NOVEMBER 2023
DR. SCOTT SHAW
Education Leader Committed to Innovation and Student Well-being
Dean and Professor
Social Sciences and Human Services
The Evolving Landscape of Education
Dearreaders,
Theeducationlandscapeof2023continuestobeadynamicone,shapedbytheechoesof thepandemic,theriseoftechnology,andagrowingfocusonaccessibilityandinclusivity. Whiletraditionalclassroomsremainacornerstone,theintegrationofEdTechtoolsis accelerating,offeringpersonalizedlearningexperiencesandbridginggeographical divides.Artificialintelligenceismakingitsmark,withadaptivelearningplatforms tailoringcontenttoindividualstudentneedsandvirtualrealitysimulationscreating immersiveeducationaljourneys.
However,challengespersist.Thedigitaldividecontinuestoleavesomestudentsbehind, andconcernsaboutequityandtheemotionalwell-beingoflearnersremainparamount. Therisingcostofeducationisanotherpressingissue,promptingtheexplorationof alternativemodelsandmicro-credentialsforcareerdevelopment.
Toappreciatetheeffortsandtirelessworkoftheseleaders,wearehappytopresent“The 10RemarkableEducationLeadersofNovember2023!”Thisspecialsectionshinesalight onindividualswhoareshapingthefutureofeducation.Frominnovativeeducators leveragingtechnologytocreateengagingclassroomstopolicymakersadvocatingfor equitableaccess,theseleadersaremakingadifference.Throughtheirstoriesandinsights, wegainvaluableperspectivesontheevolvingeducationlandscapeandtheinspiring individualsdrivingpositivechange.
AttheforefrontofthismagazineisDr.ScottShaw,Ph.D.,DMin,servingastheDeanand ProfessorofSocialSciencesandHumanServicesatGraceChristianUniversity.Witha diverseacademicbackgroundincounseling,socialwork,lawenforcement,andtheology, hisextensivejourneyincludesaPh.D.inHealthPsychology/BehavioralMedicineanda D.Min.inConflictManagement.Dr.Shaw’smultifacetedcareerinacademia,counseling, andpublicserviceunderscoreshiscompassionateleadershipandexpertise.
Beyondthat,thismagazinehighlightsChancellorPradeepK.Khosla,Dr.David Livingston,Dr.JackThomas,andDr.EvanD.Duff.Theirdistinctcontributions,from strategicvisiontoacademicstewardship,collectivelyilluminatethedynamiclandscapeof contemporaryeducation.
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Dr. Scott Shaw
Bradley J. Cook www.snow.edu
Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr. www.aamu.edu
Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. www.troy.edu
Dr. Mindy Smith www.mindysmith@ucwv.edu
Dr. Timothy Mottet www.csupueblo.edu
Dr. Tracy West www.uav.edu
James Gaudino www.cwu.edu
Shalini Randeria www.ceu.edu
Kimberly Cline www.liu.edu
Tadanori Nagasawa www.musabi.ac.jp
Education Leader
Committed to Innovation and Student Well-being
Dr. Scott Shaw
CoverStory
Dr.ScottShaw,PhD,DMin,isanesteemed academicandseasonedpractitioner, servingastheDeanandProfessorof SocialSciencesandHumanServicesatGrace ChristianUniversity Withadiverseacademic journeyspanningmultipledisciplines,Dr.Shawhas honedhisexpertiseinvariousfields,including counseling,socialwork,lawenforcement,and theology.Hisextensiveeducationalbackground includesaPh.D.inHealthPsychology/Behavioral MedicineandaD.Min.inConflictManagement, reflectinghiscommitmenttoholisticlearning.
Dr.Shaw’scareerhasbeenequallymultifaceted,with significantcontributionstoacademia,counseling,and publicservice.Hisrolesasaclinicalsupervisor, therapist,andlawenforcementprofessionalhave enrichedhisunderstandingofhumanbehaviorand positionedhimasacompassionateand knowledgeableleaderinhisfield.
