Discovering Your Ikigai: A Journey to Fulfillment

” I love talking with people and my talks change their lives. That’s why I become a coach and coaching is my Ikigai. “

Atip Muangsuwan
CEO Coach and Coach Supervisor

My Client’s Ikigai:

The other day, a former coaching client shared some wonderful news with me. She has now become the founder and CEO of her own company. She told me that if she had not been coached by me, she might not have had the courage to pursue her dream and her Ikigai.

She said founding this company is truly her IKIGAI. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason to live.” It’s a combination of the words “iki,” which means “to live,” and “gai,” which means “reason.” The concept encourages people to find what’s important to them and live a life that’s full of joy and purpose.

Ikigai is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is often associated with happiness and well-being. Some say that ikigai can lead to a more fulfilling life and gives people another reason to live.

Ikigai is an original concept of Japanese and later it has been developed and applied into career-related framework and diagram. Therefore, we can differentiate Ikigai as “Original or Pure Ikigai” and “Applied or Developed Ikigai”.

The Four Primary Elements of “Applied or Developed” Ikigai are:

1. What you love.
2. What you are good at.
3. What the world needs.
4. What you can get paid for.

Reflecting on myself, coaching is my own Ikigai. This is because it gives me a reason to live. I feel very happy and fulfilled whenever I hear the success stories from my clients, knowing that my coaching helped them achieve their dreams, visions, and goals, just like this client of mine did.

If you know that someone has breathed even a bit easier just because you’ve lived, that’s called “Self-fulfillment” or “Self-transcendence” or “Ikigai” for me.

The Essence of Ikigai

I think Ikigai is not just a concept; it’s a way of life. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your passions, talents, and the needs of the world intersect. It’s about waking up each day with a sense of purpose and excitement, knowing that what you do matters.

In Japan, Ikigai is often seen as a key to longevity and happiness. People who have found their Ikigai are said to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. This is because they are engaged in activities that bring them joy and satisfaction, and they feel a deep sense of connection to the world around them.

How to Find Your Ikigai

Finding your own Ikigai is a journey of self-discovery. It requires introspection and a willingness to explore different aspects of your life. Here are some steps to help you find your own Ikigai:

1. Reflect on Your Passions: What activities make you feel alive and energized? What do you love doing, even if you’re not getting paid for it?
2. Identify Your Strengths: What are you naturally good at? What skills and talents do you possess that set you apart from others?
3. Consider the Needs of the World: What problems or challenges in the world resonate with you? How can you use your skills and passions to make a positive impact?
4. Explore Opportunities: What opportunities are available to you that align with your passions, strengths, and the needs of the world? How can you turn these opportunities into a sustainable career or lifestyle that gets paid?

My Ikigai: Coaching

For me, coaching is my Ikigai. It gives me a reason to live and brings me immense joy and fulfillment. When I hear the success stories of my clients, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that I played a part in helping them achieve their dreams and goals and/or solve their problems.

Coaching allows me to use my skills and talents to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s a profession and lifestyle that align with my passions and strengths, and it gives me a sense of purpose and meaning.

Your Ikigai

How about yourself? Have you explored and discovered your own Ikigai yet? What is your own Ikigai? Could you share with me?

If you want to explore and discover your Ikigai, let’s talk! Feel free to reach out to me if you’re interested in exploring and discovering your Ikigai or if you have any questions about coaching. Let’s connect and start this journey together! Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and find the path that leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

About Atip Muangsuwan: Atip Muangsuwan is the Founder & CEO of The Best Coach International Co., Ltd. He is a CEO & UHNWI Coach, Certified Mentor & Supervisor for global executive coaches, Holistic Life Transformation Expert, Business & Life Strategist, and Corporate Facilitator/Trainer. With a proven track record of helping clients achieve their career goals and job promotions, Atip is dedicated to supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth.