FIND + NOURISH YOUR IKIGAI

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines two words: "iki" (生き), meaning life, and "gai" (甲斐), meaning worth or value. In its essence, ikigai refers to what gives you a sense of purpose or what makes life feel worth living—your daily source of joy or satisfaction. It’s less about finding a grand "life purpose" and more about those simple, everyday activities that bring meaning to your life.

Contrary to some popular Western interpretations, ikigai does not traditionally encompass concepts like profession or how you're paid. It isn't about aligning your life with creating value for others or achieving success in the ways the now famous Venn diagram suggests. Instead, ikigai is about finding joy in what you do each day.

Shows a venn diagram of 4 large circles with labels of passion, mission, profession, vocation. the middle says "nourishing Ikigai" and each larger overlaying circle says "what you love, what you're good at, how you're paid, and what the world needs"

LIVING INTO YOUR IKIGAI

Although the Venn diagram is not an accurate representation of ikigai as understood in Japan, it can still offer a useful framework for exploring aspects of your life that bring you fulfillment. Here’s how the diagram is typically presented in the West:

  • What you love (your passion)

  • What the world needs (your mission)

  • What you are good at (your vocation)

  • What you can be paid for (your profession)

Discovering your ikigai involves a deep and often lengthy search of self. Reflect what brings you joy, what you're naturally good at, what you think the world needs, and what can sustain you financially.

The free DayBalancer app helps you reflect on these key aspects of your life. Complete an intake questionnaire that helps identify your strengths, passions, and values. The app then matches you with job opportunities or projects that match your skills, interests, and goals. It also supports self-reflection, encouraging you to explore areas where you excel and discover where your talents can make a meaningful impact, while balancing financial sustainability with personal fulfillment.

Do you have enough energy to create what really matters to you?

NOURISH YOUR IKIGAI

What the world needs is for you to live into your known potential. Yet, if you don’t honor your need to self-care, signals will get louder and more apparent over time. Learn how to integrate balance into your work by starting with one of our free assessments.

Shows a venn diagram of 4 colorful circles pointing to the middle saying "nourishing Ikigai" and 5 symbols below that says find purpose, sleep well, eat well, stress better, support others.

As you discover your passion, define your mission, explore your vocation, and build up your profession, it is important to do it in a balanced way. Be sure to nourish yourself to make it sustainable by sleeping well, eating well, and stressing better.