Finding Your Purpose Through Ikigai With Tim Tamashiro
Aug 27, 2024
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Tim Tamashiro, a jazz singer and author of 'How to Ikigai', dives into the ancient Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, which emphasizes finding one's true purpose in life. He shares his personal journey to uncover his Ikigai and guides Leah in her own exploration. They discuss the importance of trying new experiences to discover passions, the impact of stillness on achieving happiness, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment beyond traditional education. Tim also highlights how small doses of joy contribute to meaningful life.
The concept of Ikigai emphasizes that true happiness and purpose come from aligning passions, skills, and contributions to the world.
Engaging in diverse new activities is essential for self-exploration and discovering hidden interests that lead to finding one's Ikigai.
Deep dives
Understanding Ikigai
Ikigai is an ancient concept from Okinawa that suggests a fulfilling life is achieved by aligning what you love, what you are skilled at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. This intersection can lead to a deeper sense of meaning, and it has historical ties to the long lives of centenarians in Okinawa. Initially known as 'ikikai' or 'life shell,' the term evolved to represent life's worth as people began to recognize that personal joy can come through sharing one's gifts with others. The essence of Ikigai lies in self-exploration and understanding how one's passions and skills can contribute to a greater good.
The Importance of Intrinsic Rewards
The discussion distinguishes between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, emphasizing the value of internal fulfillment over external validation. Tim Tomashiro highlights that true happiness stems from intrinsic rewards—those that enrich life and provide deep satisfaction, rather than temporary pleasures such as money or accolades. This perspective invites individuals to focus on what genuinely brings joy and satisfaction in their activities, encouraging a reflective approach towards one's passions and capabilities. By identifying and engaging with these intrinsic motivations, individuals can lead more enriched and meaningful lives.
Exploring Personal Interests
Individuals often struggle to answer the question of what they love, and exploring new activities can help unlock this understanding. Engaging in diverse experiences, from pottery classes to adventure sports, allows for personal exploration and can reveal hidden interests or passions. This exploration is framed as a journey where each new activity provides insights into one’s preferences and potentials. By committing to try new things, individuals increase their chances of discovering their Ikigai while also enjoying the process of self-discovery.
Integrating Ikigai into Daily Life
The practice of job crafting is encouraged as a way to bring one’s Ikigai into existing roles rather than waiting for perfect conditions to pursue passions. By infusing personal interests and values into work, people can cultivate greater satisfaction and meaning, regardless of their job descriptions. Tim shares examples of how individuals have successfully incorporated their passions into their careers, highlighting that finding joy can transform routine tasks into fulfilling experiences. The overall message is that focusing on one's intrinsic motivations and finding ways to express them in everyday life can lead to a more purposeful and satisfying existence.
Tim Tamashiro is a jazz singer, radio broadcaster and the author of How to Ikigai: Lessons for Finding Happiness and Living Your Life's Purpose.
On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Tim joins Leah to explore the concept of Ikigai, an ancient Japanese philosophy that encourages us to live our “life’s worth.” After explaining what his Ikigai is and how he discovered it, Tim guides Leah through the process of uncovering her own. He also shares his perspective on how to achieve lasting happiness, and offers tips for when you get stuck in the process of identifying your own Ikigai.