My Take From Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

So I am finally done with reading Ikigai, the book is authored by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. And here, in the next 2 minutes, I am going to share my take from this book.

This book covers various aspects of life that can help us achieve a long, fulfilling, and happy life.

Starting with The word derives from iki, meaning life and gai, meaning the realization of hopes and expectations, it is more like the reason you want to get out of your bed each morning.

Life is not a problem to be solved. Just remember to have something that keeps you busy doing what you love while being surrounded by the people who love you

So here are my takeaways from Ikigai that are

1. Staying active:

Always try to find what you love doing and that will give you the purpose of this life. It is very important to keep on doing little things that add to the value of your life, making little progress and bringing beauty and helpfulness to others. Learn something new every day, play games, and interact with other people. A positive attitude & emotional awareness (ability to manage emotions) is essential for a good life.

2. Taking it slow:

Stop being in a hurry and urgency every time in your life, walk slowly and you’ll have a long way to go.

3. Surround yourself with good friends, friends who uplift you.

4. Work on your health:

Get in shape for your next birthday, when you get older make it a daily habit of walking or exercising that will keep you going for a long time. Practice mindfulness through focusing on self and meditation.

5. Reconnect with nature

6. Thank people

Around you, ancestors, and nature. Form close bonds within local communities. Play with children or pets.

7. Do not fill your stomach when it comes to eating

In order to stay healthy always eat a little less than your hunger demands. Fill your belly to 80%

8. Live in the moment

Stop regretting your past and fearing about your future, make most of today because that is all you have. Smile more. This moment exists only now and won’t come again.

9. Seven conditions for achieving flow ( Going with the flow is important for a healthy life )

i) Knowing what to do
ii) Knowing how to do it
iii) Knowing how well you are doing
iv) Knowing where to go (where navigation is involved)
v) Perceiving significant challenges
vi) Perceiving significant skills
vii) Being free from distractions

10. Antifragility — things that get stronger when they are harmed

How to be antifragile:

1. Create more options
2. Bet conservatively in certain areas and take many small risks in others
3. Get rid of the things that make you fragile

11. Follow your ikigai

Find the passion which lies inside you which is your unique talent and work on it. It is your mission to find your ikigai.