Ikigai is a powerful concept for finding purpose and clarity to unlock growth in your career, startup, business, writing, or relationships.
A thread on its meaning and how it can change your life...
Ikigai is a combination of the Japanese words “iki” (or “life”) and “gai” (a term to describe value or worth).
It roughly translates to “reason for being.”
It is all-encompassing - it is not simply about work, money, or success - it is about the full scope of your existence.
Ikigai is the point of balance and harmony in your life and work.
It is found at the intersection of: (1) What you love to do (2) What you are good at (3) What the world needs (4) What you can be paid for
Importantly, it is at the nexus of passion and practicality.
The concept of Ikigai can be traced back to 12th century Japan, but its exact genesis is unknown.
It gained a mainstream following after Dan Buettner’s famous 2009 @TEDTalks on his research on @BlueZones (regions where people live longer than average). ted.com/talks/dan_buet…
In his research, Dan Buettner found that purpose and fulfillment led to improved longevity.
Put simply, embracing the concept of Ikigai contributed to enhanced health (mental and physical) and longer lifespans.
To implement the concept of Ikigai in your life, create your personal Ikigai Venn diagram.
Start with the passions: What do you truly love to do? What are you really good at? What can you become good at?
Now get practical: What does the world need? What will it pay you for?
The elegance of the concept of Ikigai is in its blend of passion and practicality.
Life is a multivariate problem. Simple, uniplanar solutions and one-size-fits-all mantras fall short.
Ikigai recognizes this and forces a dynamic, systems approach to finding purpose.
Ikigai is a powerful concept for finding purpose, meaning, and happiness in your work and life.
And a special thank you to my friend @Travis_Kling, who first highlighted the concept of Ikigai to me several months ago (his investment fund is named @Ikigai_fund!).
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For more on the current Suez Canal blockage, the history of the Suez Canal, and its impact, check out this great article from the @nytimes. nytimes.com/2021/03/25/wor…
First principles thinking is a powerful mental model for driving non-linear outcomes. It also requires a willingness to ask difficult, uncomfortable questions.
Here are a few to help you get started:
What is the problem I am trying to solve?
We often waste time and energy trying to solve the "wrong" problem.
Identify the "right" problem before you start trying to solve it.
What do I know to be true about this problem?
Write down everything you know about the problem (and its previously attempted solutions).
Dennis Ritchie is the most influential man you've never heard of.
A thread on the life and legacy of the incredible technology pioneer...
1/ Dennis MacAlistair Ritchie was born to a middle-class family on September 9, 1941, in Bronxville, New York.
His father, Alistair, was a scientist at Bell Labs, the famous American scientific research and development company known for its track record of innovation.
2/ From a young age, it was clear that Dennis Ritchie had an intrinsic aptitude for science and math.
He excelled in his studies.
Upon graduation from Summit High School in 1959, he packed his bags and moved north to attend Harvard University.