IKIGAI: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

is a captivating exploration of the profound concept that has captured the hearts of many seeking a deeper understanding of purpose and contentment. Authored by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, this book presents an insightful blend of Japanese wisdom, personal anecdotes, and practical guidance that resonates with readers on a universal level.

By Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

This is my book summary of IKIGAI Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. My notes are informal and contains quotes from the book as well as my thoughts. Each book summary has a short description, top lessons from the book, chapter by chapter summary and favorite quotes. Enjoy!

Top 10 Lessons from the book

1. Stay active; don’t retire

2. Take it slow

3. Don’t fill your stomach

4. Surround yourself with good friends

5. Get in shape for your next birthday

6. Smile

7. Reconnect with nature

8. Give thanks

9. Live in the moment

10. Follow your ikigai

Interested to read more? Click to expand chapter by chapter summary

Chapter 1- The art of staying young while growing old

Chapter 2 – Little things that adds up to a long and happy life

Chapter 3 – How to live longer and better by finding your purpose

Chapter 4 – How to turn work and free time into spaces for growth

Chapter 5 – Words of wisdom from the longest-living people in the world

Chapter 6 – Traditions and proverbs for happiness and longevity

Chapter 7 – What the world longest living people eat and drink

Chapter 8 – Exercies from the East that promote health and longevity

Chapter 9 – How to face life’s challenges without letting stress and worry age you

Overall, "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" is a remarkable guide for those searching for purpose, fulfillment, and a more meaningful existence. The book seamlessly blends cultural insights, scientific research, and advice. It also creates an enriching reading experience that resonates long after turning the final page. Whether at a crossroads in life or simply looking to enhance your sense of purpose, this book offers a practical roadmap to living a life of significance. It may not go deeper into the various aspects as I was expecting, but if you are new to the topic, then it will surely inspire you to read further and explore IKIGAI – a reason for being.

Favourite quotes from the book:

Aristotle: "We are what we repeatedly do; Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."

Tim Tamashiro: "Your meaningful life is not a destination you must get to. Your meaningful life is something that you can enjoy right now and any time you want to." Only then will your IKIGAI come to you.

Viktor Frankl: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Bertrand Russell “To be able to concentrate for a considerable amount of time is essential to difficult achievement.”

Washington Burnap: “The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”

Japanese proverb: “Fall seven times, rise eight”

Gavin Bradley: “Metabolism slows down 90 percent after 30 minutes of sitting. The enzymes that move the bad fat from your arteries to your muscles, where it can get burned off, slow down. And after two hours, good cholesterol drops 20 percent. Just getting up for five minutes is going to get things going again. These things are so simple they’re almost stupid.”

Beyond the Book: Ikigai

Take a moment to discover your own ikigai – the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Use a search engine and input phrases like "free Ikigai test" or "Ikigai quiz" to find various options. Ensure you use reliable sources and exercise caution regarding personal information.

Always check the credibility of the website before taking any test.

I found one here!

Explore National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner's Netflix documentary series: "Watch Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones", where he uncovers longevity hotspots worldwide. One such place is Okinawa, Japan, from the IKIGAI book, which has perfectly captured everything discussed in the book.