IKIGAI — PASSION & PURPOSE

By Vincent Lyn

During a recent lecture I gave at a high school in Portugal, a student asked me what advice I would offer to them about their future:

Passion is what sparks your excitement and drives your motivation, while Purpose represents your core reason for existence. These two are intricately linked, and aligning them will pave the way to a meaningful and rewarding life and career.

The Profound Meaning of Ikigai: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

The Japanese term “Ikigai” (生き甲斐) translates to “a reason for being” or the “reason you wake up in the morning.” It represents the essence of a meaningful life, blending fulfillment and joy with a sense of purpose. Deeply rooted in Japanese culture, Ikigai is often associated with longevity, happiness, and personal satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of aligning daily activities with your inner values and talents.

The Components of Ikigai

At its heart, Ikigai lies at the intersection of four key elements:

1. What you love (Passion): The activities and interests that ignite your enthusiasm and make time fly by.
2. What you are good at (Profession): Your unique skills and talents that you excel in.
3. What the world needs (Mission): The ways you can contribute to the greater good or make a positive impact.
4. What you can be paid for (Vocation): Work or endeavors that can sustain you financially.

When these elements align, they create a harmonious life of balance and purpose. This blend is not something you stumble upon overnight; it requires reflection, exploration, and adaptability.

Passion: The Fuel for Your Journey

What it means: Passion is the spark of joy and excitement that makes you eager to engage with the world. It’s the activity or pursuit that energizes and motivates you, whether it’s art, teaching, problem-solving, or athletics.
Why it matters: Passion sustains you through challenges. When you truly care about what you do, it doesn’t feel like work — it feels like living.
How to cultivate it:

• Explore: Try new hobbies, activities, or fields of study.
• Stay curious: Pay attention to what excites you or makes you lose track of time.
• Embrace failure: Each experience teaches you something, bringing you closer to what truly drives you.

Purpose: The Direction of Your Life

What it means: Purpose is the “why” behind what you do — the sense of meaning that connects your efforts to something larger than yourself. While passion energizes you, purpose provides focus and direction.
Why it matters: Purpose gives you resilience and perspective. It ensures your talents and passions contribute to meaningful causes, whether in your community, workplace, or personal relationships.
How to find it:

• Reflect on your values: What do you care about most?
• Identify your strengths: How can you use them to make a difference?
• Think beyond yourself: How can your actions positively affect others?
• Be patient: Purpose evolves as you grow and gain new experiences.

Practical Applications of Ikigai

Modern interpretations of Ikigai often visualize it as a Venn diagram, where the intersection of passion, profession, mission, and vocation represents a life of purpose and fulfillment.

For example:

• A person who loves teaching, excels at it, and believes in the transformative power of education may find their Ikigai as an educator or mentor.
• An artist who creates meaningful works that inspire others and sustains their livelihood through art may embody Ikigai in their craft.

Importantly, Ikigai isn’t limited to grand ambitions. In Japan, it also encompasses the small, everyday joys — sharing a meal, tending to a garden, or practicing a hobby. These moments of simplicity are as much a part of Ikigai as larger achievements, highlighting the beauty of mindfulness in daily life.

The Connection Between Passion and Purpose

Passion and purpose are deeply intertwined. Passion fuels your enthusiasm, while purpose channels it toward meaningful action. Together, they form the foundation of Ikigai:

• If you love solving puzzles, your purpose might involve addressing complex problems in fields like science, technology, or social work.
• If music is your passion, your purpose could be to inspire or connect with others through your art.

Discovering Your Ikigai: A Lifelong Journey

Finding Ikigai is not a one-time revelation but a continuous process of growth and self-discovery. To embark on this journey, ask yourself:

• What activities make you lose track of time?
• What do others admire about you or seek your help for?
• What would you pursue even without financial incentives?
• How can your skills and passions contribute to the well-being of others?

As life unfolds, your Ikigai may shift and evolve, reflecting your experiences and growth. By embracing this journey, you cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, resilience, and connection to the world around you.

In the end, Ikigai is not just a philosophy; it’s a way of life — a beautiful reminder to align what you love, excel in, and value with the needs of the world.

Vincent Lyn

CEO & Founder of We Can Save Children

Deputy Ambassador of International Human Rights Commission (IHRC)

Director of Creative Development at African Views Organization

Economic & Social Council at United Nations (ECOSOC)

Chief International Director at 365 Security Services

Rescue & Recovery Specialist at International Confederation of Police & Security Experts