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How to Ikigai: Lessons for Finding Happiness and Living Your Life's Purpose
Discover your reason to get out of bed in the morning with the ancient Japanese philosophy that "leads to a longer and more joy-filled life" (Elise Marie Collins, author of Super Ager).
Okinawa, Japan is a tiny, tiny island south of the Japanese mainland where people live their life's purpose every day. How is it possible for so many to live each day in such meaningful ways? The Okinawan concept of Ikigai. How to Ikigai describes the lifestyle choices that have led to an island full of fulfilled, long-living people.
Examples of Ikigai in action are often magical. Take David Michiels. David stuttered severely well into his adulthood. In clinical terms, his stutter was difficult to treat. But David started to work in a liquor store. Before long, his focus turned to one specific section of the sales the scotch section. As he spent more of his days learning about scotch, he began to share his knowledge with customers. Eventually, David noticed that his stutter vanished when he talked to anyone about scotch. Over time, David's passion led to a new life. Today, he is a renowned whiskey expert, traveling the world tasting and purchasing whiskey on behalf of his employer. He feels his life is meaningful because of Ikigai.
How to Ikigai explains a simple but abstract map for living a meaningful life. After reading this book, you will understand how to implement Ikigai's four directions in your own
- Do what you love
- Do what you're good at
- Do what the world needs
- Do what you can be rewarded for
Okinawa, Japan is a tiny, tiny island south of the Japanese mainland where people live their life's purpose every day. How is it possible for so many to live each day in such meaningful ways? The Okinawan concept of Ikigai. How to Ikigai describes the lifestyle choices that have led to an island full of fulfilled, long-living people.
Examples of Ikigai in action are often magical. Take David Michiels. David stuttered severely well into his adulthood. In clinical terms, his stutter was difficult to treat. But David started to work in a liquor store. Before long, his focus turned to one specific section of the sales the scotch section. As he spent more of his days learning about scotch, he began to share his knowledge with customers. Eventually, David noticed that his stutter vanished when he talked to anyone about scotch. Over time, David's passion led to a new life. Today, he is a renowned whiskey expert, traveling the world tasting and purchasing whiskey on behalf of his employer. He feels his life is meaningful because of Ikigai.
How to Ikigai explains a simple but abstract map for living a meaningful life. After reading this book, you will understand how to implement Ikigai's four directions in your own
- Do what you love
- Do what you're good at
- Do what the world needs
- Do what you can be rewarded for
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2019
293 people are currently reading
1710 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
November 25, 2020
This book didn't quite live up to the description. While there were interesting examples and stories, there wasn't really any deeper explanation of what 'Ikigai' actually meant beyond the surface of 'finding stuff that give your life purpose'. I have a lot of time for the ideas expressed, but the substance didn't really resonate with me. Part of that could be because a lot of the suggestions and ways to find purpose would only really work for those who are privileged enough to be able to make them happen (saving up 25K USD to take a full year off work, really?), or didn't engage enough with the questions about what to do if the thing you love and are good at never gets any recognition or has any impact on the world. There were good questions in there which weren't really answered or tackled, and that was disappointing.
February 1, 2020
It could have been shorter and more crisp. The repetitive nature though does help concretisation of certain key elements the author is focusing on. The second half of the book is till more methodical and has an approach readers can pick and chose to follow. The material is not new though the stories make it a little bearable. It can even get on your nerves. But like every book. You can learn from it if you’re reading with the intention to get something out of it. To be read once and once alone. Take out what you need and practice it.
Once again
Read with the intention to learn something and you’ll find it in the worst book too.
- @eternalramblings
Once again
Read with the intention to learn something and you’ll find it in the worst book too.
- @eternalramblings
September 27, 2024
Είναι απίστευτο κάποια μπεστσέλερς πόσο κακογραμμένα είναι. Και είναι απίστευτο πόσο delusional είναι τα περισσότερα βιβλία αυτο-βελτιωσης.
Το συγκεκριμένο λέει ότι όλα θα είναι υπέροχα αν βάλεις τη ζωή σου σε δύο ράγες. Κάνε αυτό που αγαπάς και 2 κάνε αυτό στο οποίο είσαι καλός. Στη συνέχεια ο συγγραφέας ψάχνει παραδείγματα που να επιβεβαιώνουν αυτό τον ισχυρισμό. Από κάποια συγγενή του μέχρι τον μίστερ Μιγιάγκι στο καράτε κιντ.
Θα μπορούσε να έχει την ειλικρίνεια να βρει παραδείγματα που κάποιος έκανε τη τρέλα του και όμως τα λεφτά δεν του φτάνουν για να ζει με αξιοπρέπεια. Αυτό δηλαδή που είναι ο κανόνας. Αλλά επιμένει στο delusional σενάριο που έχει κάτι από Κοέλιο και συνωμοσία του σύμπαντος.
Αντίθετα, θα ισχυριστώ ότι στον σημερινό κόσμο κάποιος πρέπει να βρει μια δουλειά σχετική με κάτι που δεν αγαπάει. Γιατί είναι ανυπόφορο να πρέπει καθημερινά να εξευτελίζεις και να απαξιωνεις αυτό που αγαπάς. Και αυτό είναι αναπόφευκτο στην ιεραρχική καπιταλιστική κοινωνία. Καλύτερα λοιπόν ο βιοπορισμός να αφορά κάτι που δεν αγαπάς. Μόνο έτσι θα βγάζεις τη μέρα χωρίς να τρελαθείς.
