Rediscover Your Spark: How Small Business Owners Can Reignite Passion with Ikigai

As small business owners, we embark on our entrepreneurial journey full of passion and drive. We have big dreams, endless energy, and a vision for success. But let’s get real – there are times when the daily grind, the endless challenges and the constant decision-making can extinguish that initial spark. If you’ve found yourself in a rut and feeling disconnected from your business, it’s time to reignite that passion and fall back in love with what you do. And here’s how you can do it with a little inspiration from the Japanese concept of Ikigai.

Understanding Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Fulfilling Life

Before diving into strategies to reignite your passion, let me explain the concept of Ikigai. Ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-guy) is a Japanese term that roughly translates to "a reason for being." It’s the sweet spot where your passions, talents, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for intersect. It’s essentially your true calling – the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning with a sense of purpose and excitement.

‍

Incorporating Ikigai into your business can transform it from a source of stress into joy and fulfilment because it will touch on your passions and talents, it will be worth doing, and you’ll be paid fairly for it.

‍

If you want a real-world example of how Ikigai can impact your business, check out this case study on Zappos, an organisation worth studying on how to do culture beyond brilliantly.

1. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Your “why” is the foundation of your business. It’s the reason you started this journey in the first place. In his famous TED Talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," Simon Sinek emphasises the importance of starting with why (many people lead with How). “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” is a classic line in this talk.

‍

Reflect on why you began your business. Was it to solve a problem, make a difference, or follow a lifelong passion?

Action Step:

– Journal Exercise: Take 30 minutes to write down why you started your business. Reflect on the early days and what excited you most. Revisit old notes, business plans, or vision boards. This exercise can help reignite the passion that initially fuelled your entrepreneurial spirit.

2. Align Your Business with Your Values

As businesses evolve, they can stray from their original values and mission. Misalignment can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout. According to a study by Gallup, only 27% of employees believed in their company's values, something which significantly impacted their motivation and passion.

Action Step:

– Value Check: List your core values and assess how well your business aligns with them. Are there areas where you’ve compromised? Identify steps you can take to bring your business back in line with your values to spark a greater connection to your purpose and passion.

‍

3. Focus on Your Strengths

One of the core elements of Ikigai is doing what you are good at. When you focus on your strengths, work becomes more enjoyable and fulfilling. The same Gallup research showed that people who use their strengths daily are six times more likely to be engaged at work.

Action Step:

– Strength Assessment: Use tools like the CliftonStrengths assessment to identify your top strengths. Delegate tasks that don’t align with your strengths to team members or outsource them. This allows you to spend more time doing what you love and excel at. You might also want to check out my video on the topic here.

‍

4. Rediscover What the World Needs

A crucial part of Ikigai is providing something that the world needs. It’s easy to get bogged down in day-to-day operations and lose sight of the bigger picture. Reconnecting with how your business makes a difference can reignite your passion.

Action Step:

– Customer Feedback: If you’re not already doing it (and I’d love to encourage you to implement this as an ongoing part of your customer engagement process), reach out to your customers and ask for feedback. You could ask how your product or service impacted / or impacts their lives. Share their stories with your team and remind yourself of the positive impact you’re making. This will help you to underpin the purpose of why your business exists.

‍

5. Innovate and Stay Curious

Curiosity and a willingness to innovate are key to keeping the spark alive. According to a survey by Adobe, 78% of people believe that creativity is fundamental to economic growth, yet only 25% feel they are living up to their creative potential.

Action Step:

– Continuous Learning: Invest in your personal and professional development. Attend workshops, read books, or take online courses in areas that interest you. Encourage your team to do the same. Fresh ideas and perspectives can breathe new life into your business.

‍

6. Foster a Positive Work Environment

A positive work environment can significantly impact your passion for your business. A study by the University of Warwick found that happy employees are up to 20% more productive. Cultivating a positive and supportive workplace can reignite your passion and your team’s.

Action Step:

– Team Building: Organise team-building activities and foster open communication. Recognise and celebrate achievements, big and small. Creating a culture of appreciation can boost morale and reignite enthusiasm.

7. Embrace Work-Life Balance

Burnout is a common issue among small business owners. According to the National Small Business Association, 70% of small business owners say they are overwhelmed by their roles. Finding a balance between work and personal life is essential for maintaining passion.

Action Step:

– Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Schedule regular breaks and time off to recharge. Consider implementing flexible work hours or remote work options if possible.

‍

8. Reevaluate Your Goals

Sometimes, losing passion is a sign that it’s time to set new goals. Stagnation can lead to boredom and dissatisfaction. Reevaluate and set new, exciting goals to reignite your passion.

Action Step:

– Goal Setting: Use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework to set new goals. Break them down into smaller milestones and celebrate each achievement along the way.

‍

9. Seek Support and Mentorship

Running a business can be isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide inspiration and guidance. According to SCORE, 70% of mentored small businesses survive more than five years, double that of non-mentored businesses.

Action Step:

– Find a mentor or business coach: Seek out a mentor or business coach, or even consider joining a business coaching or mastermind group. Engage with other entrepreneurs through networking events or online communities because sharing experiences and learning from others can reignite your passion, reduce isolation, and provide valuable insights you probably don’t see.

‍

10. Celebrate Your Successes

Finally, remember to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Recognising and appreciating your achievements can reignite your passion and motivate you to keep moving forward.

Action Step:

– Success Log: Keep a log of your achievements and review it regularly. Share your successes with your team and celebrate together. This practice can remind you how far you’ve come and rekindle your excitement for the future.

‍

Embrace Your Ikigai and Reignite Your Passion

Reigniting your passion for your business is not just about rekindling the initial spark. It’s also about sustaining that passion through intentional actions and reflections. By embracing the principles of Ikigai – finding the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for – you can transform your business into a source of joy and fulfilment.

‍

Remember, it’s normal to experience ups and downs in your entrepreneurial journey. The key is to stay connected to your purpose, continuously seek growth and innovation, and create a positive and supportive work environment. Reignite your passion, and get in touch if you need some support.