This Simple Japanese Idea Will Change How You Think About Your Entire Life

In this video, we explore the ancient Japanese philosophy of ikigai—as well as the modern, Western interpretation of the philosophy—in order to find insights into how we can forge a life and career for ourselves that are purposeful, healthy, and prosperous.

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[datonehuman]

Just a little correction: One can have more than one ikigai throughout their lives, even at the same time. Thus, the purpose of an ikigai is not to set a single definite goal for oneself, but to find one's reason(s) to keep living with your heart and mind fully concentrating on the present moment.

[dustinyoung]

The purpose of life is simply to live it. Experience it fully and find joy in the journey, for that is what life is. Purpose is a trickster, a con game made by humans, experienced only by humans. But the purpose, inasmuch as there is one, is simply to be you. The purpose of the sparrow is to be a sparrow. The purpose of the grasshopper, to be a grasshopper. Be you, and everything else will take its place along the path of your journey.

[oxlzzxs]

I did became a paramedic and had a good life helping others, all behind me now but can look back on my life and know I did good in the world

[vicsamsungtab]

This "4 intersection" ikigai is a western translation. Ikigai isn't about making money or contributing to the world. It is "what do you wake up for?" It can even be your morning tea. Anything that you enjoy in life and makes you happy

[mellochord]

I live humbly and quietly in my domain. In our modern world, there is no greater value than that.

[lisam]

I think it’s important to note that it’s never too late to find one’s ikigai. And that ikigai may be different at various stages of life. I’m fortunate to have had a very successful business career. I was able to retire a bit early, and my world is now focused on art, my true passion - my ikigai. In fact, I think this would be a great video to recommend to people who are retiring, because that “natural break” in life presents an opportunity to find a fulfilling and enjoyable new way to live.

[gking]

Looking outward at “what the world needs” will get you a job, but looking inward at what you like to do will get you that job where it doesn’t feel like working

[OneEmanation]

In the name of that author - ikigai is not something we should try, let alone try hard to achieve. It is much more a process of being. Opening yourself up and dropping out limiting beliefs about how we think we should live and how we think we should be won’t just open us up to what we love and how we can best serve but the universe will respond. Everything you need is already there. Don’t give your power away but looking and pouting outside to find the perfect ikigai to make you happy. Ikigai starts within - the rest of the world is a mirror that reflects your own transformation. I hope that helps 🥰

[SentientSingularity]

I do not require a purpose, and I do not need to justify my existence to anyone, even myself.

[horridohobbies]

*Life is a journey.* It is forever changing. We must adapt and evolve.

So don't count on any one thing indefinitely. Be ready to move on.

[sheryls]

Your purpose can’t be found in uTube videos. The videos can help in giving you a vocabulary, but can’t replace experiences. This is what awakens your Spirit.

[katana]

It's weird listening to this as a 64 year old retired guy, it's all behind me now.

[Valzack]

I'm so far off that these videos don't speak to me anymore. Self improvement ran out of its usefulness for me.

[sofitssofi]

As much as I try to practise it, especially because I am a Japanese language teacher, it's the career itself that is sucking the life out of me - giving me joy and fulfillment half of the time while the other half is a sense of helplessness, lack of reason, of purpose, low self-esteem, stress, disgust, anger.
It doesn't help that if I give up on this career path I am left with nothing and I don't have the luxury of starting education anew.

[Ayverie]

A career does not give you purpose in life. I'm a stay at home parent; I don't get paid for anything. And my husband does not have any purpose at his job either, but he is happy. He too lives for his family.

[akihokokurosaki]

I can't focus on anything
My attention is now so low that I can't even read a page without getting distracted.

[yaoiblfan]

This video inspired me to keep going. When everyone around me doubts me, and my choices. This one affirmation is enough for me to keep going. Even just for my own sake. My own happiness. Thank You for posting this video.

[khaedundou]

Its always easy when i watch these videos.

[Based_Gigachad_]

Tldr: Find a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life.

[arpitkumar]

Nice to see back the OG Robert who has a wide perspective and does not take things on face value