IKIGAI as My Vision Board: Embracing the Journey
Life is a beautiful, complex tapestry woven with purpose, passion, and an ever-changing rhythm. For me, the Japanese concept of IKIGAI—the intersection of what I love, what I'm good at, what the world needs, and what I can be paid for—has become more than just a philosophical ideal. It’s a personal vision board, guiding me through both harmonious and chaotic days.
What is IKIGAI?
IKIGAI (pronounced ee-kee-guy) is often translated as "a reason for being." Imagine it as a Venn diagram with four overlapping circles:
- What you love – your passions and interests.
- What you’re good at – your skills and strengths.
- What the world needs – a sense of contribution to the greater good.
- What you can be paid for – sustainability and financial well-being.
The sweet spot where these circles meet is your IKIGAI. It’s the unique blend of purpose and joy that makes life feel meaningful.
IKIGAI as a Vision Board
I envision my IKIGAI as a dynamic, mental vision board—a flexible framework that shifts as I grow, learn, and adapt. Like any vision board, it doesn’t demand perfection. It’s a reminder of the goals I’m aiming for and the balance I’m striving to maintain. Some days, my vision board feels vibrant and aligned. Other days, it’s like trying to piece together a puzzle with missing parts.
Spot-On Days: When It All Clicks
There are days when everything feels perfectly aligned. My passions, skills, and purpose converge, and the work I do feels meaningful and fulfilling. These are the days when:
- My passion for adaptive swimming translates into life-changing experiences for the participants I coach.
- I use my skills as an occupational therapist to design a program that truly meets the needs of others.
- I see the direct impact of my work on the world around me, whether it’s helping someone gain confidence in the water or securing a grant to support adults with intellectual disabilities.
On these days, my IKIGAI vision board feels clear and powerful, like a compass pointing me directly toward my “why.”
Off Days: Embracing Imperfection
But then there are days when the circles don’t overlap so neatly. Days when:
- I question if my skills are enough to meet the world’s needs.
- My passion feels dimmed by fatigue or self-doubt.
- External challenges—deadlines, funding limitations, or personal stress—cloud my sense of purpose.
On these days, my vision board feels blurry. The pieces are there, but they don’t seem to fit. And that’s okay. IKIGAI isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.
Lessons from the Journey
Living by the concept of IKIGAI teaches me two important lessons:
- Flexibility is key. Just like a vision board evolves, so does our IKIGAI. Life circumstances, priorities, and even passions can shift, and that’s part of the process.
- Small wins matter. Even on off days, taking one small step—whether it’s connecting with a colleague, refining a skill, or simply revisiting my goals—can reignite my sense of purpose.
Finding Balance
My IKIGAI vision board reminds me to seek balance in a world that often pulls us in competing directions. It’s not always about being spot-on; it’s about showing up, recalibrating, and remembering that every step forward counts.
So, if you’re feeling like your own IKIGAI—or vision board—isn’t quite aligned today, take heart. Some days will feel spot on, and others won’t. But each day is part of the journey, and your purpose is worth pursuing, even when the path is unclear.
How do you connect with your IKIGAI? Does your vision board inspire you on the days when it feels hard to find your way? Let’s explore this journey together. 🌟
Call to Action
What’s on your vision board? How do you stay connected to your purpose? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your own journey with IKIGAI!