Inadditiontohisqualificationsandcareer accomplishments,Dr.Shawispassionateabout teachingandmentoringthenextgeneration.His dedicationtoeducationalleadershipandthe developmentofnewdegreeprogramshasexpanded theacademichorizonsofGraceChristianUniversity. Healsomaintainsathrivingtherapy,consulting,and speakingpractice,ensuringthathisteachingand leadershipremainrootedincontemporaryclinical insights.
Dr.Shaw’scommitmenttostayingactivelyengaged inhisvariousprofessionsreflectshisongoingpursuit ofknowledgeandexcellence.Hisphilosophyof “iron sharpening iron” fostersanenvironmentof continuousgrowth,benefitingbothhisstudentsand theinstitutionsheserves.AsDeanandProfessor,Dr ScottShawbringsawealthofexperience,expertise, andadeeploveforlearningtoGraceChristian University’sSocialSciencesandHumanServices department.
SignificantContributionstoGraceChristian University
Dr.ScottShawhasmadesubstantialcontributionsto thesuccessofGraceChristianUniversityandits students,demonstratingaprofoundandmultifaceted impact.Hiscommitmenttofosteringasenseof
belongingandimplementingeffectivestudent supportpracticeshassignificantlyinfluenced theinstitution.
Dr.Shawrecognizesthepivotalrolethata student’ssenseofbelongingplaysintheir academicjourney.Byprioritizinginitiatives aimedatenhancingstudentwell-beingand supportsystems,hehascultivatedan environmentinwhichstudentscanthrive, thusgreatlyimprovingtheirchancesof academicsuccess.Hisdedicationtothis principlealignswithMichaelCrow’svision ofinnovativehighereducation,characterized byinclusivityandafocusonstudent outcomes.
Dr.Shaw’searlysupportfortheCenterfor HispanicEducationatGraceChristian Universityexemplifieshiscommitmentto inclusivity.Byofferingonlinedegree programsinSpanish,hehasnotonly expandededucationalaccessforSpanishspeakingstudentsbuthasalsoshowcaseda proactiveapproachtomeetingtheneedsof diversecommunities.Thepopularityof programslikePsychologyintheSpanish languageunderscoresthesuccessofthis initiative.
Furthermore,Dr.Shaw’sinvolvementin mentoringandacademiccoachinginitiatives, particularlywithat-riskstudents,underscores hiscommitmenttoprovidingindividualized support.Throughguidanceandmentorship, heensuresthateverystudenthasthe opportunitytoexcelacademically,regardless oftheircircumstances.
FlexibleLearningOptionsandInnovative Programs
GraceChristianUniversityiscommittedto deliveringadistinctandcomprehensive educationalexperiencethattranscends conventionalboundaries.Centraltothis missionistheSchoolofSocialSciencesand HumanServices(SSHS),whichplaysa
centralroleinshapingtheacademiclandscapeand nurturinganinclusiveenvironmentforpersonalgrowth.
TheSSHSatGraceChristianUniversityoffersadiverse rangeofmajors,includingCriminalJustice,Human Services,andPsychology Theseprogramsaimnotonlyto provideacademicknowledgebutalsotocultivatefuture professionalswhopossesstheknowledgeandempathy necessarytomakeameaningfulimpactintheirchosen fields.Furthermore,strategicpartnershipswiththegraduate schoolallowstudentstopursueadvanceddegreesinHigher EducationLeadershipandOrganizationalLeadership, ensuringaseamlesspathforcontinuousgrowth.
AdistinctivefeatureofGraceChristianUniversityisits dedicationtointegratingfaithandeducation.Here,students havetheopportunitytoaligntheirpersonalfaithbeliefs withtheiracademicpursuits,fosteringawell-roundedand values-drivenapproachtolearning.Thisapproachextends beyondtheclassroom,encouragingstudentstoexploretheir passionsandengageinfaithcommunities,fostering enriching,transformativerelationships.
Inlinewithitscommitmenttoaccessibility,GraceChristian Universityprovidesflexiblelearningoptions.Studentscan choosebetweenon-campusprograms,whichoffera personalatmosphere,andonlinecoursesthatallowfor asynchronouslearning.Theinnovative“4+1”graduate programfurtherdemonstratestheinstitution'sdedicationto efficiency,enablingstudentstocommencetheirgraduate studieswhilecompletingtheirundergraduatedegrees, savingbothtimeandmoney.
