Ikigai: Happiness Formula

Are you feeling aimless, hopeless, and depressed?

Have you wondered why there are so many in our generation facing depression, anxiety and stress?

The reason we are facing the issue is because we lack mindfulness and very few have found their Ikigai.

Ikigai is a Japanese concept. Lots of theories and research have proved that the reason Japanese people enjoy happiness, good health and long life is due to Ikigai.

So what is Ikigai?

It simple means your 'reason for being', your life purpose. Each individual who comes into this world has a purpose. Our aim is to find the reason we are born and work towards it.

Ikigai is what makes you get up in the morning, overcome your slumbering energies.

World today is achievement oriented. There is no harm in that. But happiness gained from that is short lived. You start feeling empty. It’s always what next?

Happiness is a mental state, it has nothing to do with the money you have or the looks you are blessed with or the material things you own or your relationship status.

When you find your Ikigai, life and living would become simple. You will start enjoying life. You will not see it as a burden.

Blessed are those who have found their Ikigai. But we are not sent to this earth with a note explaining our purpose. We have to find it on our own.

Please ask yourself below questions and answer honestly. It requires a lot of introspection.

Write the answers on a piece of paper when your mind and body are relaxed. Be as elaborate as you can. Don’t feel awkward while penning your thoughts. Be free with your words. If you are not able to answer a question, let it come to you easily. Answer after a few days. And lastly, have patience. All the answers are within us. One day everything will fall in place.

1. What makes you happy?
2. What do you love the most?
3. What areas in your job you excel?
4. Which of your hobbies or talents could help this world?
5. Which of your hobbies could generate a revenue for you?
6. Choose 3 people in your life who are closest to you and know you better and ask them your top 3 positive traits.
7. If God could rate your top talent, what do you think he will choose?