What is the Ikigai Method & How It Can Be Used for Veterinarians
May 1, 2023|Animal Lovers and Med Team, Self Development, Self Mastery
What Is the Ikigai Method?
In Japanese, Ikigai means 'reason for being". This Japanese method of self-discovery and finding purpose helps many balances a healthy life. You can apply the elements of this philosophy to your profession, missions, passions, and other areas of everyday life.
Significant elements of Ikigai include:
- Mission
- Passion
- Profession
- Vocation
In this diagrammed concept, these four areas overlap, and the overall goal is to achieve a balance. Many believe finding this balance is the secret to living a happy and meaningful life.
Furthermore, the Ikigai method can help individuals find their purpose in life. It combines four elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. In this post, we'll explore how veterinary professionals can use the Ikigai method to find fulfillment in their careers.
Veterinary professionals are passionate about animal welfare and care, but that passion alone may not be enough to keep them motivated and fulfilled in their careers. By using the Ikigai method, veterinary professionals can identify their strengths, passions, and what they want to contribute to the world. This can help them find a career that aligns with their values and provides a sense of purpose.
Here's how the Ikigai method can be applied to veterinary professionals:
What You Love:
As a veterinary professional, think about what you love most about your job. Is it working with animals, educating pet owners, or researching new treatments? Identifying what you love can help you focus on the aspects of your job that bring you the most joy and fulfillment.
What You Are Good At:
Consider your skills and strengths as a veterinary professional. Are you great at diagnosing difficult cases, performing surgeries, or managing a team? Recognizing your strengths can help you excel in your current role and pursue opportunities to develop new skills.
What the World Needs:
Veterinary professionals play a crucial role in the health and well-being of animals. Think about how you can use your skills and expertise to contribute to the world. This could involve working with animal shelters, providing education to pet owners, or advocating for animal welfare.
What You Can Be Paid For:
Finally, consider how you personally can earn a living from your passion for veterinary medicine. Is there a niche that serves you best? This could include working at a veterinary clinic or hospital, starting your own practice, or pursuing a career in research or academia.
By combining these four elements, veterinary professionals can identify their purpose and create a fulfilling career path. The Ikigai method can help you find a subset inside your career that aligns with your values, passions, and strengths. For more resources on career development and fulfillment, check out our blog.
I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Also, if you need personal or professional coaching, team training, or to book a small group workshop, reach out!
Until next time, be well.
-The Indigo Phoenix