Ikigai

Book excerpt: Embrace the Japanese concept of ikigai and discover a renewed sense of purpose. Be mindful of small pleasures each day to build a more enjoyable and fulfilling life. Keep mentally and physically active to ease the ageing process. The Japanese term ikigai has no direct English translation but essentially means 'reason for living' or 'value in life'. The concept posits that a person's ikigai lies at the intersection of four interconnected aspects of life: what we love, what we're good at, what the world needs and what we can be paid for. Ikigai, therefore, is the ideal balance between our passion, mission, vocation and profession. Ikigai is about making the most of every day, rooted in the belief that finding pleasure in many small things is the secret to a more rewarding life overall. While living in the here and now is key, the sense of purpose derived from pursuing ikigai bolsters our mental resilience to overcome setbacks and feel positive about the future. This concise, easily accessible book offers readers practical advice to identify what really motivates them to get up and go every morning and how seeking their personal ikigai can improve their daily lives. Each of the tenets of ikigai is explained and examined, illustrated by real-life examples of their application and inspiring photographs.