The Secret to True Happiness

Happiness. We all want it.

But let’s be honest — most of us are just guessing our way through life, hoping to stumble upon it. Some chase money, thinking a six-figure salary will bring peace. Others follow their passions, only to find themselves broke and frustrated. Some give up entirely, daydreaming about escaping to a monastery in the mountains.

The truth? There is a formula for happiness.

And no, it’s not just another self-help theory. This formula has been around for centuries. The Japanese call it Ikigai — which translates to a reason for being.

If you want a life that feels fulfilling, meaningful, and exciting to wake up to, you need to find your Ikigai.

But here’s the catch — it’s not as simple as “follow your dreams.” Ikigai has four essential parts. Miss even one, and something will always feel incomplete.

Let’s break it down.

1. Love: Find What Makes You Come Alive

Think about the moments when you feel completely lost in what you’re doing. Hours pass in the blink of an eye. You’re fully present, fully alive.

This is what people call the flow state — but most of us just call it love.

It’s why we dance, paint, sing, write, build, design, create. It’s why we fall in love with people — because, in their presence, the chaos of the world fades away.

You know what you love. You feel it. The question is — are you making space for it in your life?

Or have you buried it under responsibilities, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “good enough”?

2. Community: Do What the World Needs

Here’s where things get tricky.

It’s not enough to just do what you love — it has to serve a purpose. It has to matter to the world in some way.

Back in the day, this was simple. In small communities, every role was essential. The hunter needed the cook. The cook needed the builder. The builder needed the healer. Purpose was woven into everyday survival.

But today? Most of us feel like tiny cogs in a giant machine. You spend years working in an office, sending emails, sitting in meetings, wondering — Does any of this even matter?

If you disappeared tomorrow, would anything change? Would anyone notice?

That’s why finding work that helps others is essential. You need to see the impact of what you do. Because when people need you, life feels different.

3. Money: Get Paid (Well) for It

Let’s be real — money matters.

Sure, people say, “Money doesn’t buy happiness.” But have you ever tried being happy while drowning in bills? While worrying about rent, food, healthcare? Exactly.

You don’t need millions. But you do need enough to live without constant financial stress. Enough to feel secure. Enough to have choices.

And here’s the tricky part — what’s “enough” depends on where you live.

In some places, $30,000 a year is more than enough to thrive. In cities like New York or London, that might barely cover rent.

This is why getting paid well for what you do matters. Passion alone won’t keep the lights on.

4. Skill: Get Really, Really Good at It

Most people think happiness comes from doing what they love. But there’s a crucial missing piece — progress.

Think about it. The first time you try something new, you’re bad at it. That’s normal. But if you keep pushing — if you improve — you unlock something powerful.

You build confidence. You get recognition. You feel the deep, addictive satisfaction of mastering something.

And here’s the thing — you don’t have to start with talent. Talent is overrated. What matters is the ability to stick with it long enough to become great.

If you’re struggling to enjoy your work, ask yourself: Am I actually improving?

Because progress fuels fulfillment.

Where Are You Stuck?

Now here’s the interesting part. You can figure out exactly what’s missing in your life based on which parts of Ikigai you already have.

1. Passion: You love what you do and you’re good at it — but you’re broke.

Example: An artist who creates amazing work but doesn’t know how to market it.

2. Mission: You love it, and it helps the world — but you’re not skilled enough yet.

Example: An activist who wants to inspire change but lacks the skills to persuade.

3. Profession: You’re good at it, and it pays well — but you don’t love it.

Example: A corporate worker stuck in a soulless 9-to-5.

4. Vocation: It pays well and helps others — but you’re not improving, and you don’t love it.

Example: A teacher who repeats the same lessons year after year, losing passion.

The goal? Check off all four boxes. Find something you love, that helps people, that pays well, and that you can master over time.

That’s Ikigai.

That’s happiness. :)

So… which part are you missing? And more importantly — what are you going to do about it?