A client recently approached me with a fascinating inquiry: to help him re-evaluate his personal Ikigai—a concept deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy. But what exactly is Ikigai? It’s the intersection of two words: ‘iki’, meaning ‘to live’, and ‘gai’, meaning ‘reason’. Simply put, it’s your reason for being; what drives you to leap out of bed each morning with enthusiasm and purpose.

Together, we delved into the four fundamental elements that comprise Ikigai, breaking down his aspirations and desires into manageable components:

1. Passion: What does he love?
2. Skills: What is he good at?
3. Profession: What can he earn a living from?
4. Mission or Purpose: What can he do that the world needs right now?

The sweet spot of life—the personal Ikigai—is attained when these four elements are harmoniously balanced. It’s about aligning what you love with what the world needs, what you excel at, and what you can earn from.

After exploring and dissecting each of these areas, we embarked on a journey of self-reflection, comparing his ideal life with his current reality. Where is he now? Where does he aspire to be? And, perhaps most importantly, what actionable steps are needed to bridge the gap and reach his personal sweet spot?

This is where coaching truly shines. It’s about diving deep into issues like this, generating profound insights and ‘light bulb’ moments, and committing to tangible actions and changes that propel you towards your desired destination.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring your own Ikigai and unlocking your full potential, I invite you to send me a direct message. Let’s embark on a free exploratory discussion about what coaching can do for you. Your journey towards balance, purpose, and fulfillment awaits.