We all talk about the elusive notion of a "dream job." We all want to be happy doing what we love. But what does that really mean? People toss around this phrase of having a "dream job," but it doesn't actually hold a lot of meaning. Most millennials get a notorious eye roll for having this type of goal. What if it didn't have to be so elusive? What if there was a more defined explanation for this goal that we all want? What if simple word choice is the solution to stopping the eye rolls and changing the way people think about their careers?
How about the word: Ikigai.
An Ikigai is a Japanese concept which means, a reason for being. We only have one life in this body and we spend 70% of our waking hours in our jobs. 87% of people globally hate their jobs! That means 87% of people hate what they are doing 70% of the time they spend living. Most people aren't willing to make the investment in themselves to make a change and many think it's too late. We are forced to make our most important decisions in life while we are the most inexperienced at living. Between 18 and 22, we decide on the direction of our career path, and then criticize ourselves for changing our mind down the road. Let me be the first to say, IT'S OKAY to change directions. Do you want to be like most people? Do you really want to be apart of that 87%? You really do not have to. Stop and think for a moment: is the job you are doing right something you love? If not, can you think about someone who would actually REALLY love it? If so, don't you think there is a job someone else does that is really really great for you? It isn't too late to make the investment in yourself. And an ikigai DOES exist.
Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish based on it's ability to climb a tree, it will go through its whole life believing it's stupid.
-Albert Einstein
If you are going to work every single day not doing what you love, what you are good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs, you are doing yourself a disservice.
There is not one person on this planet with your genetic makeup. That means there are zero people with the same skills, gifts, talents, and opportunities that you have. You are pretty damn awesome! So what is it that you truly want? What is it that makes you come ALIVE? THAT is what I am passionate about. That is what I LOVE working with people on. It is what I care most about in this world. Maximizing human potential.
If you want to experience this, if you are unhappy in your current situation but know there is something out there that will light you up, or even if you know what that is but haven't quite made it happen yet, I want to coach YOU. It is possible to live out your ikigai. That is where I thrive!!
Truly,
Tribe 29