[MPOV] The Little Book of Ikigai

My rating: 2/5

Goodreads rating: 3.61/5
Published: January 1, 2017
Author: Ken Mogi
Genre: Self-help, non-fiction

Introducing IKIGAI: find your passions and live with joy

Ikigai is a Japanese phenomenon commonly understood as “your reason to get up in the morning.” Ikigai can be small moments: the morning air, a cup of coffee, a compliment. It can also be deep convictions: a fulfilling job, lasting friendships, balanced health. Whether big or small, your ikigai is the path to success and happiness in your own life.

Author Ken Mogi introduces five pillars of ikigai to help you make the most of each day and become your most authentic self:

1. starting small → focus on the details

2. releasing yourself → accept who you are

3. harmony and sustainability → rely on others

4. the joy of little things → appreciate sensory pleasure

5. being in the here and now → find your flow.

Weaving together insights from Japanese history, philosophy, and modern culture, plus stories from renowned sushi chef Jiro Ono, anime filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, and others, Mogi skillfully shows the way to awaken your ikigai.

This is a book which I was looking forward to but it turned out the opposite. I am disappointed with the way the book panned out that I find it to be sleepy. I'm not sure if it's the way it was written or it is just me not having the right mind to read a non-fiction book.

"Ikigai resides in the realm of small things. The morning air, the cup of coffee, the ray of sunshine, the massaging of octopus meat and the American President's praises are on an equal footing."

There are a lot of examples given in order to explain the 5 easy steps. Some was overelaborated that I skipped. It was fine at first but halfway through, I've speed read. The conclusion at the end is good enough actually.

In the end, I was looking for a quick read and it turned out to be quicker! Hoping for better titles next month!