related content on Dr. Ashish Pathak Online
I have also prepared a downloadable Ikigai worksheet for you, which will help you in self-reflection and career planning. By filling out this worksheet, you will be able to clearly identify your passion, mission, profession, and vocation.
👉 Download Your Ikigai Worksheet Here
Start your journey of self-discovery today and discover your calling and move toward a fulfilling career!