Additionally,GraceChristianUniversityisactively workingtowardsofferingstudentsapathtoanaffordable education.Thisinitiativeinvolvescostreduction,increased scholarshipopportunities,theexplorationofpaid internships,andcollaborationswithcommunity stakeholders.Throughtheseefforts,theuniversity empowersstudentstopursuetheireducationalaspirations withouttheburdenofexcessivestudentdebt.
AddressingKeyChallengesinHigherEducation
Dr.ScottShawidentifiesseveralsignificantissueswithin thecurrenteducationsystem,andheisdedicatedto bringingaboutpositivechanges.Onepressingchallengehe recognizesisthegrowingconcernaboutthereturnon
investment(ROI)forstudents, especiallyintraditionalon-campus programs.Studentsandtheirparentsare increasinglyfocusedonthepracticality ofeducation,particularlyintermsof careerreadinessandfinancialoutcomes. Inresponse,Dr.Shawplacesastrong emphasisonadvancingcareer-ready degreesatGraceChristianUniversity. Bycloselyaligningthecurriculumwith industrydemands,heensuresthat studentsacquiretheskillsand knowledgenecessaryforsuccessful careersupongraduation.
Aligningeducationalprogramswiththe evolvingneedsofindustriesisanother pivotalissueineducation.Dr.Shaw’s proactiveapproachinvolves collaboratingwithlocallaw enforcementagenciestogatherdataand insights.Thisallowsforcurriculum customizationthatdirectlyaddressesthe specificrequirementsofthejobmarket. Hiscommitmenttodata-informed decision-makingensuresthatgraduates arenotonlyacademicallypreparedbut alsojob-ready
Internshipsandjobplacementcanbe challengingforstudents,andDr.Shaw isdeterminedtoprovidesolutions. Leveraginghisextensivenetworkand personalbackgroundinlaw enforcement,heactivelyconnects graduateswithqualityinternshipsand well-payingjobopportunities.This approachenrichestheeducational experienceandsignificantlyenhances employmentprospectsforstudents.
Thereputationofgraduatesisanother criticalaspect,andDr.Shaw’s dedicationtoprovidinghigh-quality educationisreflectedinthepositive reputationofGraceChristian University’sgraduates.Thefactthatlaw enforcementagenciesactivelyseekout theirgraduatesisatestamenttothe effectivenessofhisinitiatives.
CoverStory
ChangingStudentNeedsinHigherEducation
Dr.ScottShawobservessignificantchangesinstudents’ requirementsovertime,especiallyamongtraditional college-agestudentsinthe18-22agegroup.These changesareinfluencedbyvariousfactors,includingthe ongoingeffectsoftheCOVID-19pandemicand heightenedawarenessofmentalhealthsupport.
Oneprominentshiftistheincreasedemotionaltoll experiencedbystudentsduetothepandemic.Disruptions intheiracademicandpersonalliveshaveledtohigher stresslevelsandemotionalchallenges.Consequently, thereisagreaterawarenessoftheimportanceofmental healthsupport.
Furthermore,Dr.Shawemphasizesthegrowing significanceofemotionalintelligence(EQ)inaddressing students’diverseneeds.Educationalleadersandfaculty mustpossesshighEQtoempatheticallyunderstandand tacklestudents’emotionalstruggles.Thisincludesthe abilitytoconnectwithstudentsemotionally,offer encouragement,andcreateasupportiveandnurturing educationalenvironment.
Additionally,theincreasingdiversityofstudent populationsnecessitatesagreaterdemandforcultural intelligence(CQ)amongeducatorsandadministrators. Understandingandrespectingstudents’cultural backgrounds,beliefs,andexperiencesareessential. Institutionsareexpectedtoactivelypromoteinclusivity andculturalsensitivity,creatinganenvironmentwhereall studentsfeelvaluedandsupported.
Dr.Shawunderscoresthattheconceptofa“onesizefits all”modelineducationisevolving.Today’sstudents benefitfromamorepersonalizedapproachthattakesinto accounttheiruniquelearningstylesandemotionalneeds. Thispersonalizedapproachrecognizesthateachstudent mayhaveindividualstrengthsandchallengesandaimsto accommodatethosedifferencestopromotesuccess.
