Guided by Headlights: A Simple Path to Ikigai
- Linda Lovin
- Oct 29
- 2 min read
Award-winning author E. L. Doctorow once wrote,
“Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
I love that image: moving forward into the unknown, guided only by what is illuminated right in front of us. Isn’t that how life often feels? We rarely see the entire path, yet we can trust that taking one small, clear step at a time will lead us where we need to go.
When we think about living a purposeful life, the Japanese concept of Ikigai offers a beautifully simple set of “headlights” to guide us through the darkness of decision-making. Ikigai means “a reason for being,” and it sits at the intersection of four essential elements:
What you love
What the world needs
What you can be paid for
What you are good at
Each of these illuminates a different direction; together, they create a map that leads us toward a meaningful and joyful life. When we align these four components, we uncover our passion, mission, profession, and vocation: the place where our daily actions connect to our purpose.
Doctorow’s headlights remind us that we don’t need to have it all figured out. We simply need to keep moving toward what feels aligned with our Ikigai: what gives us energy, serves others, uses our gifts, and sustains us. That’s how we write the novel of our own life: one page, one mile, one mindful moment at a time.
In their book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles share ten gentle pieces of wisdom that support a life of purpose and well-being. They serve as touchstones for the journey:
Stay active; don’t retire.
Take it slow.
Don’t fill your stomach.
Surround yourself with good friends.
Get in shape for your next birthday.
Smile.
Reconnect with nature.
Give thanks.
Live in the moment.
Follow your Ikigai.
Each of these practices keeps our headlights bright and our spirit steady. Life doesn’t demand that we see the end of the road - only that we keep driving with intention, guided by what matters most.
Coaching Reflections:
Which of the four Ikigai lights shines brightest for you right now?
Where do you sense you’ve been driving in the dark without trusting your own headlights?
What is one small, purposeful step you can take today toward living your Ikigai?
If you’re ready to clarify your direction and live more purposefully, I invite you to begin your own coaching journey. Together, we can explore where your passions, gifts, and values intersect...illuminating the road ahead, one meaningful mile at a time.
Contact me to schedule a coaching conversation today!
In your corner,
Linda