Το συγκεκριμένο λέει ότι όλα θα είναι υπέροχα αν βάλεις τη ζωή σου σε δύο ράγες. Κάνε αυτό που αγαπάς και 2 κάνε αυτό στο οποίο είσαι καλός. Στη συνέχεια ο συγγραφέας ψάχνει παραδείγματα που να επιβεβαιώνουν αυτό τον ισχυρισμό. Από κάποια συγγενή του μέχρι τον μίστερ Μιγιάγκι στο καράτε κιντ.
Θα μπορούσε να έχει την ειλικρίνεια να βρει παραδείγματα που κάποιος έκανε τη τρέλα του και όμως τα λεφτά δεν του φτάνουν για να ζει με αξιοπρέπεια. Αυτό δηλαδή που είναι ο κανόνας. Αλλά επιμένει στο delusional σενάριο που έχει κάτι από Κοέλιο και συνωμοσία του σύμπαντος.
Αντίθετα, θα ισχυριστώ ότι στον σημερινό κόσμο κάποιος πρέπει να βρει μια δουλειά σχετική με κάτι που δεν αγαπάει. Γιατί είναι ανυπόφορο να πρέπει καθημερινά να εξευτελίζεις και να απαξιωνεις αυτό που αγαπάς. Και αυτό είναι αναπόφευκτο στην ιεραρχική καπιταλιστική κοινωνία. Καλύτερα λοιπόν ο βιοπορισμός να αφορά κάτι που δεν αγαπάς. Μόνο έτσι θα βγάζεις τη μέρα χωρίς να τρελαθείς.
June 23, 2022
Ikigai is a concept that comes from Okinawa, Japan and is associated with an individual’s life’s worth. Ikigai is the reason we get out of bed in the morning and it’s what we do everyday that’s meaningful to ourselves and to others.
When it comes to finding out our own ikigai, there are 2 questions that should be considered:
1. What do we love?
2. What are we good at?
Reading this book, it made me realise my own ikigai: starting bookstagram, reading and engaging with this community gives me a life purpose and is meaningful to myself as a human being. Reading and involvement in bookstagram is something that I love to do and it is something that I’m good at.
The author highlights the benefits of ikigai once we realised and discovered the things that we love to do such as happiness, life satisfaction and contentment.
What if you don’t know how to start or where to find your ikigai? This book has so many tips and beneficial real life situations to help you.
Oh, what a good book! I learned so much from it and there’s a lot of wisdom gained from the author’s perspective.
Highly recommended to anyone who wish to make life more meaningful and navigating life’s purpose.
When it comes to finding out our own ikigai, there are 2 questions that should be considered:
1. What do we love?
2. What are we good at?
Reading this book, it made me realise my own ikigai: starting bookstagram, reading and engaging with this community gives me a life purpose and is meaningful to myself as a human being. Reading and involvement in bookstagram is something that I love to do and it is something that I’m good at.
The author highlights the benefits of ikigai once we realised and discovered the things that we love to do such as happiness, life satisfaction and contentment.
What if you don’t know how to start or where to find your ikigai? This book has so many tips and beneficial real life situations to help you.
Oh, what a good book! I learned so much from it and there’s a lot of wisdom gained from the author’s perspective.
Highly recommended to anyone who wish to make life more meaningful and navigating life’s purpose.
June 6, 2022
Just not really what I expected I guess. The book thoroughly discusses how to live a long life. This is basically what 90% of the book is about. I would have liked to learn more about Ikigai and how to find yours, which was barely discussed. So, i would say the sub-title that is on the book is a truer explanation of the book, while ‘Ikigai’ is more of a sub theme. This confusion made reading this book a bit underwhelming for me.
January 28, 2020
Do what you love
Do what you’re good at
Do what the world needs
Do what you can be rewarded for
Do what you’re good at
Do what the world needs
Do what you can be rewarded for
February 22, 2021
This whole book could have been a page
February 25, 2022
Wow so interesting! The concept of ikigai and its 4 circle Venn diagram was so cool to learn about. I really liked the ideas the author talked about, about doing the work to find your life’s purpose and how fulfilling both the end result and the process will be.
August 24, 2020
The book is quite light in the way that is presented, some typos, and many details about the personal history of the author witch some times distract from the point. It it is very repetitive
April 20, 2022
I really wanted to like this book but I found it a bit drawn out.
March 27, 2022
[Review copy from Times Reads]
This is a book everyone should read. Best part is, even if you don't read it in its entirety, whatever you grasp from the pages you do read would serve you a long way in life.
My personal favourite is how the author highlights the need to do something we enjoy rather than strictly living our lives solely based on commitments. I'm a true believer of embracing one's passion. So, this spoke volumes to me.
A key point presented is the four simple directions to follow:
🌱 Do what you love
🌱 Do what you're good at
🌱 Do what the world needs
🌱 Do what you can be rewarded for
Through the author's own interpretation and a collection of anecdotes, these directions are illustrated rather vividly.
