U.S. Work World Quick Tips

Preparing Today's Students . . . For Tomorrow's Jobs

September 26, 2022

Happiness — Follow Your Ikigai (ee-key-GUY)

Ikigai (ee-key-GUY) is a Japanese word that means "reason to live" or "why I wake up in the morning."  Ikigai began in Okinawa, a place in Japan that has the longest living people on earth — many people over the age of 100.  In addition, Okinawa is one of the 5 happiest places on earth, according to Dan Buettner's books Blue Zones for Longevity and Happiness.  Here are Okinawas tips for happy, serene (calm, stress free) lives:

Stay active — don't retire

Take it slow

Don't fill your stomach (don't overeat)

Get plenty of sleep

Surround yourself with good friends

Get in shape for your next birthday

Smile

Reconnect with nature

Give thanks

Live in the moment

Follow your ikigai

USE THE IKIGAI DIAGRAM TO FIND YOUR CAREER

Use the diagram as a guide to list: 

What you love

What the world needs

What you are good at

What can you be paid for

Then, brainstorm careers that fits your passion and mission.

NEW LESSON:  Happiness — Follow Your Ikigai

For 2-page classroom lesson plus ikigai diagram activity page,

click the button below, log in, and go to Career Lessons

For additional classroom lessons about world of work, job prep, job hunt, college, and more — click the button below to visit the website.