Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to “a reason for being” or “the thing that makes life worth living.” It is often represented visually as a Venn diagram with four circles, representing the intersection of four elements: “what you love,” “what you are good at,” “what the world needs,” and “what you can be paid for.”

To find one’s ikigai, it is believed that one must discover and pursue their passion, develop their skills, contribute to the world, and find a way to make a living from their pursuits. In this way, ikigai is thought to bring a sense of meaning and fulfillment to life.

Ikigai is often associated with the concept of “flow,” a state of complete immersion in an activity. When one is in a state of flow, they are fully engaged in what they are doing and time seems to disappear. This sense of flow is thought to be an essential component of ikigai, as it allows one to fully embrace their passions and find joy in their pursuits.

While the concept of ikigai originated in Japan, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world as a framework for finding purpose and happiness in life. Many people seek to find their ikigai as a way to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, and some even believe that finding one’s ikigai can lead to a longer and healthier life. So, it is a very important concept in Japanese culture and also gaining popularity in other parts of the world.