If you’ve been chasing a higher salary and acquiring more possessions, and still feel unsatisfied, one thing’s for sure: money and things aren’t the secret to long-lasting happiness. So, what is? Thanks to the Japanese concept called “ikigai”, we have a good place to start. Scroll down to know more about ikigai and how to find a purpose in everything you do.

Ikigai (ee-key-guy) means “a reason for living,” and it’s a concept that invites you to seek a purpose for whatever you do. Within Japanese culture, each and everyone of us has their own unique ikigai, and it can grow and change, just as you do.

This can be a very encouraging way to move through life. Because let’s face it, when life gets stirred up, we often find ourselves flailing and lost. How often does it happen that when we switch careers, or transition from one place to another, we feel like we don’t have a purpose, or that we can’t give value anymore?

But with ikigai, you don’t focus on one big life goal, but you always seek to find purpose as you change, face challenges and make mistakes. In short, it’s the process, not the end product that’s important.

So, how can you find purpose in everything you do according to ikigai? There are four interconnected elements: your passion, mission, vocation and profession.

• Passion is what you love and what you’re good at.
• Mission is what you love and also what the world needs.
• Vocation is what the world needs and what you can be paid for.
• Profession is what you can be paid for and what you’re good at.

And when you allow yourself to have a purpose in these areas of your life, instead of trying to find an overreaching Purpose for your entire life, it’s easier to feel fulfilled and satisfied with who you are and what you do.