Ikigai: A Self-Coaching FRAMeWORK for Career Fulfillment
Many of us struggle with the question of purpose at different stages of our lives. You might find yourself wondering if your current job truly reflects who you are or if there's a more meaningful path waiting for you. Whether you're just starting your career, considering a shift, or simply looking for more meaning in what you do, you're not alone in this search for a sense of purpose.
Below we explore the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai (a reason for being).
How can you create a fulfilling career that aligns with your values and aspirations?By integrating what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. Your Ikigai.
Uncovering your Ikigai can connect the dots between your skills, passions, and the impact you want to make. It can spark motivation, bring joy into your daily routine, and ultimately guide how you approach your career and your well-being.
Are you a young professional? If you’re starting out and feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of choices, understanding your Ikigai can help you to know which option aligns with your whole self.
Are you a mid-career seeker? For those at a crossroads, whether you’re feeling symptoms of burnout or just craving a change, this framework can offer clarity and direction.
Are you feeling stuck? If you find yourself in a job that doesn’t resonate with you, Ikigai can guide you toward roles that align with your true self.
In this blog, I’ll share some self-coaching questions to help you dig deep and explore your Ikigai. These questions are designed to spark introspection and guide you toward a more fulfilling career and life. I’m curious what you find out!
1. What Do You Love?
Reflecting on what brings you joy can help solidify the passions and interests that energize and inspire you.
What activities make you feel most alive and engaged?
When do you lose track of time because you’re so engrossed in what you’re doing?
What topics or issues are you passionate about discussing or learning more about?
2. What Are You Good At?
Acknowledging your skills and strengths can guide you toward fulfilling opportunities.
In what situations have you felt the most confident and capable?
What skills or talents do you have that cost you little energy to use?
What feedback have you received from others regarding your strengths?
3. What Does the World Need?
Considering the needs around you means you connect your passions and skills to meaningful contributions.
What problems or challenges in the world resonate with you?
How do your passions align with the needs of your community or society?
How might your unique perspective contribute to addressing them?
4. What Can You Be Rewarded For?
Finding ways for financial and personal rewards ensures that your efforts are sustainable.
What skills do you possess that are in demand?
How can you leverage your talents and passions to create value in a way that is financially rewarding?
What career opportunities align with your expertise and interests?
5. Finding the Intersection
Discovering the overlaps among your passions, strengths, societal needs, and potential rewards helps you to find a direction that feels fulfilling and achievable.
Looking at your passions, strengths, societal needs, and potential rewards, what patterns do you notice?
What common themes or ideas emerge when you look at your passions, strengths, societal needs, and potential rewards?
Who can you talk to about this to brainstorm ideas?
6. Reflecting on Your Current Situation
Evaluating your current situation against your Ikigai can help show areas for improvement or change which will take you toward deeper fulfillment.
How satisfied are you with your current career path in terms of your Ikigai?
What aspects of your current situation align with your sense of purpose, and which do not?
What changes can you make today to move closer to your Ikigai?
7. Setting Actionable Goals
Creating specific steps based on your reflections means you can take tangible movement toward a career and life aligned with your Ikigai.
What specific steps can you take in the next week to explore your Ikigai further?
How can you incorporate more of what you love into your daily routine?
What small experiments can you try to test out new career paths or opportunities?
Who can support you to create and stick to a plan?
Discovering your Ikigai is an ongoing journey of continuous growth and self-discovery. By asking yourself these self-coaching questions, you can begin to gain clarity on your purpose and take actionable steps toward a fulfilling career that enhances your well-being.
Are you ready to find deeper fulfillment in your daily life? Reach out.
