What is ikigai and why is it important for entrepreneurs?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to a reason for living, or something that gives a person a sense of purpose. It's a combination of the words iki, which means "to live," and gai, which means "reason". 

The concept of ikigai originated in Japan's Heian period (794 to 1185), particularly in the Okinawa islands. It's about finding joy in the ordinary aspects of life, such as cooking with friends, watching the sunset, or making tea. It also emphasizes appreciating every moment and feeling gratitude for simple joys. 

In recent years, the concept of ikigai has gained popularity worldwide, especially after the release of the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. The book has sold more than 3 million copies since its release in 2016. While researching and coming across this, you know the book has been added to my TBR and is likely to be a book club read!

A more modern interpretation of ikigai focuses on finding a dream job and living a purposeful professional life. A common way to explain the concept is with a four-circle diagram that represents:

• What you love 

• What you're good at 

• What the world needs 

• What you can get paid for 

• The intersection of these four circles is where you can find your ikigai

Finding Ikigai through Goal Setting

The journey to discovering one’s Ikigai often involves setting intentional, fulfilling goals. By focusing on what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for, you create a framework for setting goals that resonate deeply with your values and passions.

Setting goals with Ikigai as the foundation transforms them into more than just checkboxes; each goal becomes a step towards a more fulfilling life. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “grow my business,” an Ikigai-centered approach might focus on aligning business growth with personal passions, such as supporting local communities or empowering women entrepreneurs.

The Power of a Like-Minded Community

Achieving one's Ikigai is a personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary one. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals—such as a group of entrepreneurial women—can amplify the experience. In a community that shares your interests and aspirations, you benefit from collective wisdom, accountability, and encouragement. Conversations and brainstorming sessions reveal fresh perspectives, insights, and strategies that help clarify goals and align them with your true purpose.

Group discussions can provide a space to dissect complex topics, understand different approaches, and build strategies that align with each member’s unique Ikigai. Group settings can also motivate members to hold themselves accountable to their goals, keeping the concept of Ikigai at the heart of each pursuit.

Learning, Growth, and Ikigai

Continuous learning is essential to discovering and refining one’s Ikigai. Engaging with resources focused on business, mindset, and personal finance can help deepen self-awareness and expand one’s perspective. Sharing insights and experiences with others creates an environment of mutual inspiration, encouraging individuals to set meaningful goals and persevere through challenges with renewed purpose.

In the spirit of Ikigai, embracing lifelong learning with a supportive community can lead to an enriched understanding of self, a strong sense of direction, and greater satisfaction in both personal and professional life. This shared learning experience becomes a catalyst, allowing each woman to refine her Ikigai, set meaningful goals, and build a life aligned with her values and passions.