The Japanese word Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a very beautiful word. The meaning is generally translated as the reason for living, or that one's life is worthwhile and meaningful. Here, I would like to use the term "The Fulfillment of Life" or "A Life Worth Living" to be more suitable.

Japanese people often use this word to refer not only to aspects of life like jobs and income but also to the smallest daily dose of happiness one can enjoy. For example, gardening, watching the sunrise, or enjoying a cup of tea.

In the Western culture, this concept has been re-conceptualized and connected to a person's entire life. It suggests that to have a fulfilling and meaningful life, one needs to have a job that fulfills four specific criteria. These criteria include what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

It is said that even if only one of these four factors is missing, at some point or moment, the thought will surely cross your mind: "Is my life truly fulfilled?" or "Is what I'm doing truly meaningful?" And at that time, life will no longer feel worthwhile. So, let's consider one by one how to find something that fulfills all four points.

1. What You Love

Fulfilling this point is easy. What you love is the same as what you are passionate about (your hobby). If you choose a job you enjoy, and a path you are passionate about, this point will be fulfilled first. Therefore, it can be said that your passion is the foundation for achieving the fulfillment of life or a worthwhile life.

2. What You Are Good At

It is often said that reaching a level of expertise or skill in a subject or a job requires about 10,000 hours. However, people who are doing what they enjoy do not even notice the passage of time, do they? Therefore, if you pursue what you love, this point will gradually be fulfilled without you even noticing.

3. What the World Needs

Here, a little clarification is needed on what constitutes something the world needs. I don't want you to think only great things are included. Whether it's something that supports nature from a small corner, or something that helps fellow human beings living on this earth, that thing is what the world needs. That could be a forest, or it could be an article.

4. What You Can Be Paid For

Generally, people fail to achieve fulfillment in life because this point and the point of "What you love" are difficult to align simultaneously. That's why people often say, "passion on one side, food on the other." It is difficult to start from the path of "What you can be paid for" and end up at "What you love." However, if you start with "What you love," your passion, the possibility is higher, depending on time and effort. To use the words of the protagonist Rancho from the movie “3 Idiots”: Don't chase success and money; if you chase what you love, success and money will follow you.

From Hobby to a Fulfilling Life

This path may be difficult for everyone to walk due to different circumstances. However, nothing is impossible. A life where the job you are passionate about is also what you are good at, benefits the world in some way, and earns you an income will undoubtedly be a fulfilling one. I wish everyone could possess such a fulfilling life.