What’s Your Ikigai?

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Dear Friends -

This week, I want to introduce you to a concept that offers both clarity and inspiration for designing your Third Act: Ikigai. I was first reminded of its power during a conversation with Alex Hayes-Griffin, who leaned on this framework while charting his path forward after a successful career in banking. If you haven’t yet listened to this episode, I highly recommend it—Alex shares such thoughtful self-discovery, and his story is a beautiful example of intentional reinvention. ⬇️

🌅 This Week's Reflection: Finding Your Ikigai

What if your next chapter could be guided by a single word—a compass pointing you toward meaning, joy, and deep personal fulfillment?

Enter: Ikigai (生き甲斐), a beautiful Japanese concept that roughly translates to “reason for being.”

At its core, Ikigai is about discovering the intersection of:

• What you love

• What you’re good at

• What the world needs

• What you can be paid for (or what adds value, even beyond money)

It’s not just a feel-good idea—it’s a powerful framework for crafting a purposeful life, especially when you're stepping out of your primary career and into your third act.

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🌀 The Origins of Ikigai

The word Ikigai comes from “iki” (life) and “gai” (value or worth), and while it’s gained global popularity, it’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture—particularly in Okinawa, a region known for its high concentration of centenarians and strong sense of community and purpose.

Unlike Western ideas of retirement as a “step back,” Ikigai encourages leaning in to what brings you meaning—no matter your age or stage.

🧭 Ikigai in Your Third Act

So how can Ikigai guide you in designing your next chapter?

Start by asking:

• What gets me up in the morning now that I’m no longer defined by my title or business card?

• What activities make me lose track of time?

• What strengths have I honed over the years that I still want to share?

• Where do I want to make an impact going forward?

For many of my clients, Ikigai becomes a lens through which they:

• Reconnect with long-forgotten passions

• Launch meaningful passion projects

• Contribute to causes that matter

• Mentor others or teach from their lived experience

• Blend travel, creativity, and service into something deeply personal

This isn't about reinvention—it’s about re-alignment.

🛠️ Tools to Explore Your Ikigai

If this concept is sparking something in you, here are a few resources to dive deeper:

Books:

• Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles – a warm, accessible introduction

• Awakening Your Ikigai by Ken Mogi – offers a more philosophical take, grounded in Japanese culture

• The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi – great for bite-sized inspiration

Podcasts:

• The Ikigai Podcast with Nick Kemp – interviews with experts and deep dives into practical applications

• The Good Life Project – many episodes explore purpose and fulfillment through a Western lens, very complementary to Ikigai

Videos:

📝 Journal Prompt for the Week:

Take 20 minutes and draw your own Ikigai Venn diagram. Write freely in each section:

1. What do I love?

2. What am I good at?

3. What does the world need from me?

4. What can I offer (even if not for money)?

Where the answers overlap, that’s where your next chapter wants to begin.

🤖 AI Prompt for the Week:

Ikigai Framework - Insert this prompt into your favorite AI platform. I am a fan of Chat GPT and Perplexity.

“Help me reflect on what I love, what I am good at, what the world needs and what I can be paid for so I can find my Ikigai. Ask me clarifying questions.”

Please subscribe and forward this newsletter to others who are thinking about planning their third act. Thanks for your support 🙏.

Warm regards,

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara