Ikigai: the Japanese secret to a long and happy life

Ikigai book by Sebastian Marshall is a self-help book on the topic of ‘finding the purpose of your being’ & ‘living life according to the purpose’. The Ikigai book breaks several myths of our routine self-help lessons, like the ‘necessity of going into the details’ and ‘slow and steady wins the race’ in an interesting way.

Ikigai book broke the myth propagated by motivational speakers

For years, I have been hearing from motivational speakers that I can be whatever I want to be. But talking in terms of reality, that’s not possible. A person cannot be a professional golfer as well as a recognized musician at the same time. There is so much competition in the world that if our attention is diluted amongst more than one task, our chances of becoming best at it are very minimal. One needs to approach the mission with a laser focus.

BATNA (Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement)— Concept from Ikigai

BATNA is a genius strategy in negotiations. It teaches us to keep all the alternatives in mind, ready to be pushed forward if our proposal is not finding the ground. We must not be caught off guard and leave the negotiator with only yes/no option. Map out your proposal three to four steps ahead, before you are in front of your client, boss, or employee.

”The ugliest win in the world is superior to the prettiest defeat. You usually don’t want risk losing in order to win a little prettier.”

Why don’t we pursue our dreams? Ikigai book’s answer on the issue

According to the author of the book ‘Ikigai: the Japanese secret to a long and happy life’, we don’t pursue our dreams because we know that we won’t be understood. The urge to be liked and to be understood by all around us keeps most of people stuck to their present position.

It takes courage to make oneself realize that life is too short to seek other people’s acceptance. There is a separate book written on the topic with the title ‘The Courage To Be Disliked’.

Action first, then Details : Ikigai Book Concept

Ikigai book by Sebastian Marshall contradicts a lot of trending thoughts on self-help. One of those is about going into the details. We have often heard people saying ‘devil lays in details’, therefore we need focus on each detail before getting started. Ikigai concept says that you must not let details come in the way of taking actions. When the necessity of going into the details comes in the way of action, then skip that part, take the action, and improve along the way.

Complacency as a bigger threat than failure – Ikigai Book Concept

Sebastian Marshall believes that the complacency of having achieved the dream is a dangerous killer of ambition than the failure itself. Because having failed at something, there remains a drive within us to get up and try again. Getting satisfied and complacent is a ‘full stop’ to progress.

Sebastian Marshall gives a simple trick to avoid complacency. He asks to start comparing yourself with the group more competent than you. If your dream was to be the best at the company, and you have achieved that. Now, start looking at the complete industry and set your goals accordingly. Having done that, your existing sense of accomplishment will disappear, and you will begin climbing the new ladder of bigger targets.

Ikigai book proves through history that pain is inevitable.

Ikigai book dives deep into the lives of the most influential people in the world. Sebastian Marshall proves that great leadership is the outcome of hindrances that the society raises against you. Greatness is not wrapped up and handed over to you as a gift. It is earned.

Ikigai Book teaches the value of time

You might have read in a lot of self-help books, and majority of those do mention the significance of time, but Ikigai book talks about time in the most convincing way. You would learn from the book how to take care of your own as well as other people’s time.

The ‘luck factor’ according to the book Ikigai

Sebastian Marshall does not much believe in luck. The author says that if you are prepared for your goal, luck has a strange habit of meeting you halfway. People often deprive somebody’s success by labelling them as a lucky chap. However, we often forget that if the person was not prepared to receive what the luck had to offer, he could not have become successful. The more you walk towards your goal, the luckier you get.

‘Want to write a great book? Free yourself to write a bad book first’ – Ikigai book concept

Author Sebastian Marashall has brilliantly explained the ‘perfectionism’ as a barrier to progress. We want our first product/idea to be the best of all. That is opposite of what the graph to success tells. You have to be imperfect at the beginning to improve the way down. Using the tag of ‘perfectionism’ is a dangerous form of procrastination.

Major part of your journey towards success will remain unrecognized

Ikigai book explains that on your way to success, most of the journey would be lonely. People around you are neither aware of your ambitions and nor sure whether you would be able to reach them or not. Once the results start showing up, companionship, assistance, and appreciation also start knocking on your door.

Is Ikigai a self-help book?

Yes, Ikigai is a famous self-help book on the Japanese philosophy of finding true happiness. The book helps in understanding the true purpose of life. The author, Sebastian Marshall introduces the readers to the various means of living a happy and purposeful life.

Is Ikigai a good book?

Yes, Ikigai is one of the most demanded books in the field of self-help. It helps in clearing the clutter of doubts around us and shows us the path of living a happy and purposeful life.

Conclusion

To conclude, Ikigai book by Sebastian Marshall is a highly recommended self-help book. The book teaches a lots of monumental concepts about living a purposeful life. It also washes away various myths about productivity and reveals to the readers the Japanese secrets of living a long and happy life.