Escaping the Ordinary World: My Journey to Fulfillment
Discover how the concepts of ikigai and purposeful living can transform your life. Explore insights from leading research studies on longevity and meaning, and learn from the journeys of entrepreneurs like Mike Parsons and Elon Musk.
For years, I felt a deep emptiness working for others. Despite having a stable job and a predictable routine, I knew something was missing. It was like living in a black-and-white world, yearning for the vibrant colors of a life filled with purpose. Two powerful ideas helped me escape this monotony: ikigai and finding my “why.”
Mike Parsons
Discovering Ikigai
One of the pivotal moments in my journey was discovering the concept of ikigai through Hector Garcia’s book, “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.” Ikigai is a Japanese term that means “a reason for being.” It’s a formula that helps you find a fulfilling career by asking four key questions:
1. What do I love?
2. What am I good at?
3. What does the world need?
4. What can I be paid for?
These questions guided me on a journey of self-discovery. I started by listing my passions and skills, realizing how they intersected with the world's needs and what I could get paid for.
For example, ikigai is why I co-founded NuDance, Australia’s first internet radio station, in 1997. My passion for music and technology, my skills in digital strategy, and the world’s need for innovative media platforms came together perfectly. This intersection has driven me to continue founding my own companies, such as LaunchPodium and Apollo Advisors. In each of these ventures, I found a way to align my love for innovation and entrepreneurship with market needs, creating fulfilling and impactful businesses.
Mike Parsons
Finding Purpose: The Power of Why
Alongside ikigai, Simon Sinek’s book “Start with Why” played a transformative role in my life. Sinek’s central idea is simple yet profound: understanding your “why” – your core purpose – is crucial for true fulfillment. He argues that knowing why you do what you do is the key motivator that drives passion and perseverance.
I began to ask myself, “Why do I want to start this venture? Why is this important to me?” These questions helped me uncover my deeper motivations, which became the fuel for my entrepreneurial journey. Knowing my why gave me a sense of direction and purpose, making every step of my trip feel meaningful.
For instance, using why helped me unlock Apollo Advisors' purpose: “Helping leaders discover, develop, and drive their ventures.” This purpose resonated deeply because it aligned with my passion for mentoring and coaching. It also helped me unlock my purpose of “helping others to help themselves.” This realization has guided my approach to leadership development, ensuring I create meaningful and impactful experiences for the leaders I work with.
Case Study: Elon Musk’s Ikigai and Purpose
To see these concepts in action, I looked at the journey of Elon Musk, an entrepreneur whose courage and motivation I greatly admire. In the early days of his ventures, Musk faced immense challenges and uncertainties. Yet, his strong sense of ikigai and purpose propelled him forward.
Musk’s passion for technology and innovation, exceptional skills, vision for a better future, and ability to monetize his ideas aligned perfectly. For example, with SpaceX, Musk combined his love for space exploration with his engineering skills and the global need for more efficient space travel. He created a business model that made space travel more affordable and sustainable, thus fulfilling his ikigai.
His 'why'—to push the boundaries of what’s possible and ensure the survival and advancement of humanity—was a powerful motivator that kept him going despite the odds. Whether launching rockets with SpaceX or revolutionizing the automotive industry with Tesla, Musk's clear sense of purpose fueled his perseverance and innovation.
Escaping My Ordinary World
These ideas and examples inspired me to escape my Ordinary World. I left my stable job and ventured into the unknown, clearly understanding my ikigai and a compelling why. This transition wasn’t easy, but it was gratifying. I felt a newfound sense of freedom, excitement, and fulfillment that I had never experienced before.
As the Founder and CEO of Apollo Advisors, I started a business that allowed me to combine my love for mentoring and coaching with the need for effective leadership development. I developed personalized one-on-one sessions to guide CEOs through the complexities of leadership. This venture aligned perfectly with my ikigai, allowing me to help others grow while fulfilling a market need.
Your Journey Begins
If you feel stuck in your Ordinary World, I encourage you to explore these concepts. Reflect on your passions, skills, the needs of the world, and how you can make a living from them. Ask yourself why you want to pursue a particular path. These reflections can help uncover your true purpose and guide you toward a more fulfilling life.
Remember, the journey begins with understanding yourself. Embrace the process, take courageous steps, and let your ikigai and why lead you to a vibrant and meaningful life. The world is waiting for what only you can offer. Your adventure is just beginning.
Expert Authority Analysis
Hector Garcia
Hector Garcia demonstrates a high level of authority across most criteria, with solid scores in confidence, persuasiveness, integrity, and emotional intelligence. His 92 out of 120 score places him in the 85th percentile, indicating he is a well-established authority figure in his field. While he excels in many areas, there is room for improvement in seeking feedback, coaching, and adaptability to different leadership styles. Overall, Hector Garcia exhibits a commendable authority backed by expertise, credibility, and the ability to inspire and lead effectively.
Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek demonstrates exceptional authority in leadership and organizational behavior. His total score of 107 out of 120 places him in the 95th percentile, indicating he is a highly influential and respected figure in his field. Sinek persuasively articulates viewpoints, inspires and motivates others, and demonstrates confidence in his ideas.
His TED Talk on “Start with Why” is the third most-watched of all time, and his books have sold millions of copies, showcasing his widespread influence and credibility. Sinek’s authority in leadership is backed by his thought leadership, widespread influence, and ability to inspire and motivate others through his ideas and presentations.
Popular Peer-Reviewed Research Studies
Ikigai & Blue Zones
Buettner, D. (2012). “The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.” National Geographic Books.
This study identifies regions worldwide known as Blue Zones, where people live significantly longer lives. The common factors contributing to their longevity include a strong sense of purpose (ikigai), regular physical activity, a plant-based diet, strong family and social ties, and reduced stress. These findings emphasize the importance of living a life filled with purpose and community connections to enhance longevity and well-being.
Tanno, K., & Sakata, Y. (2010). “Psychosocial Factors and Mortality in Elderly People Living in the Community: The Tsurugaya Project.” Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
This research explores the relationship between psychosocial factors and mortality among older people in a Japanese community. The study found that having a sense of purpose, social engagement, and emotional support significantly reduced mortality rates. These findings highlight the critical role of ikigai and social connections in promoting longevity and mental health among older adults.
Purposeful Living
Steger, M. F., Oishi, S., & Kashdan, T. B. (2009). “Meaning in Life Across the Life Span: Levels and Correlates of Meaning in Life from Emerging Adulthood to Older Adulthood.” The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(1), 43-52.
This study examines how the sense of meaning in life changes from young adulthood to older adulthood. It finds that a strong sense of meaning is associated with better psychological health, higher life satisfaction, and well-being across all age groups. The study emphasizes the importance of cultivating a sense of purpose throughout one’s life to maintain overall mental health and life satisfaction.
Bronk, K. C. (2014). “Purpose in Life: A Critical Component of Optimal Youth Development.” Springer.
This book explores the essential role of purpose in the positive development of young people. It argues that having a clear sense of purpose can guide adolescents through the challenges of growing up, leading to better academic performance, resilience, and overall well-being. The research underscores the importance of helping young individuals find and pursue their purpose to foster healthy development and long-term success.