Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being." It lives at the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

How do I find my ikigai?

Use the four-circle reflection: list what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The overlap is your ikigai. The Ikigai Discovery Tool on this page guides you through 20 questions.

Is ikigai a religion?

No. Ikigai is a cultural philosophy from Japan, particularly Okinawa. It is practiced as daily attention to small purposes — gardening, friendship, work, craft.

What is hara hachi bu?

Hara hachi bu means "eat until you are 80% full." It is one of the strongest dietary signals correlated with Okinawan longevity.

A moai is a small social circle, traditionally of 5 friends, who commit to support one another for life — financially, emotionally, and practically.

Rule #01 of 10

Stay active; don't retire.

Those who give up the things they love doing and do well lose their purpose in life. Keep your interests alive and you keep your soul alive.

Try this, this week

List 3 things you would do for free even at age 90. Schedule one of them this week.