Why Meaningful Work Matters
Some studies, Ikigai is the intersection and common ground between these four things:
- What you love (Interests)
- What you care about (Values)
- What you can get paid for (Skills & Strengths)
- What the world needs (Opportunities)
Mapping It Out For Yourself
Making a map or diagram for yourself can help you gain clarity about what meaningful work might look like. Follow the steps below to create an illuminating map.
Step 1. If you haven’t already, take time to reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and skills.
Asking yourself the following questions can help you define your Ikigai:
- What do you care most about?
- What key moments or “turning points” do you believe were foundations to where you are now?
- What experiences – inside or outside the classroom – have you had as an undergraduate that provide insight or direction? Is there something new you’ve always wanted to try?
- What, in your life as it is now, makes you happy? What things do you like to do? (One way to think about it is the “Saturday Morning Test” – consider what do you do on a Saturday morning when you have nothing to do.)
- What would you like to see change in the world?
- What are you good at? What do you consider to be your top skills and strengths?
- What can you get paid for?
Be radically honest with yourself. Don’t be afraid to jot down whatever comes to mind, no matter how crazy or irrational it might seem right now. You don’t have to force yourself to come up with answers in one sitting. In fact, it’s more productive to take your time.
It can be hard to see yourself objectively, so it may be very helpful to UW Career and Internship Center’s Dependable Strengths Identification Activity
Find places on the drawing for your values, interests, strengths, and skills. If there is something that belongs into several categories, write it down in each category.
Start to look for patterns. What kinds of themes are apparent? Are there obvious intersections among categories, or do they seem disparate? If clear links aren’t evident, don’t worry – that’s normal. This process will take time. You can also Resources
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