And that\u2019s where Ikigai<\/strong> comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Graduates wonder if their degrees will still matter in five years. It was the same when I was looking for a job after my degree, I believe it’s the same for many of graduates now too. As someone who used to and (still at times, ngl) struggle with anxiety, I understand. All these uncertainties, don\u2019t mean you’re failing at life. And that’s what many of us fear, are we useless? Are we a failure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ikigai<\/strong> (\u751f\u304d\u7532\u6590) is a Japanese concept meaning “reason for being.” (And I’ve talked a little bit more in this earlier post<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not about having one massive life mission printed on a motivational poster. When the world feels overwhelming, and our Ikigai quietly reminds us to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Focus on what you can control<\/strong> Find meaning in small actions<\/strong> Shift from fear to curiosity<\/strong> Build emotional resilience<\/strong> Ikigai doesn\u2019t promise certainty but it offers stability inside uncertainty.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need to book a silent retreat (but we can always have a chat or play session) or hermitify yourself in the mountains. You can simply start where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 3 simple ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t have to be fearless. You just need to find a few things worth waking up to, and keep moving towards them, one small step at a time. (I’m so tempted to say baby steps here)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a world full of noise, uncertainty, and endless headlines, Ikigai whispers: “You are here. You have purpose. Keep going.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I hope the article provided a greater understanding of ikigai and its anchoring role it plays in a world of mess, and I wanted to leave you with a\u00a0free\u00a0<\/strong>Purpose Framework worksheet<\/a>\u00a0so you can have a go at mapping yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mid-career professionals ask if their jobs will even exist<\/em> in ten, because the rhetoric is increasingly becoming more like you need to constantly be on your toes, be ready to upskill or reskill or be rendered obsolete. Honestly, it’s a scary world out there. This uncertainty doesn\u2019t mean you’re failing at life.
It just means you’re human<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnxiety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPositioning Ikigai as your anchor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s about finding small, meaningful reasons to get up in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Ikigai Helps Calm the Anxiety Monster<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can’t control global events, but you can<\/em> control how you show up today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Purpose isn\u2019t about grand gestures. It\u2019s found in tiny moments of connection<\/strong>, creativity<\/strong>, and care<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of asking, “What if<\/strong> everything falls apart?”
Ikigai invites you to ask, “What is still true for me, even now?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you know what matters to you deep down, you become less shaken by things you can’t control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
How to Start Finding (or Strengthening) Your Ikigai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When do you feel a spark or a smile you didn\u2019t force?
Those are Ikigai breadcrumbs. Pay attention to these micromoments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Instead of “What is my purpose??” (cue existential crisis)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Ikigai isn\u2019t a clean, linear journey.
It\u2019s a series of small experiments<\/strong>, reflections<\/strong>, and small wins<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to have it all figured out.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n