Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life García, Héctor and Miralles, Francesc

Book Summary

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that represents the intersection of four elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The idea is that by finding your Ikigai, or your purpose in life, you can achieve a sense of fulfillment and meaning.
The concept of Ikigai suggests that individuals should align their lives around their passions, skills, and what they believe is important for the world. By finding work that fulfills these criteria, people can lead happy, satisfying lives with a sense of purpose. It is important to note that Ikigai is not limited to one's professional life, as it can also be applied to hobbies, relationships, and other aspects of life.
Ikigai is often represented as a Venn diagram, with the four elements intersecting in the center. The diagram helps individuals to identify what they are passionate about, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can earn a living from. The intersection of all four elements is the sweet spot where individuals can find their Ikigai.
The pursuit of Ikigai requires self-reflection, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and exploring one's passions and interests. By finding one's Ikigai, individuals can experience a sense of meaning and purpose that can positively impact their mental and physical health, motivation, and overall happiness.

Key Takeaways

What you love: This refers to your passion or what brings you joy and fulfillment. It could be a hobby, an activity, or a cause that you deeply care about.
What you are good at: This refers to your talents, skills, and strengths. It could be something you have learned through education or experience, or something that comes naturally to you.
What the world needs: This refers to a problem or need in the world that you can help solve or contribute to. It could be related to your career or a social issue that you are passionate about.
What you can be paid for: This refers to a career or job that allows you to earn a living while also fulfilling the other three elements of your Ikigai.