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Have you ever wondered what truly drives you? That deep sense of purpose that makes you excited to get up in the morning? In Japanese culture, there’s a concept for this—ikigai, which translates to “a reason for being.” It’s the intersection of your passions, skills, purpose, and what the world needs, and it has completely reshaped how I approach my crochet business.
The Meaning and History of Ikigai
The word ikigai combines “iki” (life) and “gai” (value or worth), representing the joy found in living with purpose. Unlike Western ideals of success, ikigai isn’t about achieving grand goals—it’s about finding fulfillment in the small, meaningful moments of daily life.
Okinawa, Japan, home to one of the world’s highest populations of centenarians, embraces ikigai as part of their culture. Researchers believe that this sense of purpose contributes to their longevity. The Netflix documentary “Secrets of the Blue Zones” explores this in depth, showing how purpose, community, and an active lifestyle contribute to a long, fulfilling life.
Finding Your Own Ikigai
Ikigai is often visualized as a Venn diagram with four overlapping circles:
- What you love (your passion)
- What the world needs (your mission)
- What you’re good at (your vocation)
- What you can be paid for (your profession)
Where all four meet—that’s your ikigai, your unique reason for being.
Dr. Iza Kavedžija, a Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of Exeter, explains that ikigai is not just about personal happiness but about contributing to something greater. It’s about the journey and immersion in meaningful activities, rather than chasing one specific goal. This resonates deeply with me, as crochet isn’t just about making a finished product—it’s about the joy of creating, the connections it fosters, and the satisfaction of each stitch.
How Ikigai Transformed My Crochet Business
Last year, I joined Cathy Heller’s program and did an ikigai exercise that changed everything. It helped me align my business with my deeper purpose. If you’re curious about finding yours, here’s how you can do it too.
Grab a pen and paper, set a timer for 30 seconds, and write the first things that come to mind for each of these four questions:
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What do I love? (Hobbies, activities, things that make you lose track of time)
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What am I good at? (Skills others compliment you on)
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What does the world need? (How your work could serve others)
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What can I be paid for? (Ways to monetize your passion)
Now, review your answers and look for common themes. When I did this, I realized that creativity—whether through crochet, photography, design, or business building—was at the core of everything I loved. More importantly, I saw that the world needs creative spaces, and I could provide that through my work.
Monetizing Your Passion
Once you identify your ikigai, it’s time to brainstorm ways to turn it into income. For me, that meant expanding beyond selling crochet products and patterns. I started teaching, creating an online course, and sharing my expertise through YouTube and my podcast. Here are some ways you might monetize your passion:
- Sell your work (Handmade products, digital patterns)
- Teach others (Courses, workshops, tutorials)
- Offer services (Freelancing, consulting)
- License your work (Publishing, collaborations)
- Build a community (Membership programs, Patreon, events)
The key is thinking outside the box and aligning your business with what truly excites you. Your expertise is valuable, even if you don’t have formal credentials. If you’ve spent years perfecting your craft, you have something to teach and share!
Embracing Your Ikigai
Ikigai isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It’s about aligning your daily work with what brings you joy and meaning. By embracing this mindset, you’ll not only create a business that fulfills you but also serve the world in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.
So, take some time to reflect. What’s your ikigai? How can you use your unique talents to build a life and business that brings you true fulfillment? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share your journey with me!
🎙️ LISTEN TO EPISODE 6 HERE 🎙️
