![[RIDE TRAINING DAY #4] Internal Training - Towards "IKIGAI" - A Journey to Finding Happiness and Meaning in Life](/web/image/blog.post/1027/author_avatar/%5BRIDE%20TRAINING%20DAY%20%234%5D%20Internal%20Training%20-%20Towards%20%22IKIGAI%22%20-%20A%20Journey%20to%20Finding%20Happiness%20and%20Meaning%20in%20Life?unique=e2bd951)
RIDE understands that true success is not only about equipping oneself with knowledge and professional skills but also about building a purposeful lifestyle and a sustainable work culture. That is why, in this training session number 4, RIDE employees will explore the IKIGAI lifestyle, a profound concept from Japan, which can be simply translated as "the reason for being." IKIGAI is the harmonious intersection of What You Love, What You Are Good At, What the World Needs, and What You Can Be Paid For. Exploring IKIGAI is part of RIDE's commitment to help you not only succeed in your work but also find joy and complete satisfaction.
Happiness is not just a temporary emotion
At the beginning of the sharing session, Ms. Hien touched on a topic that seemed simple yet was profoundly deep through the question: "What is happiness?" The answers from the audience were very diverse, reflecting the personal experiences and desires of each individual—some found happiness in the bonds and love of family, in warm meals, or in moments of playful conversation every day. From these sincere shares, Ms. Hien skillfully guided everyone to the basic definition from the dictionary: Happiness is an emotional state when a person satisfies some abstract need. It could be the joy of achieving a goal, the feeling of relaxation when resting, or the satisfaction of completing something one has cherished.
From fleeting emotions to lasting values
However, Ms. Hien emphasizes that happiness should not be limited to fleeting emotions. True happiness is a continuous process built on positive and sustainable values. It is a harmonious balance between a warm family, a thriving career, abundant health, good relationships, and stable finances. When these pieces fit together, our lives will resemble a sturdy house, where we find true completeness and peace.
The IKIGAI model is formed from four overlapping circles.
To reach IKIGAI, we start from the large outer circles, representing the distinct aspects of life.
What you love
- These are activities that make you feel excited, not tired or bored. They are the fire of passion, the endless source of inspiration for you to overcome all difficulties.
What you are good at
- These are the skills, knowledge, and experiences that you have been trained in and mastered. When you do what you are good at, you will feel confident and achieve high performance, thereby creating exceptional value.
What the world needs
- These are the issues that society is facing and the values that you can contribute to address them. When your work benefits the community, you will feel that you have a noble mission.
Whatever you can be paid for
- This is the ability to generate income from what you do. A job that meets this criterion will help you maintain a stable life and have enough resources to pursue the remaining factors.
The intersections of the IKIGAI model
When those circles intersect, we will gain more important aspects of the IKIGAI model above.
When you do something that you are both passionate about and skilled at, you will feel incredibly excited and full of energy. This brings joy and personal satisfaction, but sometimes it may lack contribution to society or the ability to generate income.
A mission is when you do something for a higher purpose, benefiting the community. Even if it may not be your forte, love and the desire to contribute will help you overcome any difficulties. A person who does volunteer work often lives with this mission.
When you do a job that meets the needs of society and are paid fairly, you have a stable career. However, if this job is not something you love or are good at, you may feel bored and lack motivation.
When you do a job that you are capable of and generates good income, you are developing your expertise. You may be an expert in your field, but if that job is not a passion or lacks social significance, you will feel empty and lack a sense of purpose in life.
IKIGAI - When all four elements are in perfect balance
IKIGAI is not just a concept, but the destination of a journey to find balance. Only when all four elements intersect at a single point do you truly find your IKIGAI. It is where you find harmony between passion (what you love and are good at), mission (what you love and the world needs), vocation (what the world needs and you are paid for), and profession (what you are good at and you are paid for).
IKIGAI through the lens of RIDE members
During the sharing session, the members of RIDE had a completely fresh perspective on the concept of "What You Are Rewarded For" in the IKIGAI model. Although traditionally, this element often carries a financial or income-related meaning, we delved deeper together, going beyond that material limit. To clarify this viewpoint, an inspiring example of President Ho Chi Minh was presented. Analyzing his great life through the lens of IKIGAI, we see that he is the perfect model for the intersection of all factors.
However, in terms of "what you are compensated for," Uncle Ho is a living testament that "compensation" does not necessarily have to be monetary. Although he did not work for a salary, his contributions have been recognized by the entire nation and history. The greatest "compensation" for him is the boundless love and gratitude of the people, and his status as a national hero and a cultural icon of the world. Through this example, we have realized a profound lesson: the true meaning of "being compensated" may lie in greater spiritual values.
Searching for IKIGAI in the simple things
IKIGAI is not necessarily about great and distant things; it is about our daily work, as long as it encompasses the four core elements. When work not only provides income but also serves as a source of inspiration from passion, confidence from ability, and meaning from contributions to the community, it becomes complete. IKIGAI is a process of self-discovery and finding value and meaning in even the smallest tasks, helping us connect more with our work, feel happy, and be inspired every day by the simple and familiar things.
Towards a fulfilling life
The training session concluded with a lot of inspiration and positive energy, opening up a new perspective for all RIDE members. Sister Hiền hopes that each participant will find their own part of IKIGAI to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Let each workday no longer be a burden, but a journey of self-discovery and improvement. IKIGAI is not a distant destination, but a harmony in every action. It reminds everyone of the importance of connecting passion, ability, and personal values with work and society. When people find their IKIGAI, they will work not just out of responsibility, but for joy and dedication.