Finding your 'Why'

Statistically speaking, your very existence is a miracle. Scientists have come up with a figure for the odds of you being born. Are you ready for it? The odds of you being born are one in 400 TRIILLION. 400 Trillion! And here you are!

There is no other human being on this planet who exists, or who has ever existed, or who ever will exist, with the exact same set of gifts and experiences, perceptions, opinions, thoughts and ideas as YOU.

It might not feel like it sometimes, but this means that the world needs you in all your unique brilliance because quite literally, there is nobody else better placed than you to be YOU.

Which is all very well, but sometimes, or often, it can feel as though you’re floundering. You don’t know what it is you’re here to do, or maybe you thought you did, and then discovered that actually that wasn’t it, and now you’re left with the feeling “What on earth do I do now” or even “Why am I here?”

If you’ve ever given this question some thought, or any thought, then you’ve come to the right place. Because my 'why' is to help you find yours.

Ikigai is a Japanese word that blends two words iki meaning "to live" and gai meaning “a reason”, which roughly translates into “a reason to live”. It’s a concept that encourages people to discover what they could place in their own circles and find that sweet spot in the centre.

Think of four circles. The first circle contains what you love – your passion if you like. The second, what the world needs – your mission. The third circle contains what you’re good at. This is your vocation. The final circle, what you can get paid for – your profession. Now picture these circles, one to the north, one to the south, one to the east and the other to the west, so that there is a spot in the middle of the circle where all converge. This is the sweet spot. This is your ikigai.

There is a famous quote from Buddha:

“Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it.”

I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again. Children are the wisest of souls. One question they love asking is “why?” Why, why, why, on repeat day after day until one day, ... they stop asking. And that spark of creativity, of curiosity, dims a little.

If you’re wondering what your purpose is, or even how to go about finding it, then this is great news. It means that your spark of creativity, of curiosity, is ready to burn brighter and that you’re ready for the next stage of your journey.