Feeling Lost in Study or Work? You’re Not Alone

At some point, most of us question our direction whether we’re choosing a college major, juggling job offers, or stuck in a 9 to 5 that doesn’t light us up. If that sounds familiar, it’s time to explore the Japanese philosophy of ikigai.

More than just a buzzword, ikigai is about finding your reason for being. It’s the beautiful intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. And when those four align, life feels more purposeful both in the classroom and in the workplace.

Let’s dive into how this timeless wisdom can help you craft a more meaningful academic and professional journey.

What Exactly Is Ikigai?

The word ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-guy) is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It doesn’t have a direct English translation, but it loosely means “a reason for living” or “a reason to get up in the morning.”

Unlike Western success metrics money, fame, status ikigai is more inward-looking. It’s not about chasing something big; it’s about aligning your daily life with your values and passions, so every day feels worthwhile.

In short, ikigai is a balance between:

• What you love

• What you’re good at

• What the world needs

• What you can be paid for

Let’s unpack each of these pillars.

The Four Elements of Ikigai

1. What You Love (Passion)

This is where your joy lives. Think of the things that make time fly whether it’s designing, teaching, coding, cooking, or helping others.

2. What You’re Good At (Strengths)

Loving something is great, but being naturally good at it helps you stand out. Identifying your strengths makes it easier to turn your passion into a profession.

3. What You Can Be Paid For (Profession)

Ikigai isn’t just about dreaming it’s about sustainability. Can you make a living doing what you love and are skilled at?

4. What the World Needs (Mission)

Does your work or study serve a purpose beyond yourself? When your efforts help others, your motivation deepens.

Your ikigai lives at the center of these four circles and discovering it can transform how you approach both learning and working.

Why Ikigai Matters to Students

Choosing the right course, major, or study path can feel overwhelming. Too often, students choose based on pressure from parents, peer trends, or income potential. While practical factors matter, ignoring your ikigai can lead to burnout, boredom, or regret.

Benefits of Discovering Ikigai While Studying:

• Clarity: Knowing your ikigai helps you choose courses and projects that align with your purpose.

• Motivation: Studying becomes more engaging when it connects to something you care about.

• Better Mental Health: A clear sense of purpose reduces anxiety and boosts confidence.

• Stronger Focus: When your study goals match your passions, distractions lose their appeal.

Whether you’re in high school or university, exploring your ikigai early can set the foundation for a fulfilling academic and career path.

How Ikigai Applies to Your Career

Let’s be honest: many people end up in jobs they don’t like. They settle for stability over satisfaction, then wonder why they feel stuck. That’s why ikigai is more than just a nice idea it’s a powerful career compass.

Here’s what happens when your job reflects your ikigai:

• You feel energized, not drained.

• Mondays aren’t dreadful.

• You stay curious, open, and creative.

• Work-life balance feels natural.

On the other hand, when one of the four ikigai elements is missing, something feels off. For example:

• Love + skill, but no income = hobby

• Skill + income, but no passion = burnout

• Passion + mission, but no income = struggle

By aligning all four, you create a sustainable, purpose driven career that grows with you over time.

How to Find Your Ikigai: A Practical Approach

Discovering your ikigai isn’t something that happens overnight. But with a bit of self reflection and experimentation, it becomes clearer with each step.

Here’s a simple framework to help you get started:

Step 1: Reflect Honestly

Ask yourself:

• What do I truly enjoy doing even if no one paid me?

• What skills come naturally to me?

• Where do people usually seek my help or advice?

• What causes or communities am I drawn to?

Step 2: Journal and Map It Out

Create a four circle Venn diagram and label each circle:

Love, Good At, Paid For, and World Needs.

Then, start filling in each area.

The overlap at the center? That’s where your ikigai starts to reveal itself.

Step 3: Test, Learn, Adjust

Ikigai isn’t found in theory it’s discovered through action. Take up internships, side projects, freelancing gigs, or volunteer roles that align with your interests. Each experience gives you data about what lights you up and what doesn’t.

Step 4: Ask for Feedback

Friends, mentors, or teachers often notice strengths you may overlook. Ask them:

“What do you think I’m naturally good at?” or “When have you seen me at my best?”

Step 5: Revisit and Realign

Ikigai isn’t fixed. As you grow, your values shift and that’s normal. Check in with yourself every few months or after major life changes.

Real-Life Examples of Ikigai in Action

1. The Purposeful Educator

Meera, a math teacher, realized she loved mentoring students beyond just academics. She created a personal growth club at school. Teaching became more than a job it became her ikigai.

2. The Techie with a Mission

Rahul loved tech and was skilled in coding. But something was missing until he started building software tools for underprivileged schools. That shift gave his work purpose.

3. The Student Turned Activist

Nina loved writing, excelled at research, and cared deeply about environmental issues. She started a blog that gained traction and later became a freelance sustainability consultant all while finishing her degree.

Avoid These Common Misconceptions About Ikigai

Let’s clear up a few myths:

Myth 1: You only have one ikigai.
Truth: Your ikigai can change with life stages. What matters is staying connected to your values.

Myth 2: It must be career-related.
Truth: Ikigai includes hobbies, relationships, and personal contributions. It’s a whole life concept.

Myth 3: Once you find it, life is perfect.
Truth: Even when aligned with your ikigai, challenges will come. The difference is you’ll face them with purpose.

Staying Aligned: Small Habits That Keep You Centered

• Practice gratitude – Notice what you enjoy about your current path.

• Schedule time for passion projects – Even 30 minutes a week helps.

• Keep learning – Curiosity keeps your ikigai evolving.

• Connect with like-minded people – They inspire and support your growth.

• Revisit your ikigai regularly – Don’t let it gather dust.

Conclusion 

Finding your ikigai isn’t about quitting your job or changing your major overnight. It’s about taking one intentional step at a time toward a life that feels aligned, energized, and meaningful.

Whether you’re a student trying to make sense of your career path, or a professional looking for deeper satisfaction, your ikigai is waiting to be discovered and lived.

So, take that first step. Reflect. Explore. Experiment. Your reason for being is closer than you think.

Related Reading:
Journey of Self-Discovery and Well-Being: Nurturing Your Mental Health – Learn how mental wellness plays a key role in your path to finding ikigai.