Ikigai

Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a traditional Japanese concept meaning "reason to live" or "what makes you get up in the morning". Originating in Okinawa (region known for exceptional longevity), it was popularized in the West in the 2010s by books by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. Its intersection of 4 circles (passion / mission / profession / vocation) has become iconic.

Ikigai seeks the convergence point between 4 dimensions: what you love (passion), what the world needs (mission), what you are paid for (profession), and what you are good at (vocation). The Ikigai coach accompanies the person to explore these 4 dimensions and identify their unique intersection.

Usually several spaced sessions (4 to 10) of 60 to 90 minutes. First session: complete life review (personal history, skills, aspirations, values). Following sessions: structured exercises around the 4 dimensions, journaling, experiments between sessions. Remote follow-up between sessions common.

Search for meaning, professional transitions, career change, burnout recovery, retirement (preparation), midlife existential questioning, students in orientation. More a coaching tool than therapy.

The original Ikigai concept has been studied epidemiologically: a Japanese study on 43,000 people (Sone et al., 2008) showed reduced mortality in people reporting strong Ikigai. The modern coaching method (the "4 circles") is however a Western simplification of the original concept, without formal scientific validation.

Prefer coaches trained in professional coaching (PCC certification or equivalent) who have Ikigai specialization, rather than mere "content creators". Typical fees: $100 to $200 per session. 6-10 session packages common: $600 to $1500.