The idea of joy and fulfilment driven by purpose and meaning in life is beautifully captured by the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” – where “IKI” means life and “GAI” means to value or worth. Simply put Ikigai is that which makes life worth living.

This ideology dates to the Heian period (A.D. 794 to 1185), and it is now gaining the attention of millions around the world. The Japanese believe it is the secret to living a longer, happier, and more fulfilled life. This way of life is even more well-known and noted in Okinawa which is popularly known as the “Land of Immortals” as it has among the longest life spans in the world.

Ikigai is our reason to get up in the morning, the thing that gives us the most joy and a sense of fulfilment. Ikigai is different for different people and specific to their lives, values, and belief systems. The activities that make people experience Ikigai are spontaneous, natural, and always undertaken willingly and joyfully. They give the person a sense of satisfaction and mental ease.

The feeling of Ikigai is not linked with a person’s financial status and circumstances. Even when someone feels that the present is dark, but they hold a clear vision for their future or a specific goal in mind, they may very well be in a state of Ikigai.

Find out your Ikigai by answering the following questions:

• What is it that you love to do?
• What are you good at doing?
• How can your talents and skills help the world?
• What is it that you can get paid for?

Your road to Ikigai may be a less travelled one, yet it will be the only one that will take you through the most exciting and soul-shaking journey and it will eventually take you to your most enthralling destination.

Beware of your tendency to fit in. You were born to stand out. Comfort and conformity are not your best allies when it comes to following your true calling in life.