Ikigai for Learning: Finding Purpose in Study

Hi, this is Ray.

There’s a Japanese word that makes me sound wise whenever I say it in conversations: Ikigai. It roughly translates to “reason for being,” but really it’s about finding that sweet spot where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for all overlap. Basically, it’s the Venn diagram of happiness.

When I first heard about ikigai, I thought, “Wow, that’s beautiful. Where do I download it?” Sadly, it wasn’t on Steam. But here’s the kicker: ikigai isn’t just for careers or life purpose. It can completely change the way you approach learning.

If you’ve ever wondered why your study sessions feel more like grinding side quests in an RPG instead of unlocking legendary loot, it might be because you’re learning without ikigai.

The free newsletter making HR less lonely

The best HR advice comes from those in the trenches. That’s what this is: real-world HR insights delivered in a newsletter from Hebba Youssef, a Chief People Officer who’s been there. Practical, real strategies with a dash of humor. Because HR shouldn’t be thankless—and you shouldn’t be alone in it.

Sign Up Free

Why Learning Without Purpose Feels Like Homework

Let’s be honest: most of us didn’t love homework. Even Hermione Granger, queen of the overachievers, only looked that happy about it because she was saving the world with her knowledge. For the rest of us, memorizing the periodic table without context was basically the academic version of running on a treadmill while staring at a blank wall.

The science backs this up. Motivation in learning is tied directly to relevance and purpose. If what you’re studying doesn’t connect to your goals, passions, or needs, your brain treats it like spam email. Into the recycle bin it goes.

But when you attach learning to your ikigai, suddenly it’s not just about cramming facts. It’s about fueling your reason for being.

The Four Circles of Ikigai (and Learning)

Picture the ikigai diagram. Four circles overlapping in the middle. Here’s how each one can guide your learning:

1. What You Love

   If you love it, you’ll naturally spend more time on it. Learning becomes less about discipline and more about curiosity. Want to master astrophysics because you geek out over black holes? Perfect.

2. What You’re Good At

   Skills you’re already inclined toward give you a confidence boost. If you’re great at writing, leaning into learning storytelling or communication makes sense. Your wins motivate you to keep going.

3. What the World Needs

   This is where learning connects to impact. Maybe you’re studying medicine because your community needs doctors. Or maybe you’re learning coding because every app in existence seems to need an update. Connecting learning to service fuels resilience.

4. What You Can Be Paid For

   Let’s face it, ramen is delicious, but you don’t want to live on it forever. Aligning your learning with real opportunities means you can sustain your passion without worrying about electricity bills.

The overlap of all four? That’s learning with ikigai.

Applying Ikigai to Your Study Sessions

So how do you actually apply this concept while sitting in front of your textbooks, computer, or YouTube lecture that is suspiciously dry? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Ask Yourself Why

Before starting a study session, ask: Why am I learning this? If the only answer is “because the exam is next week,” dig deeper. Connect it to a bigger picture: career goals, personal curiosity, or how it helps someone else.

Step 2: Find the Fun

Gamify your study. Tie the subject to something you already love. If you’re into gaming, treat chapters like levels. If you’re into cooking, think of concepts as ingredients in a recipe. Nerdy metaphors are allowed. Encouraged, even.

Step 3: Build on Your Strengths

Don’t just brute-force subjects you’re weak in. Start with areas you’re naturally good at. Let success build momentum, then tackle the harder stuff with more confidence.

Step 4: Connect to Service

Even if you’re studying something abstract, ask how it helps others. Learning coding? You might design apps that make life easier. Studying history? Understanding the past can make you a better leader. Service transforms “boring facts” into “tools for change.”

Step 5: Remember the Practical Side

Finally, consider how learning ties to real-world opportunities. A subject doesn’t need to make you rich, but knowing how it sustains you financially keeps motivation from burning out.

The Science of Purpose and Learning

I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds fluffy. Where’s the science?” Fear not, fellow nerds. Studies show that having a clear sense of purpose improves memory, focus, and resilience. People with purpose literally process stress better, meaning they don’t spiral into panic as easily when exams hit.

Neuroscience tells us purpose activates the dopaminergic system basically your brain’s reward pathway. When your brain believes learning matters, it floods you with dopamine, which not only feels good but also strengthens learning pathways. It’s like a cheat code for your neurons.

My Ikigai (And Why I Still Learn)

Quick personal note: my ikigai isn’t just building businesses or wielding a bamboo sword in kendo (though I do that too). It’s helping others grow through learning. That’s why I still study constantly. Every book, every course, every late-night Google spiral about how jellyfish don’t technically die (true story) feeds into that purpose.

And here’s the fun part: once you have an ikigai, even “boring” subjects can be re-framed. I didn’t think I’d ever enjoy spreadsheets… until I realized they were the secret to scaling my school without drowning in chaos. Spreadsheets became part of my ikigai. Yes, I said spreadsheets. Please don’t unsubscribe.

Your Turn

So, what’s your ikigai for learning?

• Do you study because you love the subject?

• Because you’re good at it and it builds confidence?

• Because your community or the world needs it?

• Because it sustains you financially so you can keep doing it?

If you can check at least two of those boxes, congratulations. You’ve already taken a step toward learning with purpose.

Remember: learning without ikigai is homework. Learning with ikigai is transformation. And if you ever feel lost, just draw yourself a Venn diagram. Because nothing says “I’ve got my life together” quite like doodling circles on a napkin.

References

1. García, H., & Miralles, F. (2017). Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Penguin Books. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/566677/ikigai-by-hector-garcia-and-francesc-miralles/

2. Hill, P. L., & Turiano, N. A. (2014). Purpose in life as a predictor of mortality across adulthood. Psychological Science, 25(7), 1482–1486. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614531799

3. Kashdan, T. B., & McKnight, P. E. (2009). Origins of purpose in life: Refining our understanding of a life well lived. Psicothema, 21(2), 289–297. https://www.psicothema.com/pii?pii=3649