What I Discovered About Ikigai: Zen, Not Venn

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Dr Larry Davies, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

The internet loves a good formula for happiness. From productivity hacks to self-help mantras, we’re constantly bombarded with quick fixes for a fulfilling life. One such trend, Ikigai, caught my eye with its elegant Venn diagram and promises of inner peace. Intrigued, I plunged into the world of Japanese philosophy, only to discover that the reality of Ikigai is far richer and more nuanced than a colorful chart could ever contain.

Yes, the classic Venn diagram with its four circles – what you love, what can change the world, what you are good at, and what you can get paid for, and the intersections of passion, mission, vocation, and profession – offers a starting point. It beautifully visualizes the sweet spot where our desires, skills, societal needs, and financial sustainability intersect. It is quite a useful diagram, and I will still use it with clients.

But Professor Ken Mogi, a neuroscientist who deeply researches Ikigai, emphasizes that this diagram is not Ikigai itself; it’s simply a tool for exploration. The true essence of Ikigai lies in five fundamental pillars:

1. Start Small: Forget about grand quests for your life’s purpose. Ikigai encourages finding joy in the everyday. Professor Mogi suggests starting with simple questions like “What makes me smile in the morning?” or “What small act brings me satisfaction?” These seemingly insignificant moments, like savoring a cup of tea or nurturing a plant, hold the seeds of Ikigai.

2. Flow: Remember how time seems to disappear when you’re lost in a stimulating activity? That’s “flow,” a state of complete absorption where challenges and skills are perfectly balanced. Cultivating flow activities, whether it’s painting, reading, or playing music, is key to unlocking Ikigai’s potential. Here, we can tap into the work of the Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who extensively studied flow states and identified their key characteristics, such as clear goals, immediate feedback, and a sense of control. By actively seeking activities that trigger these elements, we can increase our chances of experiencing flow and its accompanying feeling of deep satisfaction.

3. Mindset Matters: Our perspective plays a crucial role in shaping our experience. Professor Mogi encourages adopting a “beginner’s mind,” approaching things with curiosity and openness. This allows us to appreciate the beauty in the mundane and find joy in the act of learning and creating. But let’s also consider the power of Positive Intelligence, a framework developed by Shirzad Chamine that identifies and helps us overcome the “Saboteurs” – negative thought patterns that hold us back from our full potential. Cultivating the counterbalancing “Sage” qualities like optimism, resilience, and gratitude, aligns perfectly with the Ikigai principle of embracing a positive mindset.

4. Gratitude, Not Greed: Ikigai isn’t about striving for more; it’s about cherishing what we already have. Cultivating gratitude, whether for small blessings or life’s grand gifts, opens us up to a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction. Here, the famous Japanese organizer Marie Kondo comes to mind with her philosophy of “spark joy.” By surrounding ourselves with things that bring us genuine joy and letting go of the rest, we create an environment that nurtures gratitude and aligns with the Ikigai concept of appreciating what truly matters.

5. The Power of “Muda”: Embrace imperfections. In Japan, there’s a concept called “Muda,” which means wastefulness. Ikigai teaches us to find beauty in the incomplete, the imperfect, and the ever-changing. Accepting life’s impermanence allows us to focus on the present moment and find joy in the journey, not just the destination.

These five pillars may not neatly fit into a Venn diagram, but they offer a roadmap to a richer, more meaningful life. Ikigai isn’t a static state to be achieved; it’s a dynamic process of self-discovery and growth. It’s about savoring the present, finding flow in everyday activities, and cultivating a grateful heart.

So, how do you unlock your Ikigai? The answer lies in introspection and action. Start by reflecting on Professor Mogi’s pillars, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s flow characteristics, and Shirzad Chamine’s Positive Intelligence framework. What small things bring you joy? Can you identify any flow activities in your life? Can you cultivate a more grateful mindset by adopting the “Sage” qualities and letting go of negative “Saboteurs?” Take inspiration from Marie Kondo’s approach to surrounding yourself with things that spark joy.

As you explore these questions, remember that Ikigai is not a solo journey. Connect with others who are interested in Ikigai. Share your experiences, learn from each other, and build a supportive community.

The search for Ikigai is not about finding…well, three things…

1. “…ultimate happiness; it’s about enriching the journey itself. It’s about embracing the everyday, appreciating the little things, and finding purpose in the present moment.”

2. “…a singular destination; it’s about savoring the dance of life through all its twists and turns. So, grab your dancing shoes, step onto the floor, and discover the joy of living a life fueled by passion, purpose, and gratitude.”

3. “…the ‘aha’ moment of discovery; it’s about the quiet moments of contemplation, the gradual shifts in perspective, and the continuous unveiling of your own unique path. So, embark on your Ikigai exploration with an open heart and a curious mind, and allow yourself to be surprised by the beauty that unfolds along the way.”