Finding your Ikigai + Meaningful Creativity
Ikigai (ee-key-guy)
A life’s purpose. A reason for being.
Last year I attended a freelance workshop where a well-spoken, well-suited woman spoke of a Japanese concept that shifted my perspective forever. The concept is Ikigai, a term that you have no doubt come across in articles, or on the shelves of a bookshop. In a nutshell, to find your Ikigai is to cultivate a harmonious and deeper meaning to your life’s work. Throughout my illustration journey I have met and spoken to many artists who feel as though they lack a purpose or direction when it comes to their art, some doubting that they are good enough to pursue a creative career, others unsure about how they can sustain themselves financially. I’ve definitely been there too! But the act of creating for me has always been an innate response, and in that sense I guess I am lucky. So to find a balance between doing what I love and being able to make money from it is something that I constantly strive to achieve and learn more about. Today’s blog is an introduction to Ikigai, and I hope it encourages you to start shifting your own perspective towards a more fulfilling and meaningful art practise. So grab a notebook and pen, and enjoy!
The idea of Ikigai relates to the concept of flow - an experience that seems crucial yet hard to grasp in our pursuit for long lasting creativity. I can never force flow, it only happens when I let go and trust the process, and when I follow my deeper reasons for wanting to make art. The concept of Ikigai is split into four aspects: Doing what you love, what you are good at, what you can be paid for, and serving the world and greater good. Now that last one can be more philosophical in meaning, but if you master the first three, you’ll probably find that you already have been of service to others, and this can be where your true satisfaction lies.
Something to love.
This first sphere encompasses everything that you love. When we love something it becomes important to us, and will usually take the form of a hobby or special interest. This is not something we do for financial gain, but rather simply for the fun of it. Take a look at your hobbies and how you spend your leisure time. Most of the time, we don’t need to be asked to do what we love. Make a list of five things you love to do. Now list five more things that you have never done but would love to try. Now compare those lists. What synchronicities can you find? What are your passions?
Something to be good at.
This is not the time to be humble and say, I’m no good at anything! Be honest with yourself and list the things you’re genuinely good at. This could be a skill like playing the piano, a qualification you’ve achieved, a job you excel in or just knowing that you are a reliable friend. Regardless of whether you enjoy them or not, you have skills that can be shared with the world. If you’re really struggling, think of compliments you have received in the past. Write five of them down. How do they make you feel?
BONUS STEP: Write one of these compliments out and stick it to your desk, laptop, or mirror!
Something to be paid for.
It is true that you can be paid for your passions and if you don’t believe this, then it may be time for you to look at some of your limiting beliefs. Try listing ten careers or volunteering roles that you can do (or would love to do!) that would allow you to fill your well and your purse. Perhaps consider what you are willing to work for, as well as your long term financial goals. The trick here is to dream big!
What the world needs.
This one I personally found the hardest. Does the world really NEED my art? I shifted this question to ‘how can I share my art with my community?’ which may be easier to answer if like me, you’re starting small. If you managed to answer the first three points however, there’ll be something that you have developed knowledge, skills or experience in whilst working on your craft, and there’s almost certainly someone out there who will benefit from what you have to share (and possibly pay you for that service too).
TRY THIS NOW
Hidden within these four quadrants lies your Ikigai. Consider how each of your answers overlap. Was there anything that surprised you? Repetition may be the first step in pointing you towards your truest passions. Some may be evident straight away, others may require a little more reflection. Be gentle in the process, and have fun!
The true essence of Ikigai however, and the part that most intrigued me, is it’s emphasis on time and patience whilst learning your craft. In today’s world there is so much noise around achievement and striving for goal after goal that often the process of learning and building skills offers little in the way of relief or satisfaction. We rarely feel fulfilled in the process, and what’s more the achievement of a goal is often short lived and underwhelming. The art of striving for excellence rather than recognition can be a lifelong goal - one without an expiry date. Just remember, your Ikigai is not a destination, it’s something you can enjoy every single day.
What do you think of the concept of Ikigai? Have you found your reason for being?