PrioritizingWork-LifeBalanceforSuccessandWellBeing
Dr.ScottShawplacesahighvalueonwork-lifebalance, understandingthatachievingequilibriumbetweenone’s professionalandpersonallifeisvitalforoverallwell-
beingandsuccess.Hisapproachcentersonseveralkey principles:agenuinepassionforhiswork,effective delegation,fosteringteamwork,recognizingindividual strengths,practicingefficienttimemanagement, establishingclearboundaries,andprioritizingself-care.Dr Shawunderscorestheimportanceofcollaboratingwith trustedcolleaguestosharetheworkloadandbuildinga proficientteamwhereeveryonecanleveragetheirstrengths. Healsocherishespersonaltimeforself-care,which includesactivitiessuchasexercise,hobbies,andspending qualitymomentswithlovedones.Thisbalancedapproach alignswithhisphilosophyoffindingjoyinone’sworkand pursuingone'spassions,contributingtobothprofessional excellenceandpersonalfulfillment.
Dr.ScottShaw’sGuidanceforEmergingEducational Leaders
Dr.ScottShawprovidesvaluableguidancetoemerging leaderswhoaspiretomakeameaningfulimpactinthefield ofeducation.Hisinsightsarerootedinfoundational principlesthatcansteerthesebuddingleaderstoward success.Heplacesastrongemphasisonthesignificanceof mentorshipandcontinuouslearning,advisingaspiring leaderstoseekoutmentorswhocanprovideguidanceand sharetheirwisdom.
Thesementorsoffervaluableinsightsfornavigatingthe complexitiesofeducationalleadership.Furthermore,Dr Shawemphasizestheimportanceofacommitmentto ongoinglearning,boththroughmentorshipandengagement withvaluedstakeholders.Continuouslearningisessential forpersonalandprofessionalgrowthintheever-evolving educationallandscape.
Dr.Shawalsoadvocatesforembracingthewisdomof individualswhohaveextensiveexperienceinthefield. Thosewhohave “been there, done that” canofferpractical adviceandinsightstohelpnavigatechallengesandmake well-informedchoices.Learningfromtheexperiencesof othersservesasavaluableresourceforaspiringleaders.
Lastly,Dr.Shawencouragesaspiritofinnovation.He advisesstayingattunedtodevelopingtrendsandemerging marketswithintheeducationallandscape.Beingopento changeandwillingtoadaptbestpracticesovertimeis essentialforremainingrelevantandresponsivetothe evolvingneedsofstudentsandthecommunity.Innovation standsasakeydriverofprogressineducation.
7 Life Lessons to Learn from
THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI
“The best leaders are the most dedicate learners. Read great books daily,” saysRobinSharma. Readingbooksis oneofthebestpracticestofeedyourmind.Thestoryor informationinsertedinthebookrevealsthesecretsto achievingourgoals.Ifyouareoneofthoseregular readers,thenyouhaveexperiencedthemagicofreadinga book.However,inthebusyscheduleofourdailylife,it becomesdifficulttogetyourheadsintotheoceanof knowledgeandcalmness.Thus,aquicksummarycould helpyouunderstandthewholebook.
Inthisarticle,wewilltakeyouthroughoneofthefinest booksyouwishhadreadearlier Asmentionedinthetitle, welistsevenlifelessonsfromRobinSharma’s “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.”
AbouttheAuthorRobinSharma
InternationallyrenownedhumanistRobinSharmahas dedicatedmorethan25yearstoassistingothersin realizingtheirinnatetalents.Heconsultsorganizations, includingNASA,Nike,Microsoft,Unilever,GE,FedEx, HP,Starbucks,YaleUniversity,PwC,IBMWatson,and theYoungPresidents’Organization.Heisoneofthe world’sleadingleadershipandpersonalmastery authorities.Heisoneofthemostwidelyreadauthorsalive thankstohis#1internationalblockbusters,includingThe 5AMClub,TheMonkWhoSoldHisFerrari,The GreatnessGuide,andWhoWillCryWhenYouDie? whichhavesoldmillionsofcopiesinmorethanninetytwolanguagesanddialects.
