Welcome to Your Journey of Self-Discovery

Life often feels like a whirlwind of responsibilities and stress, especially when juggling demanding careers and personal obligations. It’s easy to lose sight of what brings joy and meaning. That’s where ikigai, a profound Japanese concept, can help transform your perspective and guide you towards a more fulfilling life.

View our Deep Dive on Ikigai!

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-guy) translates to “reason for being.” It represents the intersection of four primary elements:

1. Passion: What you love.
2. Profession: What you are good at.
3. Mission: What the world needs.
4. Vocation: What you can be paid for.

Finding your ikigai means discovering where these elements overlap, creating a sweet spot of ultimate fulfillment and motivation.

The Four Pillars of Ikigai

1. Passion: The activities that make you lose track of time and bring immense joy.
2. Profession: Your skills and talents that others recognize and value.
3. Mission: The contributions you can make to improve the world.
4. Vocation: The work that provides financial stability and aligns with your values.

Why Take This Quiz?

This 25-question quiz is designed to help you uncover your ikigai by exploring your interests, skills, values, and the ways you can contribute to the world. By reflecting on these questions, you can gain insights into how to align your life with your true purpose.

Practical Tips to Cultivate Your Ikigai

1. Self-Reflection:
   • Spend time thinking about what you love and what you are good at. Journaling can be a powerful tool for this.
2. Stay Active:
   • Engage in activities that you enjoy, even outside of work. Hobbies, volunteering, or part-time work can keep you connected to your passions.
3. Mindfulness and Slow Living:
   • Practices like meditation and spending time in nature can help you stay present and mindful.
4. Nurture Relationships:
   • Building strong social connections is crucial. Make time for friends and family and seek out new social groups.
5. Gratitude and Positivity:
   • Daily gratitude practices can boost happiness and well-being. Focus on the positives in your life and celebrate small achievements.

Additional Resources

To dive deeper into the concept of ikigai, here are some recommended resources:

• Books:
  • Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
  • Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day by Ken Mogi
• Websites:
  • Positive Psychology: Ikigai
  • The Ikigai Project
  • KigaiTribe
  • Ikigai Living
  • Sloww
  • Readers Books Club
• Videos:
  • TED Talk: How to Live to Be 100+

FAQs about Ikigai

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being.” It refers to the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

How does Ikigai contribute to longevity?

Ikigai is linked to lower stress levels, better physical health, and higher life satisfaction. In Okinawa, a region known for its high concentration of centenarians, the practice of ikigai contributes to longevity and well-being.

Can Ikigai change over time?

Yes, ikigai can evolve as you grow, and your circumstances change. It’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and adaptation.

How can I find my Ikigai?

Finding your ikigai involves self-reflection and experimentation. Start by identifying your passions, assessing your skills, evaluating your contributions, and considering financial sustainability.

What are some practical tips to live according to Ikigai?

• Stay Active: Engage in activities you love.
• Take It Slow: Embrace a slower pace to enjoy life more fully.
• Eat Mindfully: Practice “hara hachi bu,” eating until you are 80% full.
• Build Relationships: Cultivate strong social connections.
• Stay Physically Active: Maintain regular physical exercise.
• Practice Gratitude: Daily gratitude can enhance your happiness.
• Reconnect with Nature: Spend time outdoors.
• Live in the Moment: Focus on the present.

Discover Your Ikigai: A 25-Question Quiz

Ready to explore and discover your ikigai? Start the quiz now to begin your journey towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Discover Your Ikigai: A 25-Question Quiz

Section 1: Passion – What You Love

1. What activities make you lose track of time?

a) Reading b) Cooking c) Exercising d) Socializing

2. If you could do anything for a day without any restrictions, what would it be?

a) Travel b) Create art c) Volunteer d) Learn something new

3. What hobbies or interests did you have as a child that you still enjoy today?

a) Playing sports b) Drawing or painting c) Building things d) Reading stories

4. Which of these activities do you look forward to the most?

a) Spending time with loved ones b) Engaging in creative projects c) Exploring nature d) Playing games or sports

5. What topic could you talk about for hours without getting bored?

a) Science and technology b) Arts and culture c) Health and wellness d) Social issues

Section 2: Profession – What You Are Good At

6. What skills do you often get complimented on?

a) Communication b) Problem-solving c) Creativity d) Leadership

7. Which tasks do you complete with ease and confidence?

a) Writing and presenting b) Planning and organizing c) Designing and creating d) Teaching and mentoring

8. What subjects did you excel in at school or university?

a) Languages and literature b) Mathematics and science c) Art and music d) Social studies and history

9. Which of these areas do you feel most skilled in?

a) Analytical thinking b) Emotional intelligence c) Technical skills d) People management

10. What type of work have you been most successful in?

a) Research and development b) Sales and marketing c) Design and innovation d) Management and operations

Section 3: Mission – What the World Needs

11. Which global issues are you most passionate about addressing?

a) Climate change b) Education inequality c) Health and wellness d) Social justice

12. How do you prefer to contribute to your community?

a) Volunteering b) Donating resources c) Raising awareness d) Providing mentorship

13. What kind of change do you want to see in the world?

a) Environmental sustainability b) Better education systems c) Improved healthcare d) Equality and fairness

14. Which of these statements resonates most with you?

a) “I want to leave the world a better place.” “I want to help people reach their potential.” “I want to create something that lasts.” “I want to make a positive impact on society.”

15. What type of community or global projects would you like to be involved in?

a) Environmental conservation b) Educational programs c) Health initiatives d) Social reform

Section 4: Vocation – What You Can Be Paid For

16. In what fields have you received formal training or education?

a) Business and management b) Arts and humanities c) Science and engineering d) Health and social care

17. What type of work do you find most financially rewarding?

a) Corporate roles b) Freelance or entrepreneurial work c) Creative professions d) Service-oriented jobs

18. Which of these career paths do you find most appealing?

a) Corporate executive b) Independent consultant c) Creative professional d) Non-profit leader

19. What kind of work environment do you thrive in?

a) Structured and organized b) Flexible and dynamic c) Creative and collaborative d) Supportive and community-focused

20. Which of these statements best describes your career aspirations?

a) “I want to climb the corporate ladder.” “I want to be my own boss.” “I want to create impactful work.” “I want to help others and give back.”

Section 5: Self-Reflection

21. How often do you reflect on your life goals and aspirations?

a) Daily b) Weekly c) Monthly d) Rarely

22. What methods do you use for self-reflection?

a) Journaling b) Meditation c) Discussions with mentors or friends d) Personal retreats or time alone

23. How do you evaluate your satisfaction with your current life?

a) By how happy I feel daily b) By my achievements and successes c) By the impact I make on others d) By the balance I have in life

24. What steps do you take to pursue personal growth and development?

a) Attending workshops and seminars b) Reading books and articles c) Practicing new skills and hobbies d) Seeking feedback and mentorship

25. How committed are you to finding and living your ikigai?

a) Very committed b) Somewhat committed c) Occasionally committed d) Not committed yet

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Scoring and Reflection

Passion

Profession

Mission

Vocation

Self-Reflection