Japanese workers are known to work long hours in workplaces with strict rules. Hierarchy is generally the rule of the land – and the workplace. Overwork is common. How do they differ from Americans? Some research shows that they are better at finding their “Ikigai” – the intersection of their life’s mission, passion, profession, and vocation.
Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, authors of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, lived in Okinawa while researching their book. They learned that Okiawans are among the happiest people in the world, only eat until they are 80% full, and don’t retire. They labeled their state of being “Ikigai,” which is said to have its origins on the island of Okinawa. While it has no literal English translation, Ikigai is said to mean “a reason for being.” According to Japanese culture, everyone has an ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of self.
The Performance Excellence Network is pleased to welcome Irene Kelly, Leadership & Academic Coach with Prisma LLC, to our October 11 St. Paul PEN breakfast discussion: “Get Your Ikigai On! Aligning Your Work & Your Purpose.”
Ikigai is based on answering four key questions:
- What do you love to do?
- What are you good at?
- What does the world need?
- What can you be paid for?
The intersection of those four produces your ikigai – a balance that leads to fulfillment and satisfaction – your reason for getting up each morning!
Join us to explore the tenets of ikigai and how you can apply it to your life. Leave the session with a clearer picture of your purpose for being here so that you can make your most important contribution.
The discussion is at Metro State University in the Student Center (details provided at registration). Continental breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:00 with the presentation from 8:00 to 9:00 am. No cost for members; $30 for non-members.
To register, contact Brian Lassiter at [email protected].
Livestreaming (free) and video-on-demand ($20 for members) are now also available (discounted annual subscriptions are available and Premium/Sponsoring Members are free). Please contact [email protected] for more information and for the link to register for livestream or on demand.
Bio
Irene Kelly, PCC, CVI™ VAR, Leadership & Academic Coach, works with clients to explore aligning work and purpose. She will lead you through a process to examine your mission, your life purpose. Leave with practices to support you to live a fuller and more joyful life … to find your ikigai.
