What is a 'Big Ikigai'?
Ikigai is a huge buzzword these days, and for good reason. It may be that, until now, people haven’t really thought about their “reason for living” outside of religious contexts. Now, since ikigai isn’t attached to any secular organization and is simply known as a Japanese word, everyone wants to know what it is, how to find their own, and even how to help others find theirs. This is a wonderful outcome that has bloomed from the ikigai flower, pollinating countries all over the world.
Yet, why is there hardly any concrete framework for ikigai? If you’ve searched to learn more, I’m sure you’ve come across a lot of abstract concepts and vague stories from so-called “ikigai coaches.” It often reminds me of Simba getting hit in the head with Rafiki’s stick.
'This is ikigai, now look to the stars and you will just figure it out!' Bonk.
After researching Okinawan longevity for ten years, I have found that there isn’t just one type of ikigai. Along with Dr. Makoto Suzuki, the cardiologist who discovered Okinawan longevity and made it his lifelong work spanning over 50 years, we have created a more structured and understandable guide to ikigai. Not to mention explaining the truth and dispelling misconceptions surrounding this mysterious Japanese word.
One of those truths is that there are two types of ikigai. Here, I will explain one of the two: Big Ikigai.
Big ikigai is the Western perspective of ikigai. Big ikigai are the large goals you have in life that take much effort and time to achieve. Many researchers and influencers have come out of the woodwork and claim the West has it all wrong. They say that ikigai are the simple, small joys throughout the day, and your skills, societal contribution, and project passions have nothing to do with it. Yet, these people are not wrong either. What Dr. Suzuki and I have found is that both the Eastern and Western perspectives are correct and should work in harmony. Below are the 8 characteristics that define Big ikigai.
1. Time to Complete
Big ikigai are the large goals you have at this moment. Ones that will take a long time to complete. It could take anywhere from a few months to many years. There’s no time limit; it’s up to you and the steps needed to reach your goal.
2. How Often They Change
Big ikigai can change throughout your life, and it’s often expected that they will. However, you can also have a big ikigai that stays with you until death. It’s either-or, as long as it’s a large goal that takes time and effort to fulfill.
3. How Many You Should Have
A person can realistically only have one or two big ikigai at a time. There’s only so much time in a day, so claiming to have five or six at once is simply too much. We recommend focusing on one ikigai so you can dedicate your time and energy fully to it. Two is fine, but three is pushing it.
4. Type of Ikigai
Big Ikigai are extrinsic, meaning they engage with the outside world and often involve tangible outcomes. It’s about creating impact, achieving long-term goals, or contributing to society. The results of your efforts are measurable in the 3D world, not just felt internally.
5. Relatability
Your big ikigai and that of your neighbor are unlikely to be the same. While it’s not impossible for two people to share the same big ikigai, it’s rare. Big ikigai are deeply personal goals connected to your heart’s desire. Since every person walks their own path, so do their goals and dreams.
6. Difficulty Level
Big ikigai are the harder type to figure out. You might think you’ve found yours, only to test it and realize you hate what you’re doing...and that’s completely normal. Big ikigai are major, long-term goals that require commitment. Even after completing our 'True Ikigai' tests to find your big ikigai, the final step is to try it out in real life. We can help you build the car, but you have to drive it yourself to see how it feels. We can’t be in the passenger seat every time you want to go somewhere.
7. Perspective
Big ikigai aligns with the Western view of ikigai that dominates the world today. This is different from what some Japanese researchers describe, which you can read about here. In this modern age, especially with social media, it’s natural to want to improve your life in grand and spectacular ways. That’s where big ikigai come in. While making money or contributing to society isn’t required to fulfill your big ikigai, it’s certainly optional, and it never hurts.
8. Amount of Effort Required
Once you decide on your big ikigai, it takes determination and focus to stay the course. Nothing feels worse than choosing a goal and never completing it. Big ikigai demand your energy, time, and mental strength, but the reward is worth every bit of effort in the end.
Do you know what your big ikigai is? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to learn how to find your ikigai, what to do while in limbo if you just completed it, and help others find theirs.
Yutashiku,
Christal
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Christal Burnette, an independent researcher who has spent over a decade studying Okinawan longevity and ikigai, coined the term “Big Ikigai” to describe and distinguish the Western framework of ikigai from the traditional Okinawan and Japanese perspectives.