I didn't quite agree with one proposition, though. The book suggests taking an Ikigap year, a year off work to discover yourself, so to speak. Yes, it does mention planning financially before embarking on this journey. Despite that, I personally feel this route isn't for everyone. Immersing to that degree could offset the ideal effect the Ikigai concept emits. For me, it's the simple things we could apply right after reading this book that would go a long way. Just a thought.
There's a page for everyone in here. Plus, the conversational tone offers you an effortless read. I truly recommend picking this up, even if only to be selective with the chapters you read.
This is a book everyone should read. Best part is, even if you don't read it in its entirety, whatever you grasp from the pages you do read would serve you a long way in life.
My personal favourite is how the author highlights the need to do something we enjoy rather than strictly living our lives solely based on commitments. I'm a true believer of embracing one's passion. So, this spoke volumes to me.
A key point presented is the four simple directions to follow:
🌱 Do what you love
🌱 Do what you're good at
🌱 Do what the world needs
🌱 Do what you can be rewarded for
Through the author's own interpretation and a collection of anecdotes, these directions are illustrated rather vividly.
I didn't quite agree with one proposition, though. The book suggests taking an Ikigap year, a year off work to discover yourself, so to speak. Yes, it does mention planning financially before embarking on this journey. Despite that, I personally feel this route isn't for everyone. Immersing to that degree could offset the ideal effect the Ikigai concept emits. For me, it's the simple things we could apply right after reading this book that would go a long way. Just a thought.
There's a page for everyone in here. Plus, the conversational tone offers you an effortless read. I truly recommend picking this up, even if only to be selective with the chapters you read.
October 22, 2023
Very easy read. I like positive books that don't try to push anything on you. Ikigai it's a very important part of the life. Almost like G spot. Once you find it, it's a game changer.
May 13, 2022
Great book to read! It was really engaging. Its written in simple and direct language, and it does exactly what the title suggests. If you wish to know 'how to ikigai', this is a good place to start.
August 30, 2022
I couldn't really decide how to rate this book. On the one hand, Tamashiro combines so many of my favorite positive psychology topics with a value-based living orientation (Ikigai) that is derived from his Okinawan roots. In reality though this felt like a 5 page college essay that had been stretched out to form a book-length treatise.
Any concept that Tamashiro introduced was presented in the most superficial of ways and was then expanded upon with testimonial-type stories that were characterized by circular reasoning. Essentially if a person is fulfilled it means that Ikigai was present in that person's life. Also Ikigai was used as the justification for quitting his own job and spending a year doing a little of whatever sounded fun. Given what I know of the Asian value placed on the dignity of work it makes me think that Tamashiro's ancestors were likely turning over in their graves. I do appreciate that Ikigai includes making a contribution and doing what one is "rewarded" (I read paid) for. That does lend a more practical aspect to the idea of one not being able to work unless one has found that "true calling." In our Western society, like finding one's soul mate, there's an obsession around finding one's true path and purpose that often distracts people from doing the work that needs to be done in front of their noses.
For a simpler and more interactive strategy for determining values-based direction in life I recommend the motivational interviewing value card sort activity.
https://sakai.ohsu.edu/access/content...
Any concept that Tamashiro introduced was presented in the most superficial of ways and was then expanded upon with testimonial-type stories that were characterized by circular reasoning. Essentially if a person is fulfilled it means that Ikigai was present in that person's life. Also Ikigai was used as the justification for quitting his own job and spending a year doing a little of whatever sounded fun. Given what I know of the Asian value placed on the dignity of work it makes me think that Tamashiro's ancestors were likely turning over in their graves. I do appreciate that Ikigai includes making a contribution and doing what one is "rewarded" (I read paid) for. That does lend a more practical aspect to the idea of one not being able to work unless one has found that "true calling." In our Western society, like finding one's soul mate, there's an obsession around finding one's true path and purpose that often distracts people from doing the work that needs to be done in front of their noses.
For a simpler and more interactive strategy for determining values-based direction in life I recommend the motivational interviewing value card sort activity.
https://sakai.ohsu.edu/access/content...
March 18, 2021
This book had so little how-to that I actually don’t know how to get started with ikigai. A lot of perspectives on those that have figured it out but this is not a tactical book on executing on something you’ve learned.
July 5, 2020
Finding happiness n spirituality is very important. Ikigai is the path to find one's true source of happiness n contentment. Good to read.
November 21, 2020
This may be one of the best philosophical book on life's purpose
November 3, 2021
Had some interesting stories but overall very vague
July 4, 2023
Book Of The Day – How to Ikigai
Today’s Book of the Day is HOW TO IKIGAI, written by Tim Tamashiro in 2019 and published by Mango.
Tim Tamashiro is a renowned author, radio host, and expert in finding purpose and happiness in life with a diverse background as a jazz musician and business professional. His IKIGAI is “to delight people so that we can share meaningful moments together”.
I have chosen this book because it is the latest one I have read about Ikigai, and also because I mentioned Ikigai to my colleagues some days ago.
Tamashiro‘s book offers a refreshing perspective on the Japanese concept of ikigai and provides readers with practical, easy-to-follow guidance on discovering true fulfilment in life.
In this captivating read, Tamashiro weaves together personal anecdotes, philosophical insights, and research findings to introduce his readers to a comprehensive exploration of the ikigai philosophy.
