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What gets you out of bed in the morning β not just to do what you love, but to handle the things youβd rather avoid? What drives you to show up, stay consistent, and keep your energy high? In other wordsβ¦ whatβs the purpose that keeps you grounded, focused, and genuinely enjoyable to be around?
In edition #117, we explore how to build (or strengthen) our ikaigai.
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THIS WEEKβS π§
Which part of Ikigai is strongest for you right now?
In competition and sports, winning is easy. Coming back better after a lost says more about your character and spirit than any victory. If you ikigai is undeniable, you will be back twice as ready.
ποΈ OVEβS GUIDE TO
IKIGAI
IKIGAI is Your Reason for Being π―π΅
Finding your Ikigai is not about chasing perfection β itβs about uncovering the intersection of joy, skill, meaning, and contribution. In Okinawa, where people live the longest and age the healthiest, Ikigai is part of daily lifeβ¦ not a goal.
Today, we explore how to build your own Ikigai!
βοΈ What Is Ikigai?
Ikigai (ηγη²ζ) means βa reason to liveβ or βa reason to wake up in the morning.β It sits in the middle of four pillars:
What you love β€οΈ
What youβre good at πͺ
What the world needs π
What you can be paid for π°
Your Ikigai is the sweet spot where passion, mastery, service, and livelihood connect.
𧩠The Four Pillars
1οΈβ£ Love (Passion)
What lights you up?
What makes time disappear?
This is the emotional fuel β½οΈ
Examples: running, cooking, problem-solving, coaching, storytelling π
2οΈβ£ Skill (Strengths)
What are you naturally good at?
What have you improved over time?
Your strengths move you from good to great.
Examples: communication, discipline, strategic thinking, creativity, empathy β€οΈ
3οΈβ£ Service (What the World Needs)
Where does your unique value meet a real need?
Ikigai always contains service β even if small π€
Examples: helping people get healthier, inspiring others, solving workplace problems, bringing joy, creating systems πΊοΈ
4οΈβ£ Income (What You Can Be Paid For)
Your Ikigai doesnβt have to be your job, but it can be.
The question is:
Where does your contribution create economic value π ?
Examples: coaching, teaching, design, building, writing, guiding, solving specialized problems π°
π₯ Ikigai Matters (for Health, Longevity & Energy)
π§ 1. Protects Your Brain
Purpose is linked to lower risk of dementia and stronger cognitive resilience.
It gives the prefrontal cortex a daily βtarget,β reducing scatter.
π 2. Improves Heart & Metabolic Health
Some studies show people with a strong sense of purpose have:
Lower inflammation
Lower blood pressure
Better glucose control
More consistent activity levels
Purpose reduces stress and stabilizes hormones that protect metabolism.
βοΈ 3. Boosts Discipline & Performance
Ikigai sharpens direction β making habits easier to keep.
You donβt need motivation βοΈ when you feel connected to meaning.
π 4. Better Sleep & Recovery
Purpose reduces overthinking π€ and anxiety β leading to deeper sleep cycles.
π 5. Longevity
Okinawans who practice Ikigai live longer, more active lives. Purpose keeps the mind and body young.
π§ How to Start Finding Your Ikigai
Step 1 β List Your Loves β€οΈ
Write 5 things that gives you energy.
Hint: these usually show up in childhood or in your best flow states.
Step 2 β List Your Strengths πͺ
Write 5 skills people naturally acknowledge in you.
Step 3 β List the Needs You See π
What problems do people constantly come to you for?
Which issues spark emotion in you?
Step 4 β List What You Can Get Paid For π°
What skills or knowledge could be monetized?
This doesnβt have to be your job β itβs about potential.
Step 5 β Look for the Overlaps
Your Ikigai is usually hiding in the area where two or three circles already intersect.
It evolves. It changes. But it becomes sharper the more you pursue it.
π Examples of Ikigai in Everyday Life
A runner who inspires others to train β becomes a coach
A problem-solver who loves systems β becomes a consultant
A creative storyteller β builds content that helps others
Someone who cares deeply about health β creates a wellness brand
A martial artist β teaches confidence, discipline, or self-defence
Your Ikigai is usually something youβre already doing, waiting to be named!
π§ MINDFUL SESSION
QUICK SCAN
π Try This β> THE 3 WORD IKIGAI SCAN
Step 1 β Think of one moment this week that felt meaningful.
Step 2 β Describe it using 3 words only (example: calm, helpful, creative).
Step 3 β Match each word to a pillar:
β€οΈ Love
πͺ Skill
π Service
π° Value
Whichever pillar shows up twice β
Thatβs your current Ikigai direction.
Fast. Intuitive. Clear.
Proudly presented by Train With Overman ποΈ
Youβre why I spend hours researching and crafting these editions so you can read more OVEβs Guide, find/strengthen your ikigai and improve your life span.
Until Next Edition,
Coach DC
OVEβS GUIDE ποΈ
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The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your circumstances. Overman Perspective Inc. does not provide medical or licensed advice. Please get in touch with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.