One of the most common challenges the leaders I work with face is how to balance one’s professional ambitions and having an enjoyable personal life on the way through.
We are a long time working and so need to keep ourselves resilient, and mentally and physically fit to last the course. The chances are that we will have many jobs and multiple careers (I’m on my third), and so a degree of open mindedness, adaptability and suppleness are constantly required.
As a consequence, finding what works for us to help us with career longevity is critical. Finding a business that supports you in that is an important part of the mix. Employers are improving in this area but many have plenty more to do. Peer pressure, a lack of corporate commitment, or just a lack of resources can all play a part in us not getting the support we need at critical times.
So, be clear with yourself about what your “red lines” are and negotiate the rest with your business. You are an important asset for your business, however you are an even more important asset to your friends, family and yourself.
The Ikigai model is a useful approach to help design the right balance. It is a tried and trusted Japanese model that enable us to identify our underlying “reason for being” and thereby gives some clues as to how key areas of our lives should interact.
In simple terms “Iki” means life” in Japanese and “gai” is a way of describing our value or worth”. If you can nail the model you can have a clearer sense of your life purpose, or even what your “bliss” might be.
Either on your own, with someone you trust, or even with your coach, start by identifying what you love, then consider what you are good at and understand the element to which you can be paid for doing those things. If you are able to intertwine bringing an element of what the world is in need of then all the better.
On one level it’s simple, yet on another both complex and may appear a little impenetrable, however the Ikigai model can give all of us clues as to how we might best want to lead our personal and professional lives, and a strong sense of how inextricably linked they are.
Even if Ikigai doesn’t offer all the answers, taking time to consider each of the Ikigai components is a valuable self-reflective activity, particularly when you work through it in a safe and creative environment.
You never know, you might even work out how you can achieve all 4 and get paid to do it, and that might even be being a business leader!