Two weeks ago, I sent out a newsletter about landing your dream job. In it, I shared 7 powerful tips to stand out in any job search.

I was thrilled to see so many of you found it helpful. However, some of you asked for more guidance on how to find a profession you’ll love.

Many of us crave a deeper sense of purpose—a reason to jump out of bed each morning with excitement and drive.

This is where “Ikigai” comes in. Originating from Japan, Ikigai represents the intersection of:

• What you love
• What you're good at
• What the world needs
• What you can be paid for

Here’s a beautiful graphic from my friend Justin Wright:

(Note: This version of Ikigai is a modern, career-focused interpretation that differs from the original Japanese concept. While traditional Ikigai centers on a sense of purpose and joy in daily life, this adaptation emphasizes finding purpose in the context of your career.)

Let me break it down…

SUPERHUMAN SCORING

In every edition of System Sunday, I assess the featured system across three superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, and maintenance.

Unlike your typical review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.

Impact (10.0/10)

Purpose doesn’t have to come solely from your job. It can also be found in being a great friend, community contributor, or a loving family member.

However, the average person spends about 80,000 hours of their life working (40 hours/week x 50 weeks/year x 40-year career).

So, it’s worth stepping back and finding purpose in your work.

Onwards to the exercise…

Setup (7.0/10)

Finding your Ikigai begins with self-reflection. Start by asking yourself four key questions:

1. What do I love?

Follow-up prompts:

• What did you want to be when you were a kid?
• What hobbies or activities make you lose track of time now?
• What would you do for free, just because it brings you joy?

---

2. What am I good at?

Follow-up prompts:

• What activities do you perform with ease that others find challenging?
• In what areas do people often seek your advice or assistance?
• Reflect on past achievements: What were you doing when you felt most successful and competent?

StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Gallup Press is a helpful book for identifying and channeling your unique strengths.

---

3. What does the world need?

Follow-up prompts:

• What causes or issues do you care about?
• How can your unique skills and passions contribute to solving these issues?
• Who are the people or groups you feel compelled to help or support?

---

4. What can I be paid for?

Follow-up prompts:

• How might you help other people make money (and capture some of the value?)
• How might you help other people save time?
• How might you entertain or inspire others?

---

Now, here are some tips:

• List everything that comes to mind in each section.
• Don't Rush. Reflect deeply. Stay curious.
• Look for overlaps and connections; this intersection is where your Ikigai lives.

It’s a journey of self-discovery that requires honesty and patience.

---

Maintenance (9.0/10)

Once you've identified your Ikigai, it's crucial to integrate it into your daily life.

This might mean making small changes, like dedicating more time to activities that align with your Ikigai, or larger shifts, such as changing careers or starting a new project.

When I discovered my Ikigai (writing about systems thinking for smarter living), I started waking up an hour earlier before my full-time consulting job.

As Dan Koe puts it, “If you can spend 8 hours building someone else's dreams, you can spend 1 hour building your own.”

Being risk-averse, I only left my full-time job when my passion project was earning as much as my consulting job.

BRINGING IT HOME

The older I get, the more I realize that ‘purpose’ fixes nearly everything.

It's worth reflecting on and seeking. What's calling you?

All systems go,

P.S. Does your purpose involve educating others and becoming a thought leader? I can help…

I recently started a private members club for people looking to build their personal brand on LinkedIn. It’s co-founded with Jade Bonacolta and Colby Kultgen (1.25m+ combined audience).

Being a creator can be lonely, and keeping up with the latest LinkedIn strategies can be challenging. That's why we created Archimedes—to provide you with the knowledge, resources, and community to 10x your personal brand.

Our 100+ members enjoy:

• 3x Monthly Group Coaching Sessions: Direct guidance from us.
• 30+ Design Templates: Ready-to-use for your posts.
• Feedback Forums: Get advice on your profile and content.
• Algorithm Updates: Stay ahead of LinkedIn trends.
• Networking: Connect with members (founders, execs, authors)
• AI Prompt Bank: Generate content ideas effortlessly.
• And much more.

Limited spots are available.

Apply today at JoinArchimedes.com