Ikigai

Ikigai pronounced is ee-key-guy. This is a Japanese concept that means, "A reason for being." "Iki" in japanese means "Life" and "Kai" means "Effect, Result'. Above all else Ikigai is a lifestyle that strives to balance the spiritual life with the practical life. This balance is found at the intersection where your passions and talents converge with the things that the world needs and is willing to pay for. The average life of someone practicing this way of living is 83.7 years. They have many dietary restrictions and practices that aid in longevity. The purpose is to define what you can best contribute to the world, the things you are good at and that give you pleasure while doing it. Using life practices towards fulfillment. It is like exercising our most tuned capabilities. Extrinsic motivation is unachievable, it is impossible to motivate other people. (At least not to the things they are not already motivated too, also know as intrinsic.) To get closer to finding your Ikagai ask yourself the following questions: What is my element? Fire or ice, introvert or extrovert, and sometimes it is a mix of both. What activities do I experience flow? What is it that you are doing that makes time fly or that makes you completely forget about time all together? What fully engages you or what is something you can spend hours doing? What do you find easy to do? What did you enjoy doing or gravitate towards as a kid? Ikigai is a union of these fundamental components- passion, vocation, profession, and mission. When what you love meets what you are good at. It's important to do whats best for you. It is important to know how to say "no". It is necessary to take care of your energy and practice continuous personal development. Stop and decide to do something fulfilling

that aligns with your personal values and hold the company of those who feel similarly. Simplify and don't make things too difficult.