IKIGAI

Do you practice a morning routine? Having a morning routine that includes hydration, light exercise, a meditative practice, journaling and gratitude exercises can help you win the morning. And, if you win the morning, you win the day.

Do you struggle to get out of bed on workdays? The way you wake up feeling and the first thoughts you have in the morning will determine the rest of your day. If you struggle to get out of bed then you will most likely struggle with the rest of the day. If you wake up embracing the day with a sense of purpose you’ll most likely have a productive and fulfilling day.

Do you know what your core values are? Ikigai is ultimately about understanding who you are and being true to yourself in your relationships, work and creative pursuits. To know who you are is to know your core values.

Do you practice a hobby at least three times a week? A creative pursuit is vital for personal growth and development. Pursuing a hobby is a way for us to creatively express ourselves. If you do not pursue a hobby, now would be a good time to start.

Do you have a role at work or within your family or social group that gives you a sense of purpose? Our roles give ourselves a sense of person and define who we are. Ultimately we want to feel useful, contribute and have a positive impact on the people around us and our environment.

Do you often reach or experience a state of flow in your work or while pursuing a hobby? Positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, who popularized the term in his 1990 book, describes flow as “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.”

Do you see your good friends often? Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too.

Do you have at least one intimate relationship? Intimacy is a sense of closeness that develops over time between two people, whether it is with friends, family or romantic partners. Intimacy is vital for our well being as it allows us to express our true identity and experience love.

Are there small things in your daily life that give you pleasure? Appreciating the small things in life involves focusing our attention on what is pleasurable, nurturing, and sustaining in our lives. It means practicing gratitude for those everyday things that are easy to take for granted or miss altogether.