Chapter 1: The Unexpected Revelation

During a recent conversation about my husband's myriad of ideas and my quest for meaningful work, he made a surprising comment about my work ethic. To clarify, I am not at all enamored with my job—I feel drained, unchallenged, and trapped in a routine that doesn’t allow me to contribute meaningfully.

Out of nowhere, my well-meaning husband remarked that my strongest attribute is my dedication to hard work. I instinctively reacted with disbelief, my expression shifting from shock to mild curiosity as he elaborated. He wasn’t referring to the usual grind of sitting at a desk but rather to my overall approach to life.

According to him, I find joy in hard work, and the reason I feel disillusioned with my current role is that it doesn’t push me enough. He pointed out that I am always seeking new challenges—whether it’s lifting heavier weights or learning new skills. He sees me as a “workhorse,” though he reassured me that this is a positive trait.

His theory suggests that I am not meant to confine myself to a single role. Instead, he believes I thrive when engaged in multiple pursuits: one to cater to my physical needs (perhaps through fitness), another for my creative side (like drawing or writing), and a third to stimulate my intellect (such as reading or coaching).

At this point, I couldn’t help but acknowledge his insight. However, the idea of juggling three jobs felt overwhelming and contrary to my desires.

Nevertheless, he sparked a moment of reflection—something he frequently does. This brought to mind the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese term that translates to "a reason for being."

A couple of years ago, during a particularly challenging period, I attempted the Ikigai exercise but struggled to identify my passions or strengths. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to take a step back for a few months. Focus on self-care and the basics; this will help you center yourself and gain clarity on your identity and aspirations.

To explore your Ikigai, consider these lists:

• Things you love
• Things you excel at
• Things the world requires
• Things for which you can be compensated

The sweet spot where these lists intersect is your Ikigai. Remember, it doesn’t have to be solely work-related; you are allowed to have multiple passions, and they can evolve over time. You might find that you can earn income from pursuits you hadn’t initially considered.

Begin with what you love and what you're good at. Once you identify these elements, see how they can converge to meet a need in the world. If there's a demand for it, you can certainly monetize it.

If you’re struggling to get started, ask yourself this:

If you had unlimited resources, how would you choose to spend your time?

While I have a clear vision of my primary goal, I recognize that there's room to incorporate more of my true self into that vision. Ultimately, the aim is to engage in work that feels enjoyable and allows me to serve the world authentically.

Each of us possesses something unique that no one else can offer. Consider how you can leverage that uniqueness to give back while living your best life.

As always, much love.

Section 1.1: Embracing the Workhorse Mentality

The idea of being a workhorse may seem daunting, but it can also be empowering. Embracing this mindset means recognizing that hard work can lead to fulfillment and personal growth.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Multiple Pursuits

Chapter 2: Living Authentically