I’ve always loved the idea of Ikigai — the Japanese concept that speaks to purpose and living a meaningful life. But like all models, I believe it’s not sacred or complete. It’s a helpful guide, but not the full picture. And over time, I’ve come to realise: there’s something missing.
The traditional Ikigai framework connects four beautiful questions:
- What do you love?
- What are you good at?
- What does the world need?
- What can you be paid for?
But life isn’t just about productivity, usefulness, or income. And purpose isn’t always found at the centre of those four circles. Sometimes, it lives in something softer, quieter — and even more powerful.
So I’ve added a fifth question:
Who do you live for?
This isn’t about people-pleasing, self-sacrifice, or centering others at the cost of yourself. It’s about connection. It’s about knowing that your life, your work, and your energy ripple outward. That your existence matters to someone — whether that’s family, future generations, your community, or even your spiritual path.
For me, this fifth piece grounds everything else.
Because not everything is about money.
And not every purpose fits into a profit model.
I believe we should be free to adapt any framework to fit our truth — not the other way around. That’s why I honour creativity, peace, freedom, and reflection in my work. I’m not here to chase trends or tick boxes. I’m here to build something meaningful — for myself and for the people I’m here to serve and love.
That’s my version of Ikigai.
And I invite others to question, adapt, and explore their own too.
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