Ikigai -The Japanese Secret to a Successful and Happy Life

The  Rules of IKIGAI – The Japanese Secret to a Successful and Happy Life

What is Ikigai ?

“Your ikigai is at the intersection of what you are good at and what you love doing,” says Hector Garcia, the co-author of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

1. Stay active | Do not Retire.

•Retirement is the most cruel thing you can do to yourself. Body and mind are very smart : The moment you lose your purpose , they too will start retiring

•Develop a hobby or a side profession that you can continue when you are old. Not for money, but for yourself

• Your life is as good as over if you retire and watching television becomes the most important activity of your life.

2.Take it Slow

•All good things in life take time to germinate. Have patience.

• Do not react immediately to people and situations.

• Think long term . Short term victories might jeopardize long term plans. Do not let short term happiness affect your long term goals.

3.Do not stuff your stomach

• Eat a little less than your capacity.

•Eat Local Produce . Eat Fresh . Eat 50% Raw diet.

4.Surround yourself with good friends.

• Meet your friends more often. Find ways to celebrate.

•Avoid toxic people and situations.

•Friendship is highly underrated, never neglect your friends or friendship.

5.Get in shape for your next birthday.

•Exercise regularly. Its not about weight, its about being fit.

• Being fit should be a way of life, rather than a goal.

6.Smile

• Smile is the most potent tool for Happiness .

• Smile sends happy signals to your own brain and people around you.

•Smile whenever you meet anyone, Its enchanting

7.Reconnect with nature

• Prefer gardens and nature over malls or urban life.

•Take your children to nature trails.

• Spend some time under a tree or besides a river. Notice the differences it makes to your mind.

8. Give Thanks

• Appreciate people , situations , success as well as failures. They all have a role in shaping you.

•“Thank you” should be the top spoken word.

9.Live in the moment

•Past should only be remembered for lessons and happy memories.

•Enjoy the present, Its the only time dimension you have complete control on !

•Do not let the past disturb your present.

• Do not let the future worries take away the happiness of Now

Follow Your Ikigai

Follow the aforementioned 9 points daily !! 🙂