AbouttheBook
“TheMonkWhoSoldHisFerrari”isacompellingfable thatrevolvesaroundthelifeofJulianMantle,ahighly successfullawyerwhofacesapivotalmomentwhenhe experiencesaheartattackattheageof53.Thislifealteringeventservesasaprofoundwake-upcall, promptingJuliantomakesignificantchangesinhislife.In response,hetakesamomentousdecisiontopartwayswith hisluxuriousFerrari,mansion,andmaterialpossessions. Withanewfoundsenseofpurposeandathirstfor knowledge,heembarksonatransformativejourneytothe sereneHimalayas.
TheSevenKeyVirtuestoLearn
TheMonkWhoSoldHisFerrariintroducesreaderstothe profoundteachingsofthesevenvirtues,eachholdingthe keytounlockingamoreenlightenedandfulfillinglife:
1. MasterYourMind:TheKeytoHappiness
Tounlocklastinghappiness,onemustembracea straightforwardyetprofoundtruth:discoveringtheir truepassionandwholeheartedlypursuingit. Individualscanchannelboundlessenergytoward theirpursuitsbymasteringtheirmindsandfocusing onwhatgenuinelyignitestheirpassion.Thisselfawarenessanddedicationleadtogenuinefulfillment andjoyinlife.Embracingthisprincipleempowers individualstoleadpurpose-drivenliveswhere happinessbecomesanattainableandsustainable reality.
2. FollowYourPurpose:EmbraceExhilaration
Inpursuingafulfillinglife,followingyourpurposeis aguidinglighthouse.Embraceyourtruecalling,for thereinliesthepathtogenuinehappinessand contentment.Moreover,neverunderestimatethe significanceoflivingwithunbridledexhilaration. Infuseeachmomentwithpassionandexcitement, cherishingthejourneyasmuchasthedestination.By intertwiningpurposeandexhilaration,lifebecomesa vibranttapestryofpurposefuljoy,wherefulfillmentis notjustadestinationbutanever-presentcompanion onthejourneyofself-discoveryandgrowth.
3. PracticeKaizen:ThePowerofEmbracing ContinuousImprovement
IncorporatingtheJapaneseprincipleofKaizeninto lifeopensdoorstotransformativegrowth.Kaizen representsthecommitmenttoperpetualadvancement throughcontinuousimprovement.Embracethis philosophyandcultivateamindsetofconstant learningandprogress.Small,incrementalchanges leadtosignificantresultsovertime,enhancingskills, productivity,andoverallwell-being.Embracing Kaizeninstillsresilience,adaptability,anda willingnesstoembracechallengesasopportunities. Byfosteringacultureofcontinuousimprovement, individualscanunlocktheirtruepotentialand navigatethepathofself-improvementwithpurpose anddetermination.
4. LivewithDiscipline:TheArtofSmallHabitsand LastingImpact
Incorporatingdisciplineintodailylifeunveilsa powerfulforcethatmoldsourcharacter.Embracethe
notionthatdisciplineisnotagrandgesturebuta collectionofsmall,consistenthabits.Eachday,commit tothesehabitsthatshapewhoweareandwhoweaspire tobecome.Byapproachinglifewiththislevelofselfcontrol,wecreateasolidfoundationforsuccessand personalgrowth.Embracedisciplineasatransformative tool,enablingustoovercomeobstacles,stayfocusedon ourgoals,andlivealifeofpurposeandfulfillment.
5. RespectTime:YourMostPreciousResource
Recognizingthevalueoftimeisparamountin leadingapurposefullife.Embracethe significanceofrespectingthispreciousresource bestoweduponus.Eachmomentisatreasure waitingtobeutilizedwisely.Bemindfulof howyouinvestyourtime,makingconscious choicesthatalignwithyourgoalsand priorities.Avoidunnecessarydistractionsand investinactivitiesthatnurturepersonalgrowth andhappiness.Byhonoringtime,weunlock thepotentialtolivemorefulfilling,productive, andmeaningfullives,profoundlyimpactingour journeytowardsuccessandcontentment.
