How can I enjoy my work more? Find your ikigai!

Ikigai: The recipe for more job satisfaction and a longer, happier life

The days when people could retire early and lounge in a hammock before turning sixty seem to be gone for good. You will likely have to keep grinding until you’re nearly seventy. Unless, of course, you hit the jackpot in the lottery or have a generous inheritance waiting for you.

Whether you are biologically capable of reaching retirement, let alone blowing out a hundred candles on your birthday cake, is only 10% determined by genetics. As much as 90% is determined by your lifestyle, as research on Danish twins once showed.

Scientist Dan Buettner was intrigued by this and went on an investigation for National Geographic. In so-called "blue zones," he found people who were healthier and lived longer than average. He returned with results that are not only fascinating but also quite easy to apply. Even in our Western world.

In short, the lives of people in those "blue zones" turned out to have several things in common:

• A diet consisting mainly of fresh food
• Plenty of natural movement
• A warm social life
• A clear reason to get out of bed; in Japanese: "ikigai"

What is (your) ikigai?

Ikigai is a great recipe for ensuring that you reach retirement not only in good health but also with a smile on your face. Knowing what gets you out of bed in the morning is not only good for your health, but it also puts a positive spin on your job satisfaction. It significantly lowers your stress levels, thereby reducing the risk of cancer and other serious illnesses.

Ikigai isn't airy-fairy or complicated. It really just comes down to finding happiness in small, everyday things. What levers can you pull to ensure you find and increase your ikigai? We’re sharing a few ideas with you.

5 tips for more job satisfaction

1. Start the day early and with a valuable task.

Set your alarm an hour earlier to tackle something you’ve been dreading, or something you never get around to during the hustle and bustle of the day. It can be work-related or personal. The satisfaction of having that task finished so early gives a positive flow to the rest of your day.

2. Develop a movement ritual.

Make sure you get moving at a set time every day. Some people get a kick out of running five kilometers, others enjoy cycling, dancing, or just taking a walk around the block. It doesn't matter what you choose, as long as you enjoy it. That way, you’ll stick with it much longer, and it will truly become a healthy ritual.

3. Do work that makes you happy.

You spend a large part of your life working. That’s why it’s important to enjoy what you do. Money is actually a relative concept. Of course, you need to pay the bills and you can't pay for groceries with a smile. But it turns out that a salary increase only provides a sense of progress for a few months on average—after that, you’ve already adjusted to that extra room in your wallet.

Taking a conscious moment to reflect on why you do what you do, and seriously asking yourself if you want to invest your time and energy into something, is a big step toward ikigai. Doesn't it feel right? Then see if you can make different choices. Keep an eye on yourself and watch for signs that you no longer enjoy your work.

Want to know how to find work that actually suits you (your ikigai)? Then read this blog about intrinsic motivation.

4. Step out of your comfort zone.

Of course, it's tempting to always do the same thing and just keep going without thinking about it. No matter how comfortable that comfort zone feels, it's good to step out of it regularly to try something new. It sharpens all your senses, lets you embrace new experiences, and allows you to look at the world with a fresh perspective.

We aren't necessarily talking about earth-shattering changes. Take a different route to work, try a new recipe, or experiment with a different style of clothing. Sometimes that’s enough to bring a new vibe into your life and feel a sense of wonder.

Work on your personal development! We wrote a blog about how to achieve this digitally.

5. Do something for your community.

Humans are social beings by nature. Even if you don't consider yourself a "people person," you will grow by making a positive contribution to your surroundings. See what suits you: giving extra attention to a sick acquaintance, running errands for an elderly neighbor, helping out at a hedgehog shelter, or setting up a PR campaign for a political party.

Consciously making time for others and contributing to a greater whole provides a sense of happiness. Your efforts matter, and you are seen and appreciated. A classic win-win situation.

Also want to know how to motivate not just yourself, but also your employees? Then read on here.

Need more tips on increasing your job satisfaction?

The internet is full of interesting facts that can give your work and life happiness a boost. Moreover, there are all kinds of smart online solutions for gaining new knowledge and sharing your experiences with others. That just happens to be the power of Pluvo! So, feel free to contact us!