Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

by Héctor García

Our intuition and curiosity are very powerful internal compasses to help us connect with our ikigai. Follow those things you enjoy, and get away from or change those you dislike. Be led by your curiosity, and keep busy by doing things that fill you with meaning and happiness. It doesn’t need to be a big thing: we might find meaning in being good parents or in helping our neighbors.

Life is not a problem to be solved.

The ten rules of ikigai

Stay active; don’t retire.

keep doing things of value, making progress, bringing beauty or utility to others, helping out, and shaping the world around you, even after your “official” professional activity has ended.

Take it slow.

Don’t fill your stomach.

Surround yourself with good friends.

Get in shape for your next birthday.

Smile.

Reconnect with nature.

Give thanks.

Live in the moment.

Stop regretting the past and fearing the future. Today is all you have. Make the most of it. Make it worth remembering.

Follow your ...

There is a passion inside you, a unique talent that gives meaning to your days and drives you to share the best of yourself until the very end. If you don’t know what your ikigai is yet, as...