A new year marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. We usually take time out in the new year to write resolutions that affect every part of our lives. The most common resolutions have to do with health and finance - but what if you wrote a more comprehensive set of resolutions? Resolutions that aligned with the Japanese concept of Ikigai?
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai doesn’t have a direct English translation, but we certainly have talked about the concept frequently. An Ikigai is one’s reason for being. You’ll see articles all over the internet that apply this to career specifically. And, indeed, many of us spend at least 40 hours a week working. That’s a third of every single day we spend in pursuit of a career.
However, the idea of Ikigai doesn’t just apply to work. It applies to our entire life. Here’s what people who are trying to work out their Ikigai consider:
What do you love?
What are you best at?
How can you make the world better?
What can you get paid for?
The intersection of these four points can give one a fulfilling career. Note that it doesn’t go into how much you can get paid. So, a person may be perfectly happy working as a nutritionist or caregiver, being paid a satisfactory amount to get by - while another may work hard as a business titan and hate their life.
Living your Ikigai, eating nutritious food, and surrounding oneself with supportive people is considered a formula for longevity.
Health Resolutions You Can Accomplish
So, how does the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai tie in with creating a healthy life and accomplishing this year’s health resolutions? Ikigai is a part of living a happy, fulfilling, and healthy life. However, three other things can help you live longer and happier: nutrition, lifestyle, and connection.
Only 8% of people achieve their new year’s resolutions every year. The main reason behind this is they set a goal that is over-ambitious or is something they simply cannot make happen. This new year, instead of writing resolutions that you are unlikely to keep like “I will go to the gym every day for the next 365 days” or “I will never eat sugar again,” try considering the elements you need to live a long and happy life. Perhaps your resolution should be more along the lines of “I will add more seasonal fruits and vegetables to my meals” or “I will see more friends in person” or “I will try to change my life path so it aligns with my Ikigai.”
If you are among the thousands of people who feel you’ve already failed at your new year’s resolutions - guess what? You can always reset them! In fact, Chinese New Year isn’t until February 16th - so you have some time to rework and reaffirm your plans for the new year.
Do you need some help getting your health on track in 2018? Contact me today!