So, what is ikigai? Ikigai – 生き甲斐, which literally translates as “a reason for being”, is a Japanese concept that represents the intersection of one’s passion, mission, vocation, and profession, leading to a sense of purpose, fulfilment, and joy in life.
In HOW TO IKIGAI the author breaks down the elements of ikigai into its four interconnected pillars: passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Using his own’s life background, he effortlessly connects these pillars to real-life examples, practical exercises and actionable steps.
Throughout the chapters, Tamashiro presents a series of thought-provoking questions and self-discovery exercises that guide readers to delve deep into their own passions, values, and aspirations to discover their unique ikigai while becoming aware of their truest purpose in both their personal and professional lives.
Furthermore, the author demonstrates how the principles of ikigai can be successfully applied in the corporate world by aligning the personal values of the employees with the organizational goals. Tamashiro showcases inspiring examples of companies that have successfully integrated the ikigai philosophy into their business strategies.
Tamashiro‘s storytelling abilities shine through the book, making it not only extremely informative but also highly enjoyable to read from the first to the very last page.
As a coach and a consultant, I have advocated, suggested, and implemented IKIGAI on several occasions with my customers. This Okinawan philosophy has proven to be effective in transforming the awareness of its practitioners and followers by giving them a heart-warming and mind-relaxing feeling of accomplishment in pursuing one’s real purpose in life.
Spending time and committing to performing activities that promote ikigai are perceived as being spontaneous as they come from a person’s inner self. Ikigai is so effective in promoting a holistic change in our lives because it helps find the perfect spot that lies at the intersection of what you love (so your passion), what the world needs (so your mission in life, what you are good at (so your vocation), and what you can get paid for (so your profession).
In conclusion, HOW TO IKIGAI is a very pleasant book for anyone seeking to unlock the secrets of a fulfilling life. Tim Tamashiro masterfully combines personal stories, practical exercises, and business insights to provide a comprehensive exploration of the ikigai philosophy.
I highly recommend it to individuals searching for deeper meaning and purpose in their lives and to professionals interested in incorporating the principles of ikigai into their personal and organizational endeavours.
Today’s Book of the Day is HOW TO IKIGAI, written by Tim Tamashiro in 2019 and published by Mango.
Tim Tamashiro is a renowned author, radio host, and expert in finding purpose and happiness in life with a diverse background as a jazz musician and business professional. His IKIGAI is “to delight people so that we can share meaningful moments together”.
I have chosen this book because it is the latest one I have read about Ikigai, and also because I mentioned Ikigai to my colleagues some days ago.
Tamashiro‘s book offers a refreshing perspective on the Japanese concept of ikigai and provides readers with practical, easy-to-follow guidance on discovering true fulfilment in life.
In this captivating read, Tamashiro weaves together personal anecdotes, philosophical insights, and research findings to introduce his readers to a comprehensive exploration of the ikigai philosophy.
So, what is ikigai? Ikigai – 生き甲斐, which literally translates as “a reason for being”, is a Japanese concept that represents the intersection of one’s passion, mission, vocation, and profession, leading to a sense of purpose, fulfilment, and joy in life.
In HOW TO IKIGAI the author breaks down the elements of ikigai into its four interconnected pillars: passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Using his own’s life background, he effortlessly connects these pillars to real-life examples, practical exercises and actionable steps.
Throughout the chapters, Tamashiro presents a series of thought-provoking questions and self-discovery exercises that guide readers to delve deep into their own passions, values, and aspirations to discover their unique ikigai while becoming aware of their truest purpose in both their personal and professional lives.
Furthermore, the author demonstrates how the principles of ikigai can be successfully applied in the corporate world by aligning the personal values of the employees with the organizational goals. Tamashiro showcases inspiring examples of companies that have successfully integrated the ikigai philosophy into their business strategies.
Tamashiro‘s storytelling abilities shine through the book, making it not only extremely informative but also highly enjoyable to read from the first to the very last page.
As a coach and a consultant, I have advocated, suggested, and implemented IKIGAI on several occasions with my customers. This Okinawan philosophy has proven to be effective in transforming the awareness of its practitioners and followers by giving them a heart-warming and mind-relaxing feeling of accomplishment in pursuing one’s real purpose in life.
Spending time and committing to performing activities that promote ikigai are perceived as being spontaneous as they come from a person’s inner self. Ikigai is so effective in promoting a holistic change in our lives because it helps find the perfect spot that lies at the intersection of what you love (so your passion), what the world needs (so your mission in life, what you are good at (so your vocation), and what you can get paid for (so your profession).
In conclusion, HOW TO IKIGAI is a very pleasant book for anyone seeking to unlock the secrets of a fulfilling life. Tim Tamashiro masterfully combines personal stories, practical exercises, and business insights to provide a comprehensive exploration of the ikigai philosophy.
I highly recommend it to individuals searching for deeper meaning and purpose in their lives and to professionals interested in incorporating the principles of ikigai into their personal and organizational endeavours.
July 22, 2023
Summary
There aren’t many lessons for finding your happiness and living your life’s purpose - as the title might suggest. The book is a collection of examples of people living their life purposes, their Ikigai, and living the quadrant: the four key pillars of Ikigai: what you love, what the world need, what you can be paid for, and what you’re good at. Basically: your purpose, your life’s mission. I don’t believe in such a thing, to be honest, surely there are people who have a purpose and can do what they like, what the world needs, what they’re good at, and at the same time being paid. But I believe it’s not necessary to do so to have happiness in life. Happiness and purpose are two different things.