6. SelflesslyServeOthers:EmbraceKindness
Embracingselflessservicecancreatea powerfulrippleeffect,leavingalastingimpact onbothourselvesandthosearoundus. Kindness,likeacontagiousforce,spreads positivityandcompassionineveryinteraction. Byselflesslyservingothers,wecultivate empathy,forgemeaningfulconnections,and contributetoaharmoniouscommunity.Giving withoutexpectationupliftsthespiritsofthose wetouchandbringsprofoundjoyand fulfillmenttoourhearts.Embracethebeautyof kindness,andwitnesshowthesmallestgestures canigniteachainofpositivity,shapingaworld filledwithloveandunderstanding.
7. EmbracethePresent:LiveLifeJoyfully
RobinSharmaremindsusoftheprofound significanceofembracingthepresentmoment. Byimmersingourselvesfullyinthenow,we unlockthekeytolivingalifeofjoyand purpose.Sheddingworriesaboutthepastand anxietiesaboutthefuture,wefindtranquility andcontentmentinthepresent.Thisintentional
wayoflivingfostersadeeperappreciation forlife’sblessingsandallowsustomake consciouschoicesalignedwithourtrue desires.Embracethegiftofthepresent,and discovertheimmensepoweritholdsto enrichourjourneyandinfuseourdayswith genuinehappinessandfulfillment.
Afterexploringthisbook,readersareleftwitha profoundrealizationthattruefulfillmentliesin nurturingthevirtueswithinthemselves.Integrating thesevirtuesintodailylifefosterspersonalgrowth, happiness,andadeeperunderstandingofoneselfand theworldaroundthem.Thisenlighteningtalewill serveasaninspirationforyoutoseekamore meaningfulandpurpose-drivenexistence.
QuickTakeawaysfromtheBook
● Allofusarecapableofgreatthings.Weonly needtoidentifyourcallingandhaveastrong workethic.
● It’scrucialtobeinthenowandappreciate thejourneyasitunfolds.Avoidlingeringon thepastorbeingconcernedwiththefuture.
● Weshouldallbemorefocused,disciplined, andempathetic.Thesecharacteristicswill enableustoleadmoresatisfyinglives.
● Beinghappyisadecision.Evenunder difficultcircumstances,wehavethechoiceto bejoyful.
● Eachofusisapartofsomethingbiggerthan ourselves.Weshouldallmakeaneffortto leadspirituallives.
“TheMonkWhoSoldHisFerrari”captivatesand inspires,offeringapowerfulguidetoliveahappier andmorefulfillinglife.Ihighlyrecommenditforits profoundimpact.Thisliterarygemtransformslives withitsinsightsandmotivationalstorytelling. Embraceitswisdom,reflectonpriorities,seekinner balance,andembarkonapurpose-drivenjourney Empoweredbytheprotagonist’stransformativetale, unleashyourtruepotential,discoveryourself,and savorthejoysofacontentedexistence.Letthisbook bethecatalysttoyourlifeofhappiness,purpose,and profoundfulfillment.
Test
Step-by-Step Guide to Find Meaning ofYour Life
o“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.” Japanese proverb. Thisproverbsayswe mustbeactiveifwewishtolivelonger Thefunniestpart isthatwearelivinginahustle-bustleculture,runningto achievedesiredgoals.However,thequestionis,arewe reallyhappywiththeprocessorthepathchosen?Well,it dependsfrompersontoperson.Weareallrunningour ownrace,andwehavedifferentstrugglestoleada peacefullife.Inbetweenthose,manyofusloseour momentsofjoy Whicheventuallymakesuslesshappy
Toshedlightonthesecretstolivingameaningfuland happylife,wearecoveringastep-by-stepguidefromthe world-popularbookIkigai.
AbouttheAuthor
TheBookofIchigoIchie:TheArtofMakingtheMostof EveryMoment,theJapaneseWay,iswrittenbyHéctor GarcíaandFrancescMiralles.AGeekinJapan,whichhe wrote,isHéctor’s#1bookinhisnativeJapan,wherehe hasresidedformorethantenyears.Francescisthe authorofseveralbest-sellingself-helpandinspirational booksandthetwenty-language-translatednovelLovein Lowercase.
