9 ways the Japanese concept ‘ikigai’ can bring you a longer, happier life

The Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’ is a fascinating approach to life. Literally translating to “reason for being”, it’s all about finding joy and purpose in everyday activities.

This philosophy, deeply embedded in the Japanese culture, is believed to contribute to their long, contented lives. Imagine waking up every day, looking forward to the day with eagerness and anticipation!

And guess what? You can incorporate ‘ikigai’ into your own life too. With a few simple changes, you can live a longer and happier life.

Curious? Well, let’s dive into the 9 ways the Japanese concept ‘ikigai’ can bring about this transformation.

1) Seek your ‘ikigai’

Discovering your ‘ikigai’ is the first step towards a longer, happier life.

‘Ikigai’ is all about finding a purpose, a reason to jump out of bed each morning with enthusiasm. It’s that sweet spot where your passions, skills, and the needs of the world intersect.

Finding your ‘ikigai’ can be a journey of self-discovery. It might be connected to your profession or it could be as simple as a hobby you absolutely love. The beauty of ‘ikigai’ is that it’s highly individualistic.

Research suggests that having a strong sense of purpose can add years to your life. Furthermore, it also contributes significantly to overall happiness and satisfaction.

Thus, take out some time and ponder over what truly drives you. What gets you excited? What are you passionate about? And how can you use it to contribute to the world? That’s your ‘ikigai’.

2) Embrace simplicity

The Japanese art of ‘ikigai’ also teaches us the value of simplicity, and boy, did it change my life!

A couple of years back, I found myself feeling overwhelmed and stressed. I had a successful career, a loving family, and a vibrant social circle. But something felt off. I was juggling too many things at once and failing to enjoy any of them.

That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of ‘ikigai’. The Japanese belief in finding joy in simple, everyday tasks resonated with me. I realized that my quest for more was taking away from the joy of now.

So, I made a conscious decision to simplify my life. I decluttered my home, trimmed down my social commitments, and focused on fewer projects at work. Instead of multitasking, I started practicing mindfulness.

And the result? A calmer, happier me!

Embracing simplicity doesn’t mean you have to give up on your ambitions. It’s about focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the rest. It’s about finding contentment in the present moment.

Try it! You might be surprised at how liberating it feels.

3) Nurture relationships

In Okinawa, Japan, one of the world’s “Blue Zones” where people live extraordinarily long lives, there’s a tradition called ‘moai’. ‘Moai’ are social support groups that start in childhood and extend into old age.

This sense of belonging and emotional security that ‘moai’ provides is integral to the concept of ‘ikigai’. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and having a strong social network.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the value of genuine human connection. But quality relationships are crucial for our mental and physical health, and they play a significant role in our overall happiness and longevity.

Therefore, nurture your relationships. Spend quality time with your family, catch up with old friends, or make new ones. Foster a sense of community. After all, we are social beings, and meaningful connections can bring us the joy and fulfillment we seek.

4) Stay active

In the Western world, retirement is often seen as the ultimate goal – a time to finally relax and do nothing. But in Japan, there’s no actual word for retirement.

‘Ikigai’ encourages one to stay active and involved throughout life. People continue to work, pursue hobbies, engage in community activities, and learn new skills well into their old age.

And let me tell you, staying active isn’t just about hitting the gym (though that’s awesome too!). It’s about keeping that brain of yours firing on all cylinders and keeping your heart in the game.

Hey, why not shake things up? Try your hand at a new hobby, dive into learning a fresh language, or get in on a cool club. Even volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about can do wonders.

Bottom line? Staying active and engaged isn’t just good for your health and happiness—it’s your secret weapon for adding some serious mileage to your years.

5) Practice gratitude

Gratitude plays a significant role in the Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’. It’s about appreciating what you have and expressing thankfulness for it.

The act of appreciating and acknowledging the good in your life can shift your perspective and lead to greater happiness. It can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life, rather than dwelling on the negative.

Practicing gratitude can be as simple as jotting down three things you are thankful for each day or expressing your appreciation to someone who has made a difference in your life.

Keep in mind, it’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness. So, start practicing gratitude today, and watch your life transform.

6) Make peace with imperfection

There’s a profound beauty in imperfection, according to Japanese philosophy. This concept, known as ‘wabi-sabi‘, ties in closely with ‘ikigai’.

Here’s the thing: in our never-ending quest for perfection, we tend to overlook the raw beauty in life’s little quirks—the asymmetry, the rough edges, the simple moments. We get so caught up in fixing our flaws that we forget they’re what make us who we are.

But here’s where it gets real: embracing ‘wabi-sabi’ is akin to giving yourself permission to just be you—imperfections and all. And trust me, there’s something downright freeing about accepting yourself, flaws and all.

So cut yourself some slack, alright?

Celebrate those little quirks that make you, well, you. ‘Cause at the end of the day, life’s all about embracing the beautifully imperfect journey—your journey.

7) Cultivate resilience

Life is unpredictable. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, joys and sorrows. While we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how we react to it.

A few years ago, I faced a major setback in my career. It felt like my world was crashing down around me. But instead of letting it break me, I chose to see it as an opportunity for growth.

This resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is a key element of ‘ikigai’. It’s about learning from hardships, growing stronger from failures, and continually moving forward.

When you cultivate resilience, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges. It enables you to maintain a positive outlook and find happiness even in tough times. So remember, it’s not about how hard you fall, but how quickly you get back up.

8) Enjoy the journey

‘ikigai’ teaches us that life is not about the destination, but the journey. It’s about enjoying every moment, every step of the way.

We often get so caught up in our goals and ambitions that we forget to live in the present. We’re constantly chasing after something, forgetting to enjoy what we have now.

But true happiness comes from living in the moment. It’s about finding joy in the simple things – a good book, a walk in the park, a cup of coffee, or a chat with a friend.

My advice? Take a break from your busy schedule. Take time to smell the roses. Enjoy the journey, because that’s where real happiness lies.

9) Live intentionally

At its core, ‘ikigai’ is about living intentionally. It’s about making conscious choices, aligning your actions with your values and purpose.

Living intentionally means not just drifting through life, but actively shaping it. It’s about setting goals that align with your ‘ikigai’ and pursuing them with passion and perseverance.

When you live intentionally, every decision, every action becomes meaningful. It gives you a sense of direction, a sense of purpose. It can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction and happiness in life.

Here’s the deal: don’t settle for just existing. Get out there and live. And not just any old kind of living—live with intention.  

Final thoughts: It’s about harmony

At the heart of the Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’ lies the idea of balance and harmony. It’s about aligning your passions, talents, values and the needs of the world into a cohesive whole.

It’s not about living a longer life just for the sake of it, but about making those extra years meaningful and fulfilling. It’s about discovering what truly matters to you and pursuing it with all your heart.

In the words of renowned psychologist Carl Jung, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” And perhaps ‘ikigai’ can be your compass in this journey of self-discovery.

Whether it’s finding joy in small everyday tasks, nurturing relationships, embracing imperfections or living intentionally, ‘ikigai’ encourages us to live a life that resonates with our true self.

So as you go forth from here, consider this: What’s your ‘ikigai’? How can you bring more of it into your life? After all, a life well-lived is a life lived in harmony with oneself.