My evaluation
What did I like the most?
The last story the author tells, the dragon’s slayer and her real life’s purpose. It’s an interesting story, despite being so predictable - I was able to predict the end from the very beginning of it - that shows how someone’s purpose can be hidden and discovered only later on in life. It also suggests that it’s ok to struggle until we find the purpose of our own lives.
What didn’t I like?
The strong link the author suggests there is between happiness and life’s purpose. A person can be happy without following/finding or discovering his life’s purpose. One’s purpose can be to simply enjoy life without creating or doing something for the world.
What would I have done differently?
Add more guidance on how someone could actually experiment with different things and find their life’s purpose. The book lacks these, giving only a main one: an Ikigai’s year (a sabbatical year during which you’re supposed to only do what you like, and find a way to get paid for it - in summary…).
There aren’t many lessons for finding your happiness and living your life’s purpose - as the title might suggest. The book is a collection of examples of people living their life purposes, their Ikigai, and living the quadrant: the four key pillars of Ikigai: what you love, what the world need, what you can be paid for, and what you’re good at. Basically: your purpose, your life’s mission. I don’t believe in such a thing, to be honest, surely there are people who have a purpose and can do what they like, what the world needs, what they’re good at, and at the same time being paid. But I believe it’s not necessary to do so to have happiness in life. Happiness and purpose are two different things.
My evaluation
What did I like the most?
The last story the author tells, the dragon’s slayer and her real life’s purpose. It’s an interesting story, despite being so predictable - I was able to predict the end from the very beginning of it - that shows how someone’s purpose can be hidden and discovered only later on in life. It also suggests that it’s ok to struggle until we find the purpose of our own lives.
What didn’t I like?
The strong link the author suggests there is between happiness and life’s purpose. A person can be happy without following/finding or discovering his life’s purpose. One’s purpose can be to simply enjoy life without creating or doing something for the world.
What would I have done differently?
Add more guidance on how someone could actually experiment with different things and find their life’s purpose. The book lacks these, giving only a main one: an Ikigai’s year (a sabbatical year during which you’re supposed to only do what you like, and find a way to get paid for it - in summary…).
August 16, 2019
หลายคนอาจจะเคยอ่านและได้ยินเรื่องเกี่ยวกับ Ikigai ซึ่งเป็นแนวคิดของชาวญี่ปุ่นในการทำชีวิตให้สมดุล สี่ด้าน
1.ทำในสิ่งที่รัก 2.ทำในสิ่งที่เราเก่ง 3.ทำในสิ่งที่โลกต้องการ 4.และสุดท้ายสิ่งนั้นต้องทำเงินให้กับเรา อะไรที่เราทำแล้วสามารถตอบโจทย์ 4 ด้านนี้ได้ชีวิตเราก็จะมีความสุข รู้สึกดีในทุกวันที่ตื่นเช้ามาทำมัน หนังสือเล่มนี้ก็คล้ายๆกับหนังสืออิคิไกเล่มอื่นๆ แม้ชื่อจะบอกว่า How to แต่เรื่องนี้มันเป็นอะไรที่ยากจะอะิบายก้เหมือนแค่นำเสนอแนวคิด อิคิไก ใครจะนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ยังไงก็อยู่ที่ตัวของคุณเอง แต่แนวคิดที่น่าสนใจของหนังสือเล่มนี้ก็มีอยู่ เช่น
- หลายคนมักจะพยายามหรือสนใจแต่การปรับปรุงจุดด้อยของตัวเอง แต่ละเลยการพัฒนาจุดเด่น เพื่อให้เก่งยิ่งๆขึ้นไปอีก
- ลองตั้งคำถามกับตัวเอง ถ้าเราสามารถทำอะไรก็ได้ โดยไม่มีข้อจำกัดใดๆ เราจะทำอะไร แล้วลองลิสต์สิ่งเหล่านั้นออกมา สุดท้ายลองดู ลองคิดว่าสิ่งไหนเป็นไปได้ ไม่ได้อย่างไร แล้วเราจะไปให้ถึงได้ไหม นั่นอาจเป็น Ikigai เราก็ได้
- ถ้าเราพยายามทำสิ่งดีๆให้กับผู้อื่น สิ่งดีๆเหล่านั้นก็จะตอบแทนกลับมาหาเรา แม้จะไม่ได้ทันทีในตอนนี้ อาจจะในอนาคตก็ได้คิดได้อย่างนี้เราจะมีความสุขที่ได้ทำดี และจงทำมันต่อไป
- Ikigai เหมือน GPS นำทาง ไม่ใช่สิ่งที่เราถูกจ้างให้ทำ แต่เป็นสิ่งที่เราทำแล้วมีความสุข อาจเริ่มต้นจากสิ่งที่เรารัก และสิ่งที่เราเก่ง แล้วสิ่งที่ทำรายได้ กับโลกต้องการค่อยตามมาทีหลัง
