One of our core principles at elphin is understanding your value. Without a strong sense of your own worth, it’s hard to expect others—whether they’re employers, investors, or clients—to truly appreciate what you can offer.
At elphin, we talk a lot about the ancient Japanese philosophy ofIkigai, which helps people discover their life’s purpose. The term “ikigai” combines the Japanese words “iki,” meaning life, and “gai,” meaning value or reason. This philosophy connects deeply to the concept of knowing your value, as it requires a clear understanding of your unique gifts, what fulfils you, and how you can contribute to the world meaningfully.
Ikigai can be visualised at the intersection of four essential components:
- What you love (your passion)
- What you are good at (your vocation)
- What the world needs (your mission)
- What you can be paid for (your profession)
Imagine if you could align your career or life path with all four elements, bringing together personal satisfaction, social impact, and financial stability. At elphin, we believe you can achieve that, it shouldn’t just be a dream!
How to Discover Your Ikigai
For many of us, our career paths have been shaped by chance. We may have followed opportunities that came our way, made decisions based on convenience or necessity, or picked up roles we never anticipated. Over time, we often gravitate toward roles that offer more of what we enjoy and less of what we don’t, gradually shaping our professional lives.
However, theIkigai framework offers a structured way to reflect on your career and understand where you are versus where you want to be. It can guide you toward your true calling and give you insight into whether you should pivot toward a more fulfilling path.
Ask Yourself These Four Key Questions
- What You Love
- Are you truly passionate about what you’re doing? Could you speak about your work for hours without losing enthusiasm?
- Do you have an emotional connection to the impact of your work?
- If financial worries didn’t exist, would you still choose this career path?
- What the World Needs
- Does your work address a genuine problem or add meaningful value?
- Is there a market demand for what you do? Are people willing to invest their time, money, or trust in what you’re offering?
- Will your work remain relevant in the future, or will it grow in value over time?
- What You Can Be Paid For
- Are you currently earning money for your skills? If not, have others succeeded in making a living from similar work?
- Do you have the potential to earn a sustainable income doing what you love?
- Is your industry competitive, and are there people who can do what you do even better?
- What You Are Good At
- Do others recognize your skills? Have people sought your advice or expertise in your field?
- Are you one of the best in your area of work? Could you eventually become a top expert in your city, country, or the world with more experience?
- Do you see the potential to master your craft further with additional practice and education?
The goal is to identify areas where your career ticks all four boxes. When your work encompasses all these elements, you’ll find a sense of purpose and engagement that can transform your life.
Adjusting Course to Find Your Ikigai
Where your current path falls short, consider making small, deliberate pivots until you can confidently say “yes” to all these questions. Finding your inner motivation and pursuing work that excites you can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
The Connection to Your Value
Reflecting on your ikigai allows you to understand your strengths, skills, and talents—all of which are fundamental to knowing your value. When you can articulate what you excel at and how it benefits the world, you’ll feel more confident in your abilities and your worth. This journey of self-discovery will empower you to recognize and fully embrace your impact, contributing to a life filled with purpose and fulfilment.
In the end, Ikigai isn’t just a career guide; it’s a way to live a life of value, where your passions, talents, and the world’s needs come together in perfect harmony. Pursue it wholeheartedly, and you’ll understand just how transformative it can be.