IKIGAI in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Finding Purpose in a Digital World

The Japanese concept of IKIGAI has been increasingly discussed, not only as a life philosophy but also as a transformative element for the work environment. Basically, IKIGAI is that magical intersection between what you love to do, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It's like a personal guide to finding meaning and satisfaction in life.

But IKIGAI is not just about the individual search for purpose. It has also found a space in the corporate world, often in partnership with mindfulness practices. Companies are adopting these philosophies to improve employee well-being, reduce stress, and create a more focused and productive culture. And when you can align your personal IKIGAI with the goals of the company you work for or the projects you are involved in, the magic really happens. This creates a symbiotic relationship where both you and your employer benefit, resulting in a more harmonious and effective work environment, or even in successful projects. Programs of organizational and digital transformation, whose impact on employees can be considered relevant, the use of IKIGAI as one of the tools in managing organizational changes can make all the difference.

And have you ever done your IKIGAI?

Now, imagine adding Artificial Intelligence (AI) to this mix. Strongly consider that from now on, when implementing digital acceleration programs through AI, making use of tools that help people review their professional position will be very valuable.

AI is rapidly changing the way we live and work, and this makes us rethink our purposes and passions. AI Assistants (GenAI) are supporting people in various tasks, and in the corporate world, AI is making companies more efficient and competitive. This leads us to reconsider our IKIGAI in light of these technological changes. Perhaps what you love to do may be automated in the future, or perhaps your skills can be used to train or work alongside AI algorithms.

In my journey of many years acting in the project management professional field, I have always sought to align my passion for sharing experiences and discussing strategies with the teams I lead, with my mission to be an effective leader in the projects I am involved in, and at the same time be a dedicated mother. This forms the core of my IKIGAI, which is the intersection between passion, mission, vocation, and my profession, project management.

The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into my life has shown me the potential to significantly transform my IKIGAI. AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up more time to focus on strategic activities, such as teaching, sharing experiences, and meaningful communication. Moreover, AI not only opens new career paths but also influences my home life. My daughter finds new AI helpers all the time, making me stay updated in this fast-changing tech world.

Therefore, AI is not just an additional tool; it is an integral component that has the potential to enrich and expand my IKIGAI. It allows me to reassess and perhaps even expand my life purpose, integrating this technological revolution into all facets of my existence.

So, what does all this mean?

Simply that IKIGAI and AI, although they may seem worlds apart, are becoming increasingly interconnected. Understanding how to apply your IKIGAI in a world influenced by AI can be the key to successfully navigating through the rapid changes we are seeing, both in personal and professional life.

Notably, the application of IKIGAI in light of AI is an action that has no distinction of position, as everyone in an organization, from C-level to analyst, will be impacted by the possibilities that AI offers to do things differently.

Soon, I'll share on the blog how ChatGPT helped me make my own IKIGAI. It's been eye-opening!