TheinhabitantsoftheJapanesevillage,oneofthe world’sBlueZoneswiththehighestproportionof100year-olds,werequestionedbythewritersduringtheir researchforthisbook.Theirbest-keptsecretishowthey discovertheikigaithatmakestheirlivessatisfying. Ikigaidisclosesthekeystotheirlongevityandhappiness, includinghowtheyeat,exercise,work,promote community,andeat.Additionally,itoffershelpful resourcestoaidindiscoveringyourpersonalikigai. Becausewhoamongusdoesn'twishtobehappyevery day?
AboutIkigaiBook
HéctorGarcíaandFrancescMiralles’self-helpbook Ikigai:TheJapaneseSecrettoaLongandHappyLife
wasoriginallyreleasedin2016.IkigaiisaJapanese conceptthatcombinestheterms“iki”(whichmeans “life”)and“gai”(whichmeans“purpose”).Itis pronouncedas“ee-key-guy.”TheJapaneseideaof ikigai,whichtranslatesto“reasonforbeing,”is exploredinthisbook.Accordingtothebook,ikigaiis thesecrettoleadingalongandfulfillinglife.It impliesthatyoucandiscoverafeelingofmeaningand fulfillmentinyourlifebydiscoveringyourikigai. Numerousadvantagesmayresultfromthis,including increasedefficiency,strongerrelationships,andbetter health.
Thebookisdividedintofourparts:
●Thefirstsectionexplainstheideaofikigaiandgoes overitsbackgroundandculturalimportance.
●Thesecondsectiondivesintothefourikigaitenets ofdoingwhatyoulove,whatyouaregoodat,what theworldneeds,andwhatcanbecompensatedfor
●Thethirdsectionoffershelpfulguidanceonhowto locateyourikigai.
●Thestoriesofindividualswhohavelocatedtheir ikigaiaretoldinthefourthsection.
Withover1.5millioncopiessoldglobally,thebook hasbeentranslatedintomorethan40languages. Criticshavecomplimenteditforitsunderstandingof theikigainotioninJapanandforitshelpfultipson howtolocateyourownikigai.
WhatistheIkagaiTest?
YoumayusetheIkigaiTestasaself-evaluationtoolto helpyoudiscoveryourlife’spurpose.Youwillbe askedanumberofquestionsontheexamaboutyour interests,abilities,values,andareasofstrength.You maylocateyourikigaiatthepointwherethesefour zonescrossbyrespondingtothesequestions.The IkigaiTestcanbeausefulstartingpointforyour journey,whileitcannotprovideanabsolutesolutionto theissueofyourlife’spurpose.Youmaylearnmore aboutyourabilities,interests,andvaluesbytakingthe exam.Youmayusethisinformationtodeterminethe areasofyourlifewhereyoucanexperiencemore fulfillmentandsignificance.
HerearethefourareasthattheIkigaiTestfocuseson:
1.Passions:Discoveryourpassionbyexploring activitiesthatbringjoyandfulfillment.By
introspectingaboutwhatyoulovetodo,can uncoveryourtruecallingandpurposeinlife. Connectingwithyourinnerdesiresenablesyouto findapaththatalignswithyourdeepestinterests.
2.Skills:Identifyingstrengthsiscrucialin understandingone’suniqueabilitiesandtalents. Recognizingwhatyouexcelatallowsyoutofocus onyourpotentialandbuildonyourstrengths.By honingtheseskills,youcanmaximizeyour contributionstotheworldandpursueafulfilling journey
3.Values:Consideringpersonalvalueshelpsin definingwhattrulymatterstosomeone.By reflectingoncorebeliefsandprinciples,yougain clarityonyourmoralcompass.Embracingthese valuesguidesyoutowardopportunitiesthat resonatewithethicalconvictionsandprinciples.
4.Whattheworldneeds:Thinkingaboutwhatthe worldneedsencouragesyoutolookbeyond yourself.Byidentifyingtheneedsandchallenges around,youcancontributepositivelytosociety Leveragingyourskillsandtalents,youbecomean agentofchange,makingameaningfuldifferencein thelivesofothers.
