In this video, Nick Kemp explores the rich, multifaceted nature of ikigai, diving into how it’s not just about finding one big purpose but uncovering and cultivating life-affirming moments every day. From a morning cup of coffee to facing fears like public speaking, ikigai can emerge from countless sources, each adding meaning and joy to our lives.
In what ways do you live out your ikigai?
Nick: It's interesting how we can define it. For some people in Japan, it is like a coping mechanism, because they do have, I think, in general, probably high levels of stress—their environment, they tend to work longer hours, they have to conform to all these societal norms. And they're very good at picking out or uncovering or just enjoying their ikigai when they have the time to do it.
And yeah, I really think it's something you uncover and cultivate. I mean, I kind of use find your ikigai in my marketing, because that is a term people tend to associate the word with. But I really like this idea that Ken Mogi talks about, that we can have potentially hundreds of sources of ikigai; from a morning cup of coffee, to taking a walk, to hugs, to surfing, your hobbies, to travel, or putting together a presentation, and almost facing a fear of, I've got to do this presentation and could be public speaking.
But you know that it's worth doing, you know it's life-affirming, because you care about the subject, or helping others through coaching.
Carly: Yeah, and the other one that I love is when you do something, do it well. It doesn't matter what it is. I think that's a great approach to life.
Nick: That idea of chanto suru, which is a far more common word and expression in Japanese, to do things properly, which we just don't say, and if we set it here, there might be even some hint of negativity, like, ‘You're not doing it well, so talk properly.’
Whereas, take care with the things you do and do them well, is something to live by. And there's also that word yarigai, like what is worth doing. If you asked yourself every day, every morning two questions: what's worth doing? And how will I experience or express my ikigai? You would probably have a pretty good day every day.