1.5 – Common Obstacles to Achieving Ikigai

The discovery and realization of one’s Ikigai can sometimes be hindered by various internal and external obstacles. These challenges are a natural part of the personal growth and development process, but it is important to identify and overcome them in order to fully live in accordance with one’s purpose.

One of the main obstacles to realizing Ikigai is the fear of change and the unknown. Stepping out of your comfort zone, exploring new possibilities and challenging the status quo can trigger anxiety and apprehension. Fear of failure, judgement from others or uncertainty can slow our momentum and prevent us from pursuing our true passion. It is essential to recognize these fears, welcome them with kindness and gradually overcome them by cultivating courage and self-confidence.

Take the example of Jean, an accountant who secretly dreams of becoming a writer. Despite his talent and love for writing, he hesitates to take this path for fear of failure and disappointing his loved ones. By exploring his Ikigai, Jean realizes that this fear is keeping him trapped in a life that does not suit him. He then decides to overcome his apprehensions by starting to write regularly and by sharing his texts with a small circle of trust. Gradually, he gains confidence and determination to follow his dream.

Another common obstacle is the lack of clarity and self-knowledge. In the tumult of daily life, it is easy to lose sight of our true desires, talents, and values. Without a deep understanding of who we are and what drives us, it is difficult to find our Ikigai and align it with our life choices. So it’s crucial to take time for introspection, questioning, and exploring different facets of our identity. Tools for self-reflection, such as journaling, meditation, or personality tests, can assist us in this quest for self-knowledge.

Let’s visualize the journey of Sophie, a brilliant young woman who followed a prestigious law program to meet her family’s expectations. Despite her professional success, she feels an inner void and growing dissatisfaction. By exploring her Ikigai, Sophie realizes that she has neglected her true passions and deep values. She then starts a personal journey to reconnect with her genuine aspirations and contemplate a career shift more in sync with her true nature.

Social pressures and the expectations of others can also be a hindrance to the realization of the Ikigai. It can sometimes be challenging to break free from norms, conventions, and external judgments to follow one’s own path. The fear of disappointing others, of not measuring up, or of marginalizing oneself can lead us to conform to models that do not suit us. It is essential to learn to listen to our inner voice, assert our choices, and cultivate independent thinking to be able to live in accordance with our Ikigai.

Take the example of Marie, a talented artist who put her passion for painting aside to pursue a more “stable” and socially recognized career. Despite her apparent success, she feels a deep sense of frustration and unfulfillment. By exploring her Ikigai, Marie becomes aware of the influence of external expectations on her life choices. She then decides to reconnect with her creativity and embark on an artistic conversion, despite the reservations of those around her. By remaining true to herself, she finds deep meaning and authentic joy in her life.

Finally, material and financial limitations can sometimes hinder the pursuit of the Ikigai. Changing lives, embarking on a new project, or acquiring new skills can require resources and time that are not always available. It’s important not to be discouraged by these constraints and to seek creative solutions to bypass obstacles. This could involve long-term planning, shrewd budget management, or searching for alternative supports and opportunities.

Let’s imagine Pierre’s journey, a permaculture enthusiast who dreams of creating an ecological and educational farm. Despite his enthusiasm and determination, he faces financial difficulties acquiring the land and necessary materials. Instead of giving up on his Ikigai, Pierre decides to start small, by cultivating a vegetable garden on his balcony and sharing his knowledge with his community. Gradually, he develops a support network, finds partners and funding opportunities that allow him to gradually realize his project.

The realization of the Ikigai is a personal journey requiring patience, perseverance, and creativity. The obstacles encountered along the way serve as opportunities to confront oneself, clarify one’s intentions and find innovative solutions. By cultivating a resilient attitude, staying attuned to one’s deep aspirations, and surrounding oneself with supportive peers, it is possible to overcome the challenges and fully live in alignment with one’s purpose.

Key Points:

1. The discovery and realization of one’s Ikigai can be hindered by various internal and external obstacles, which are part of the personal growth process.

2. The fear of change and the unknown is one of the main obstacles to the realization of the Ikigai. It is essential to recognize these fears, welcome them with kindness, and gradually overcome them.

3. A lack of clarity and self-knowledge can make the discovery of one’s Ikigai difficult. It is crucial to take time for introspection and to explore different facets of one’s identity.

4. Social pressures and the expectations of others can be a hindrance to the realization of the Ikigai. It’s important to learn to listen to one’s inner voice and assert one’s choices to be in sync with oneself.

5. Material and financial limitations can hinder the pursuit of the Ikigai. It is crucial not to get discouraged and look for creative solutions to bypass these obstacles.

6. The realization of the Ikigai is a personal journey that demands patience, perseverance, and creativity. The obstacles encountered offer opportunities to confront oneself, clarify one’s intentions and find innovative solutions.

7. By cultivating resilience, listening to one’s deep aspirations, and surrounding oneself with supportive peers, it is possible to overcome challenges and live fully in accordance with one’s purpose.