Finding Your Purpose with ikigai
Did you know that one of the top characteristics of burnout is a feeling of detachment?
Detachment is a consequence of being physically and mentally exhausted. This emotional disconnect or apathy may cause you to retreat from the tasks, activities, or people you once enjoyed.
Detachment can manifest in various ways in the context of career burnout. Here are some examples:
👉 Withdrawal from Social Interactions: You may find yourself avoiding social interactions with colleagues or clients, preferring to isolate yourself rather than engage in conversation or teamwork.
👉 Loss of Passion: Tasks and projects that once excited you may now feel mundane or uninteresting. You might notice a significant decrease in enthusiasm or passion for your work.
👉 Decreased Productivity: Detachment can lead to a decline in productivity and engagement. You may struggle to concentrate on tasks, find it challenging to meet deadlines, or feel disinterested in contributing your best effort.
👉 Negative Attitude: A sense of detachment may result in a more negative outlook on your work or career. You might become cynical, pessimistic, or indifferent towards the organization's goals or your role within it.
👉 Lack of Emotional Investment: Detachment often involves a diminished emotional investment in your work. You may no longer feel connected to the outcomes of your efforts or invested in the success of projects or initiatives
What’s Your Ikigai?
Recognizing these signs of detachment is crucial for addressing burnout and taking steps to prioritize your well-being and professional fulfillment. Luckily, there is an antidote to detachment, a powerful tool that can help you reconnect with your passion and drive: Purpose. Or, as the Japanese call it, your “ikigai” (“ee-key-guy”): The secret to living a long and purposeful life.
Your ikigai is the convergence of four elements:
1) What you love;
2) What you’re good at;
3) What the world needs; and
4) What you can get paid for.
The intersection of these four guiding pillars can help you identify your purpose in life, bring you fulfillment in your career, experience more joy, and overcome burnout.
Meaning, Purpose, and Ikigai
Exploring your ikigai can be a transformative journey toward building resilience. When working with clients, I emphasize the significance of pinpointing their core values and aligning them with purpose. Yet, especially during periods of burnout, defining one's purpose can seem daunting. That's why I've found it beneficial to begin by deconstructing it into the four components of ikigai.
I encourage you to explore your ikigai by following these steps:
Create four lists: What I Love, What I’m Good At, What the World Needs, and What I Can Get Paid For.
Spend 10 minutes brainstorming ideas for each list. Let your thoughts flow without overthinking!
Review your lists and identify any themes or commonalities.
By recognizing patterns, you can start to uncover your purpose and align it with your life and career goals.
Ready to take the next step towards a more fulfilling career? Book a consult call with me today to explore how career coaching can help you unlock your full potential and achieve your professional goals. Let's work together to create a path towards a more meaningful and rewarding career journey!