- อุปสรรคไม่ใช่สิ่งเลวร้ายเสมอไป เพราะอย่างน้อยถ้าเราไม่สามารถชนะ และก้าวข้ามผ่านมันไปได้ แต่อย่างน้อยเราก็ได้เรียนรู้จากมัน
ก็ถือว่าเป็นหนังสือดีๆ ที่หามาอ่านได้ สำคัญคือนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ในบริบทที่เหมาะกับตนเอง และให้เชื่อว่าพรุ่งนี้เราจะเป็นคนที่ดีขึ้นกว่าเมื่อวาน
1.ทำในสิ่งที่รัก 2.ทำในสิ่งที่เราเก่ง 3.ทำในสิ่งที่โลกต้องการ 4.และสุดท้ายสิ่งนั้นต้องทำเงินให้กับเรา อะไรที่เราทำแล้วสามารถตอบโจทย์ 4 ด้านนี้ได้ชีวิตเราก็จะมีความสุข รู้สึกดีในทุกวันที่ตื่นเช้ามาทำมัน หนังสือเล่มนี้ก็คล้ายๆกับหนังสืออิคิไกเล่มอื่นๆ แม้ชื่อจะบอกว่า How to แต่เรื่องนี้มันเป็นอะไรที่ยากจะอะิบายก้เหมือนแค่นำเสนอแนวคิด อิคิไก ใครจะนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ยังไงก็อยู่ที่ตัวของคุณเอง แต่แนวคิดที่น่าสนใจของหนังสือเล่มนี้ก็มีอยู่ เช่น
- หลายคนมักจะพยายามหรือสนใจแต่การปรับปรุงจุดด้อยของตัวเอง แต่ละเลยการพัฒนาจุดเด่น เพื่อให้เก่งยิ่งๆขึ้นไปอีก
- ลองตั้งคำถามกับตัวเอง ถ้าเราสามารถทำอะไรก็ได้ โดยไม่มีข้อจำกัดใดๆ เราจะทำอะไร แล้วลองลิสต์สิ่งเหล่านั้นออกมา สุดท้ายลองดู ลองคิดว่าสิ่งไหนเป็นไปได้ ไม่ได้อย่างไร แล้วเราจะไปให้ถึงได้ไหม นั่นอาจเป็น Ikigai เราก็ได้
- ถ้าเราพยายามทำสิ่งดีๆให้กับผู้อื่น สิ่งดีๆเหล่านั้นก็จะตอบแทนกลับมาหาเรา แม้จะไม่ได้ทันทีในตอนนี้ อาจจะในอนาคตก็ได้คิดได้อย่างนี้เราจะมีความสุขที่ได้ทำดี และจงทำมันต่อไป
- Ikigai เหมือน GPS นำทาง ไม่ใช่สิ่งที่เราถูกจ้างให้ทำ แต่เป็นสิ่งที่เราทำแล้วมีความสุข อาจเริ่มต้นจากสิ่งที่เรารัก และสิ่งที่เราเก่ง แล้วสิ่งที่ทำรายได้ กับโลกต้องการค่อยตามมาทีหลัง
- อุปสรรคไม่ใช่สิ่งเลวร้ายเสมอไป เพราะอย่างน้อยถ้าเราไม่สามารถชนะ และก้าวข้ามผ่านมันไปได้ แต่อย่างน้อยเราก็ได้เรียนรู้จากมัน
ก็ถือว่าเป็นหนังสือดีๆ ที่หามาอ่านได้ สำคัญคือนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ในบริบทที่เหมาะกับตนเอง และให้เชื่อว่าพรุ่งนี้เราจะเป็นคนที่ดีขึ้นกว่าเมื่อวาน
February 25, 2024
In June 2023 I had a stroke out of the blue - I had no symptoms and no medical reason for having this. I often have wondered if there was a higher purpose for this stroke. Up to that point I had been working for the paycheck. I liked what I was doing, but I didn't love it. Since then I have been actively focusing on what what my purpose is. The Japanese from Okinawa have a word for this called Ikigai.
I picked up this audiobook as it was a freely available book with my audiobook club subscription.
How to Ikigai attempts to make the theory of self actualization actionable. Past Ikigai books I had read were all philosophy or discussion of what self actualization is and what it can provide to you.
Many eastern philosophies and actions are difficult for us westerners are less focused on philosophy and critical thinking and want "instant pudding". Listening to this I was acutely aware about how similar this was to early books regarding "lean" or "Toyota Production System." If you read the original books translated from people like Ohno and Shingo, they talk about why it was important to do certain things or why they were developed. Once the Westerners coined the term "Lean" much of the critical thinking was replaced with the how to cut and paste.
The book isn't bad...but I do think it is greatly westernized and if this is truly that important...I need to focus on the why & what before I start focusing on the how.
I picked up this audiobook as it was a freely available book with my audiobook club subscription.
How to Ikigai attempts to make the theory of self actualization actionable. Past Ikigai books I had read were all philosophy or discussion of what self actualization is and what it can provide to you.
Many eastern philosophies and actions are difficult for us westerners are less focused on philosophy and critical thinking and want "instant pudding". Listening to this I was acutely aware about how similar this was to early books regarding "lean" or "Toyota Production System." If you read the original books translated from people like Ohno and Shingo, they talk about why it was important to do certain things or why they were developed. Once the Westerners coined the term "Lean" much of the critical thinking was replaced with the how to cut and paste.
The book isn't bad...but I do think it is greatly westernized and if this is truly that important...I need to focus on the why & what before I start focusing on the how.
October 16, 2021
3/5
If you could do what you wanted to do, what would you do?
This is a book that hasn't changed my life at all, but I find quite interesting the topics that Tim points out and that currently there are more studies about life's purpose and well-being.
Now we are living in such a comfortable epoque in the mankind history that now we are trying to pursue other stuff as "who am I?" "What am I doing here?", questions that I feel sometimes important to ask yourself in order to not be in autopilot mood during all your life.
What I'm most afraid is to miss life while I'm living, I think this is what I would regret the most. And Tim points out that we don't need to wait until we're retire to live a fulfilling life, you always have the power to choose. Of course it's not easy but nobody said life was easy and that you would find your life's purpose within a day or a week. The most important thing is to keep going and come back tomorrow right?
The author explained the benefits of meditation and I'm still awed by it. Everything that he said in this book wasn't new to me to be honest, but it was a reminder of what I value and what I'm looking for in life. Meditation is life-changing, I truly believe that and physchology proves it.
If you could do what you wanted to do, what would you do?
This is a book that hasn't changed my life at all, but I find quite interesting the topics that Tim points out and that currently there are more studies about life's purpose and well-being.
Now we are living in such a comfortable epoque in the mankind history that now we are trying to pursue other stuff as "who am I?" "What am I doing here?", questions that I feel sometimes important to ask yourself in order to not be in autopilot mood during all your life.
What I'm most afraid is to miss life while I'm living, I think this is what I would regret the most. And Tim points out that we don't need to wait until we're retire to live a fulfilling life, you always have the power to choose. Of course it's not easy but nobody said life was easy and that you would find your life's purpose within a day or a week. The most important thing is to keep going and come back tomorrow right?
The author explained the benefits of meditation and I'm still awed by it. Everything that he said in this book wasn't new to me to be honest, but it was a reminder of what I value and what I'm looking for in life. Meditation is life-changing, I truly believe that and physchology proves it.
March 3, 2021
A lot of books talk about putting your passion into practice. But, what if you are one of the many people who really don’t have a clue about what your passion is or where to start to find it?
This book might help. Its whole premise is to help you explore what do you like to do the most.
Then, you can leave it there or you can share it with the world to receive a reward –not necessarily a payment- such as a smile or just knowing you did a good thing.
That is the spirit of the practice of ikigai as per the Japanese, which author Tamashiro set out to discover by himself.
This is not a coaching book, nor a memoir. There are no exercises or lists. There are, instead, avenues to explore and get to know yourself better. Unlike so many of these books that are just business cards for the programs offered by the authors, this book suggests you work with a psychologist if you are still stuck in order to research yourself. I haven’t read many books making a case for psychological therapy instead of a coaching program (because life gets all resolved when you hire a life coach, right?). That was refreshing.
Ikigai is not a job you do. A job pays you. Ikigai is the work you like to do, and it’s something that you can do outside of your paid job, not as a side hustle. Ikigai is an action. Ikigai could be to cook, to clean, to sing, or it could be just to delight through any means.
How to Ikigai: Lessons for Finding Happiness and Living Your Life's PurposeHow to Ikigai is a fun read. Read it all in one afternoon or ponder on each chapter. It will not solve your life problems, but finding your own reason for being alive will certainly lighten up your days.
This book might help. Its whole premise is to help you explore what do you like to do the most.
Then, you can leave it there or you can share it with the world to receive a reward –not necessarily a payment- such as a smile or just knowing you did a good thing.
That is the spirit of the practice of ikigai as per the Japanese, which author Tamashiro set out to discover by himself.
This is not a coaching book, nor a memoir. There are no exercises or lists. There are, instead, avenues to explore and get to know yourself better. Unlike so many of these books that are just business cards for the programs offered by the authors, this book suggests you work with a psychologist if you are still stuck in order to research yourself. I haven’t read many books making a case for psychological therapy instead of a coaching program (because life gets all resolved when you hire a life coach, right?). That was refreshing.
Ikigai is not a job you do. A job pays you. Ikigai is the work you like to do, and it’s something that you can do outside of your paid job, not as a side hustle. Ikigai is an action. Ikigai could be to cook, to clean, to sing, or it could be just to delight through any means.
How to Ikigai: Lessons for Finding Happiness and Living Your Life's PurposeHow to Ikigai is a fun read. Read it all in one afternoon or ponder on each chapter. It will not solve your life problems, but finding your own reason for being alive will certainly lighten up your days.
February 28, 2024
Japan has a lot of really interesting abstract ideas that can be useful in one's life. Ikigai, Kaizen, Wabi Sabi, these things are interesting to me. I am from the United States, and often times there are ways that my Japanese friends do things that I wish I could understand. I thought reading this book would help me understand a little bit better the concept of Ikigai, but I was mostly disappointed with it. It contains many stories of people choosing to do what they love instead of what they think they should do, and they end up happy because of this decision. I kept on reading hoping that I would be hit with a quote or an idea that was extremely exciting or new, but after reading the entire thing, I came away with ZERO useful, actionable points. Reading is a fun activity for me, but I would hope to get at least ONE or TWO points per hour I spend reading. The "return on investment" in terms of actionable information compared to time spent was very low. Otherwise, it was pleasant to read.
