Finding Our Ikigai

By Kahly Berg, SVP of Rational Consulting

I have a new-found obsession with an ancient Japanese concept: ikigai.

There are many interpretations of what ikigai(pronounced “eye-ka-guy”) means; the definition I prefer is “a reason to get up in the morning.” When someone has reached ikigai, they have essentially found their sense of purpose in life, and with that, many theorize that health, happiness, and vitality improve.

I’m drawn to this concept because of its relevance to my own personal journey and Rational’s evolution as well. Our company has undergone significant growth and change over the last few years and with that comes moments of doubt, confusion, and stumbling as we decide who we are in this new state. The amazing part about ikigai is that it doesn’t require changing one’s self to reach it; it only requires one’s self to be who they are intended to be.

So, how do we find ikigai as a collective?

Ikigai is found at the center of where our passions and talents connect with what the world needs and is willing to pay for. But what seem like simple questions — the four essentials of ikigai– take deep reflection and digging to find the answers.

• What do we love?
• What are we good at?
• What does the world need?
• What will they pay us for?

At Rational we provide services not products, which means our ikigai is an aggregation of the collective. We have a vision, mission, and set of capabilities — but ultimately who chooses to work here, and their own passions and talents, plays a huge part in defining our company.

Having worked at Fortune 100 companies before, I know what it feels like to be a cog in a machine. Although I was a critical component that kept it running, I felt completely interchangeable. That’s why I chose to work at Rational five years ago, and why I continue to choose it over and over again. Because who I am, not only as a professional but as an individual, matters.

I don’t offer a comprehensive answer for what ikigai means for Rational (nor for myself; nothing like a good cliffhanger). But the hope is that I have intrigued others to explore this concept individually and to be an active participant in finding our unified ikigai. Because unlike other companies, our ikigai doesn’t come top-down, but rises bottom-up from every person and the uniqueness we bring as a collective.

Rational Ideas is the thought leadership hub for Rational, a digital agency and consultancy based in Seattle, WA.