The Japenese concept of 'reason for being'
Finding Your Ikigai
03 Jul 2019 - Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Finding Your Ikigai
There is no direct English translation but essentially Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being". Everyone, according to the Japanese, has an Ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of self. Such a search is regarded as being very important, since it is believed that discovery of your Ikigai brings satisfaction and meaning to life.
In simple terms, it’s about what puts a smile on your face when you wake up in the morning and keeps you motivated. It is not a new concept, with a book considered definitive on the subject published back in 1966.
But, knowing your ikigai alone is not enough. Simply put, you need an outlet. Ikigai is “purpose in action,” it’s about feeling your work makes a difference in people’s lives. One research paper explained that what motivates employees is “doing work that affects the well-being of others” and to “see or meet the people affected by their work
But, knowing your ikigai alone is not enough. Simply put, you need an outlet. Ikigai is “purpose in action,” it’s about feeling your work makes a difference in people’s lives.
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The convergence of these four primary elements is demonstrated in the diagram above and includes:
- What you love (your passion)
- What the world needs (your mission)
- What you are good at (your vocation)
- What you can get paid for (your profession)
At Hymans Robertson our goal is to make everyone’s role with us “the best job you’ll ever have”, so providing opportunities to do all of the above is vitally important to us.
- What you love – our combination of a strengths and competency based approach to recruitment helps to ensure the role you are offered is one which you will enjoy and be passionate about.
- What the World Needs – Hymans Robertson’s consultancy services have directly impacted the financial wellbeing of millions people in retirement over almost one hundred years. Each colleague in the firm, regardless of their role contributes towards that. And with increasing longevity there is no doubt the world will continue to need good support and advice in this area.
- What you are good at – we hire great people who are already good at what they do. Then, through our exceptional learning and development opportunities we help them to get even better. We’ll provide opportunities to widen and deepen your technical and professional skills.
- What you can get paid for – as well as our competitive salary packages, our award winning flexible benefits ensures you can tailor your reward in the ways that best suit you.
Everyone has a right to a better future. We’ll help you make sure it’s not left to chance
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