When was the last time you paused to consider why you teach? Between lesson planning, managing classrooms, grading, meetings, and the ever-changing demands of the profession, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of doing without reflecting. In addition, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper “why” behind what we do. This is where the Japanese concept of Ikigai can offer a guiding light.
What Is Ikigai?
Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” It represents the intersection of four key elements:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
In the center, where these four areas overlap, lies your ikigai. It is a unique personal and professional sweet spot that brings meaning to your days.
For teachers, this idea may feel both familiar and elusive. You probably chose this profession because it touched on all four of these areas. But somewhere along the way, fatigue, routine, or systemic challenges may have dulled the clarity of that purpose.
Why It Matters
Teaching is inherently meaningful work. But it’s also emotionally demanding and often undervalued. Over time, even the most passionate educators can experience burnout or feel disconnected from their “why.”
Reconnecting with your Ikigai isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about realigning with what matters most. It’s about finding small moments of joy, rediscovering your strengths, noticing your needs, and giving yourself permission to pursue a life that feels purposeful.
Steps to Discovering Your Ikigai
Here are some reflective prompts to help you begin:
1. What Do You Love?
Think about the moments in your teaching day that make you lose track of time. Is it the spark in a student’s eye when they finally “get it”? The creative process of designing a new lesson? The friendships with colleagues?
2. What Are You Good At?
Reflect on your strengths as an educator. Are you a natural storyteller? A patient listener? Do you excel at building relationships, organizing chaos, or inspiring curiosity?
3. What Does the World Need?
Consider the needs you see in your students, your school, or your community. Where do your passions and skills align with these needs? Perhaps you’re the teacher who creates a safe space for students who feel unseen, or the one who brings innovation to your team.
4. What Can You Be Paid For?
While teaching is rarely about the paycheck, it’s important to recognize the professional value you bring. How can you continue to grow and be recognized for your contributions?
Putting It All Together
Try creating a simple Ikigai diagram or journal entry, mapping out your answers to these questions. Notice where the circles overlap. What themes emerge? What small steps can you take to spend more time in your “Ikigai zone” each day?
Bringing Ikigai into the Next School Year
Finding your Ikigai doesn’t require a major life change. Often, it starts with a shift in awareness. What if you carved out just 15 minutes a week to do something that taps into your purpose. For example, mentoring a colleague, redesigning a lesson you love, or exploring a topic that fascinates you? These small shifts can add up to a deeper sense of alignment and fulfillment during the next school year.
Don’t let this reflection be just an end-of-year exercise. Let be a way for you to remember to seek joy and purpose every day, even in the small stuff. Teaching is more than a job. It’s a calling. By embracing the spirit of ikigai, we can stay connected to what matters most and bring more meaning, intention, and joy into our lives and classrooms.