10 things I’ve learned about ikigai
1. We are all beginners
Let’s start with a simple truth:
Everyone starts as a beginner. When we start something, we will suck. But if you can keep going, then you know this is something you might be passionate about. You just have to be patient and trust that your skills will grow with time and consistent effort.
2. Follow your passion
Follow your interests or things that makes you happy. They help us discover new abilities such as better focus and time management. Again, if you can find something that you will enjoy and can do for a long time without getting bored or tired. You probably have found your passion.
3. The influence of friends
Friends shape who you are. So surround yourself with those who inspire you to grow. Learn to say no and step away from negative friends. Remember, it’s natural that your friendship circle change as your life changes, and that’s perfectly okay.
4. Mistakes is an important part of growing
Mistakes are stepping stones to growth. Each error is a lesson, not a failure. Do not let mistakes define who you are. .
5. Discomfort is a sign of growth
Comfort often equals not growing. If you’re too comfortable, you’re probably not pushing your limits enough. Sometimes, you need to push yourself to do things that are difficult or uncomfortable in order to grow.
6. 10% of all people seek discomfort to constantly grow
Because growing is hard and most people prefer to be comfortable than to grow.
If you seek to grow, people around you will feel uncomfortable because you’re growing and they’re not. Unconsciously, they might be jealous of you and start criticising you.
Learn to shut out their noise, focus your time and energy on improving yourself. You only have 24 hours, don’t let negative people suck energy and time away from you and your goals.
7. Share your journey
Share your struggles and successes openly. You will attract and encourage people on the same journey as you.
In Japan people tend not to talk about themselves as they don’t want to stand out. But when you take courage to share your journey, opportunities will open up.
That’s because many people gave up their dreams as they became adults so they want to support others who have the courage to follow their dreams.
You’ll also attract more jealous people too but again, focus on yourself. Let your success shut them up.
8. Everything changes, including ikigai and friends
Everything changes. Your ‘Ikigai’ will change over time. Maybe your ikigai now is to become good at speaking English, but later on, you want to be good at programming. That’s perfectly normal, don’t be stuck to the thinking that there’s only one ikigai.
Your friends also will change over time. So always seek out and make good friends with passionate people and people with similar dreams. They will inspire you to level up.
9. The journey is more important than the destination
Remember, there is no end to learning. It is not TOEIC 990. But it is the process of making mistakes, reflection and trying again and again. That is what makes life fun and interesting.
Trust me, many famous people who became very successful and rich quickly but after that, they feel empty because they have nothing much to challenge.
Always having something to challenge makes life interesting and meaningful.
10. Life has ups and downs, like a roller coaster
Finally, remember that ikigai is a journey of personal growth filled with ups and downs. Embrace every part of this journey, keep pushing your limits, and most importantly, focus on and enjoy the process of learning and growing through all the good and bad times.
You’ll never be defeated.
Be that 10%.