StepstoConducttheIkigaiTest
TheIkigaiTestisafreeinternettoolthatmaybe usedwheneveryouwant.Theexamisofferedina rangeofformats,soyoumaychooseonethatbest suitsyourneeds.However,thestandardIkigaiTest hasthefollowingsteps:
Step1:IdentifyYourInterests
Letyourenthusiasmrunwild.Findthepursuits thatinspireyou.Lookforthethingsthatbringyou joyandfulfillment.Getintouchwithyourgreatest aspirationsandpassions.Acceptyourinner longingsandgoals.Takeacloserlookatthethings thatinterestyou.Letyourinterestsmotivateyour questforalifethathasapurpose.
Step2:UnleashYourStrengths
Determineyournaturalstrengthsandabilities. Throughreflectionandevaluation,learnwhatyou excelat.Confidentlyacknowledgeyourspecial
abilities.Acceptyourabilitiesandgiveyourselfthe freedomtousethemwell.Putafocusonyourskill andknowledgeinthearea.Whenyouplaytoyour strengths,youwillbewell-positionedtohaveabig effectontheworld.
Step3:DiscovertheWorld'sNeeds
Determinethemostimportantneedsinthe environmentyoulivein.Analyzetheurgent problemsanddifficultiesthatsocietyisfacing. Considerhowyourspecialabilitiesandskillscan helptomeetthesedemands.Giveyourselfthetools youneedtochangetheworldforthebetter.Match yourinterestsandskillstothegreatergood.Accept thechancetomakeasignificantcontributionand livealifethatismotivatedbyapurposethat benefitsbothyouandothers.
Step4:DetermineYourMarketValue
Consideryourabilities,capabilities,and knowledge.Analyzetheneedforyourskillsinthe industry.Findawaytomakemoneyfromyour passionandservicetoothers.Lookforchancesto succeedfinanciallywhilehavingabeneficial influence.Accepttheempowermentofgenerating incomefromyourinterestsandtalents,whichwill getyouclosertoafulfillingandwealthyexistence.
TipstoConductTest
Herearesomebasictipstofollowfortakingthe IkigaiTest:
●Whenrespondingtothequestions,besincere withyourself.
●Consideryourinterests,abilities,values,andthe needsoftheworldasawhole.
●Don’tbescaredtotryoutothersolutions.
●Repeatthetestseveraltimestobetterunderstand yourikigai.
Althoughthereareothermethodsfordetermining yourlife'spurpose,theIkigaiTestisausefulone. Thereareseveralotherresourcesthatcansupport youonyourjourney Talktoyourmentors,loved ones,andfriends.Readikigaiandlifepurpose-
relatedbooksandarticles.Andaboveall,pay attentiontoyourheart.Thereisyourikigai,just waitingforyoutodiscoverit.
KeyTakeaways
Herearesomeofthekeytakeawaysfromthe book:
●Ikigaiisnotaboutfindingyourdreamjob.Itis aboutfindingsomethingthatgivesyourlife meaningandsatisfaction.
●Ikigaiisnotaboutbeingperfect.Itisabout acceptingyourstrengthsandweaknessesand workingwiththem.
●Ikigaiisnotaboutbeingrichorfamous.Itis aboutlivingalifethatisfulfillingandmeaningful toyou.
Ifyouarereadytostartyourjourneytofinding yourikigai,hereareafewthingsyoucando:
●Takesometimetoreflectonyourpassions, skills,values,andwhattheworldneeds.
●Talktopeoplewhoyouadmireandwhoseem tohavefoundtheirikigai.
●Experimentwithdifferentactivitiesandsee whatbringsyoujoyandsatisfaction.
●Don'tbeafraidtochangeyourmindalongthe way
Findingyourikigaiisajourney,nota destination.Butifyouarewillingtoputinthe work,youcanfindalifethatisfullofmeaning andsatisfaction.
Ifyouareinterestedinlearningmoreabout ikigaiandhowtofindyourownikigai,we highlyrecommendreadingIkigai:TheJapanese SecrettoaLongandHappyLife.Moreover,we stronglyrecommendtryingtheIkigaitestatleast oncetounderstandyourinnerself.