September 29, 2024
This book almost put me in a reading slump but I'm so glad it is finally over!
The philosophy of Ikigai is pretty simple
1. Do what you love
2. Do what you're good at
3. Do what the world needs
4. Do what you can be rewarded for
The problem with ikigai, based on how it's explained by Tim, is it's very selfish and self-serving. Imagine there's a person whose ikigai is to rule, to become a tyrant, a supreme lord of everything breathing.
1. Do what you love- Ruling all that's breathing
2. Do what you're good at- subjecting all mortals to their every whims
3. Do what the world needs- Every chaotic world needs a supreme leader, a tyrant
4. Do what you can be rewarded for- Everything of value will belong to them, including us.
So, if a person's ikigai is to rule and they become the world's ultimate supreme overlord, then it's justified because they are fulfilling their life's purpose.
This is what I dislike about this book so much, it oversimplify people and assumes that their goals and purpose would benefit the world. But most of the time, that's not really the case.
The philosophy of Ikigai is pretty simple
1. Do what you love
2. Do what you're good at
3. Do what the world needs
4. Do what you can be rewarded for
The problem with ikigai, based on how it's explained by Tim, is it's very selfish and self-serving. Imagine there's a person whose ikigai is to rule, to become a tyrant, a supreme lord of everything breathing.
1. Do what you love- Ruling all that's breathing
2. Do what you're good at- subjecting all mortals to their every whims
3. Do what the world needs- Every chaotic world needs a supreme leader, a tyrant
4. Do what you can be rewarded for- Everything of value will belong to them, including us.
So, if a person's ikigai is to rule and they become the world's ultimate supreme overlord, then it's justified because they are fulfilling their life's purpose.
This is what I dislike about this book so much, it oversimplify people and assumes that their goals and purpose would benefit the world. But most of the time, that's not really the case.
August 22, 2022
An insightful introduction...
This is an insightful introduction to the concept of Ikigai and has really inspired me to find out more about the topic and to seek out my Ikigai. Ikigai is something I had never heard of before and stumbled across as part of a mentoring and coaching programme. This book has been a great eye-opener into Ikigai and has inspired me on how to get started.
I am truly fascinated by the idea of Ikigai and the author presented the information in a really easy to follow way and has a story telling element that drew me in. This was a quick read for me and I have already referred back to it many times.
If anything I would of liked the book to be a little bit longer and perhaps had an appendix with more examples of people's Ikigai or a worksheet for the reader to follow. However, this little book was the perfect place to start for me and looking forward to discovering my Ikigai.
This is an insightful introduction to the concept of Ikigai and has really inspired me to find out more about the topic and to seek out my Ikigai. Ikigai is something I had never heard of before and stumbled across as part of a mentoring and coaching programme. This book has been a great eye-opener into Ikigai and has inspired me on how to get started.
I am truly fascinated by the idea of Ikigai and the author presented the information in a really easy to follow way and has a story telling element that drew me in. This was a quick read for me and I have already referred back to it many times.
If anything I would of liked the book to be a little bit longer and perhaps had an appendix with more examples of people's Ikigai or a worksheet for the reader to follow. However, this little book was the perfect place to start for me and looking forward to discovering my Ikigai.
September 11, 2022
I keep telling myself that I won’t waste my time and audible credits on another self-help book but I keep making the same mistake, perhaps because they feel the most appropriate to listen to as audiobooks - simple, generally banal and easy to digest and remember.
This time, I’m pretty confident that this will be my last, at least for a long while. My takeaway from this book, is basically that ‘ikigai’ is a specific Japanese term originating in an old, Japanese tradition, meaning purpose, which the author describes as doing something that makes you fulfilled and that you’re happy devoting your life to.
This, he states, can be discovered through exploring life, trying lots of things, and being totally honest with how certain experiences make you feel, and eventually, you’ll know from that warm, positive feeling / affirmation inside (instinct) that you’ve found your ‘ikigai’.
Mind-blowing stuff.
This time, I’m pretty confident that this will be my last, at least for a long while. My takeaway from this book, is basically that ‘ikigai’ is a specific Japanese term originating in an old, Japanese tradition, meaning purpose, which the author describes as doing something that makes you fulfilled and that you’re happy devoting your life to.
This, he states, can be discovered through exploring life, trying lots of things, and being totally honest with how certain experiences make you feel, and eventually, you’ll know from that warm, positive feeling / affirmation inside (instinct) that you’ve found your ‘ikigai’.
Mind-blowing stuff.
December 11, 2023
How to ikigai starts with a series of lessons about the concept of ikigai and how it can be applied in life. At first, I found it boring and cumbersome but when it gets to the narratives, it then felt interesting. Same as with all the self- help books, it requires you to reach out some parts that are unnecessary. I can't imagine making a presentation of myself to others and affirming my strengths and weaknesses. It is rather cringy and self-aggrandizing, what really sticks out is the concept of taking a gap year. I do agree that my job has its perks with summer class and Christmas vacation. It allows us to reset for the upcoming school year. I wished that I could fill in my life's purpose that it comes at a price. It would have been decent if the writer tailored all the fluff. But it was an okay book to pass the time.
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