Have you found your ikigai?

Researcher Dan Buettner, with the support of National Geographic, for five years conducted a study to identify and examine specific places in the world, which he called "blue zones". These are some areas where there is high concentration of centenarians. In the course of this work, scientists tried to identify the patterns of power, culture, behavior, that allow local residents to live much longer than in other countries.

One of these special places is on the small island of Okinawa. In Japan, generally quite a high percentage of centenarians, but their concentration in Okinawa exceeds all limits. The average life expectancy for men here is 88 years, women - 92 years old.

Yes, the local set of products consists mainly of fish, seafood, vegetables and fruits. Yes, it is very common exercise and Eastern spiritual practices. But there is a very special phenomenon, which distinguishes this area from the rest of Japan and the world. They call it ikigai (ikigai).

Once in a small Japanese town was dying woman. At some point, she felt that her soul leaves the body, rises up and stands before the spirits of ancestors. A loud voice asked, "Who are you?"

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"I am the wife of the mayor," - she said.

"I do not ask who is your husband. Tell me, who are you? "

"I am a mother of four children. I am a teacher in the school. "

"Have I asked how many children do you have or where you work?"

And so it went until, until she said, "I am the one who wakes up every day to help his family and teach children in school."

After that, she returned to her body, and the disease has receded.

She found her ikigai.

What is ikigai?

Japanese concept ikigai quite difficult to clearly translate into Russian, but some can be deciphered as "that which gives life meaning, something that makes us wake up every morning with joy. " In other words, ikigai - this oriental elegant and compact definition of your main interest of the cause that brings joy into your life.

Although the Japanese island of Okinawa have managed to make this concept a part of his philosophy, not to say that ikigai completely unknown in the West. We have repeatedly met with his followers, especially among those who have achieved a lot in his life.

We could hardly wait for the morning to get to work again.

Wilbur Wright, the inventor of the airplane

Do only what you love most. This is sure to lead you to success! Every morning I looked at myself in the mirror and asked: If today was the last day of my life, I'd like to do what I'm doing today? And if the answer in a row for many days was "no", then I need to change something.

Steve Jobs, founder of Apple

- Down! When you wake up in the morning - finally he said Piglet, - what are you saying to myself first?

- What's for breakfast? - said Pooh. - And you, Piglet, you say?

- I say, "I wonder what will happen today interesting?" - said Piglet.

Piglet, a pig

Okay, Piglet maybe not the greatest pig, but in the words of the character contains a good definition ikigai.

That interest in life, the desire to proceed immediately to their work and to execute it in the best way, gives people a sense of self-worth, a sense of satisfaction and meaning in life.

The people who know their ikigai unfamiliar depression, they maintain an optimistic attitude towards life and are not subject to destructive habits. Therefore, for every person who wants to live a long and meaningful life, so it is important to find a reason for getting up in the morning.

How to find your ikigai?

Opening its main business will require you to possibly significant investment of time and energy. You will have to take meaningful and important decision, and it is unfortunate that many people understand the need for it is too late.

The sooner you start your search ikigai, the sooner you will begin to feel peace of mind and satisfaction in their lives. Here are some questions, the answers to which will help you in your search.

• Achievements. What achievements do you think the most valuable in your life? Take a sheet of paper and write down their 2-3 things that you are really proud of. It can serve as a good starting point for finding your ikigai.
• Knowledge. What are your special skills and knowledge? What do you consider yourself an expert? What are you happy to talk, what topic to read the literature? Which sites are visited most often in your free time?
• Sensations. Work in the area in which you are good, is the key to career success. But if you want to find happiness, you have to do what you love. Your ikigai not too concerned about the success of your business, if they are not backed up with joy in his heart. This is what you should pay attention in the first place.
• self-concept. Who do you see yourself in your dreams? You are a teacher, a lawyer, mother, scientist, publisher, farmer? Perhaps it is your assessment of their future may be one lens that will help focus your efforts.
• personality. There is not the same people and different personalities fit perfectly the different types of work. Knowing your personality type, you will understand why some studies bring you great pleasure, and others do not touch a single string of your soul.

You can use to search for ikigai and a special card, which shows that your main business is bred at the intersection of what you most want and what is best obtained.

And to finish this article I want to quote another person, whom you can definitely say that he not only found his vocation, but also followed him all his life.

You've got to find what you love. And find your favorite work is as necessary as your loved one. The work will occupy a very important part of your life, and the only way to get real satisfaction from work - to do it perfectly, realizing it.

And the only way to do their job perfectly - it is to love it. If you have not found my favorite thing, keep looking. Do not stop searching until you find.

As in everything else, what is the heart, you'll know right away that he had found what he sought. And like any great relationship, your passion for the work will grow over time. So, look, and does not calm down, until you find.

Steve Jobs

And you have already found your ikigai?