Ikigai, or the Art of Doing What We Were Born to Do: Exploring Passion, Purpose, and Progress

Ikigai, or the Art of Doing What We Were Born to Do: Exploring Passion, Purpose, and Progress

In our modern world, there are certain tasks that nobody wants to do. These unpleasant tasks are often necessary for the functioning of society. It's a reality that in any given period, a part of society must perform these unwanted tasks. This raises the question of why some individuals are willing to take on these responsibilities while others shy away from them.

One possible explanation is that we know less about ourselves than we think. Many of us are unaware of our true passions or vocations. We go through life without truly understanding what we were born to do. This lack of self-awareness can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment. It's essential to take a pause and reflect on ourselves and what we truly want. Instead of conforming to artificially constituted necessities, we should strive to do what the world actually demands.

Doing what the world demands doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing our passions. It's about finding the overlap between what we love and what the world needs. This is where the issue lies, not with individual employees, but with the employers and the world of work. Rarely are we able to get paid for doing our hobbies. We must adapt to be able to produce some kind of gain in order to survive. This often means compromising on our passions and settling for tasks that may not align with our true calling.

Personal experience serves as an example. While I possess above-average knowledge of spreadsheets and excel, this is far from what truly drives my passion. Despite the popular meme about the world being supported by excel, my true passion lies elsewhere. The question that arises here is: What do we believe we would still love in a world where there's no money? Money should not be the sole motivator for our work. True fulfillment comes from doing what we love without expecting any form of external reward.

Now, let's shift our focus to another topic: the abandonment of Route 66 in America. Route 66, a famous highway that stretches across the United States, holds a significant place in American history. It is a symbol of adventure, unpredictability, and the way America used to be. The appeal of Route 66 lies not only in nostalgia and kitsch but also in its ability to showcase the past, both the good and the bad.

Michael Wallace, a Route 66 historian and writer, has fought hard to preserve this iconic road. He believes that Route 66 represents the spirit of America and its ever-changing nature. While progress brings advancements, it also means leaving some things behind. As Wallace puts it, "We're always changing. When I came out here in the late 60s, people said you should have been here in the 30s and 40s. That's just the way life is. We advance."

The story of Route 66 teaches us an important lesson about progress and the sacrifices that come with it. As we move forward, we must acknowledge that certain aspects of the past may no longer be viable. However, this doesn't mean that we should forget or abandon them entirely. It's essential to strike a balance between embracing progress and preserving the essence of what makes us who we are.

In conclusion, finding our ikigai, or the art of doing what we were born to do, is a journey that requires self-reflection, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to help navigate this path:

1. Take a pause and reflect: Set aside time to think deeply about what truly drives your passion and what you believe you would still love in a world without monetary rewards. Consider your strengths, interests, and the impact you want to make on the world.

2. Seek alignment: Look for opportunities where your passion aligns with what the world needs. Explore ways to bridge the gap between doing what you love and creating value for others. This may require adapting your skills or finding creative ways to incorporate your passions into your work.

3. Embrace progress without forgetting the past: As we advance, it's crucial to acknowledge the sacrifices that come with progress. Preserve the essence of what makes you who you are while embracing the changes necessary for growth. Find ways to honor and learn from the past while creating a future that aligns with your ikigai.

By following these guidelines, we can strive to find fulfillment in our work and contribute to a world that values our true passions and purposes. Remember, the art of doing what we were born to do is not just about personal satisfaction; it has the potential to transform the world, one small step at a time.