Authors: Héctor García & Francesc Miralles

Reviewed by: Gold Obioma, Professional Book Reviewer & Podcast Host

Category: Self-Help | Philosophy | Lifestyle

Length: 208 pages

Ikigai explores this powerful question, unraveling the Japanese philosophy of living with purpose, balance, and longevity. Written by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, these international bestsellers dived into the lives of Okinawa’s centenarians, people who not only live long but live well.

At its core, ikigai (生き甲斐) means “a reason for being.” This book transformational book is a gentle but firm nudge to slow down, reconnect with your passions, and rediscover your source of Joy and happiness.

This life changing book offers the following lessons:

1. Everyone has an Ikigai.Your ikigai lies at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The book gently guides you to reflect on these elements and embrace small, meaningful habits that align with your purpose.

2. Less stress = longer life.

Okinawans eat light, stay active, avoid retirement, and maintain strong social ties. The authors, through their expertise revealed how low stress and strong community bonds contributes to their impressive longevity, and how we can adopt those practices regardless of our location.

3. Flow is sacred.

When we’re deeply immersed in something meaningful, for instance; writing, gardening, painting, solving problems, we experience flow, a mental state tied to both happiness and productivity. The book encourages us to design our life to maximize these flow moments.

4. Movement and micro-joys matter.

From gentle daily exercise to laughing with friends, Ikigai underscores the power of daily micro-pleasures and staying physically and mentally active, even past traditional retirement age.

5. You don't need to retire from life.In Okinawa, people rarely retire in the Western sense. They keep working, not because they have to, but because their ikigai keeps them alive. That shift in mindset—from work as a burden to work as purpose is both liberating and life-extending.

You can use this book to;

-Reflect on your own purpose and values.

-Redesign your schedule to focus on your ikigai.

-Improve your health through better lifestyle habits.

-Reconnect with what makes you feel alive.

Conclusively, this book is a blend of philosophy, science, and real-life wisdom, and it should be read by people who wants to be better version of themselves in terms of purpose, health, and spirituality.