“The world needs good teachers ”
Find your Ikigai
I came across this diagram a few years ago and it resounded with me. The definition of Ikigai is ‘a Japanese word whose meaning translates roughly to a reason for being, encompassing joy, a sense of purpose and meaning and a feeling of well-being.’ (https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/ikigai)
For me, I was lucky to have known what I would like to do from a young age. I enjoyed school, I loved learning and I was lucky to have great teachers who I respected and admired. Teaching to me was an amazing craft. Being a role model to young people on how to behave and think, teaching them about the world around them – helping them to aspire to be the best people they could be through careful nudging in the right direction…What a more noble profession to aspire to!
This why the Ikigai picture spoke to me. Teaching is often referred to as a vocation – a way of life. A life of helping others through teaching. It is also seen as a noble profession – one that you can earn money – perhaps not as handsomely as some professions but nonetheless – a comfortable salary. The world needs good teachers – your mission is to educate the minds of tomorrow, an integral part of every society.
A passion for learning and a love for your subjects are always key ingredients for good teaching, it is infectious. If young people see your passion – they will pick this up and be excited too.
Teaching is a skill and a craft that like any other will improve over time. You might be good at it though you will become even better after time through observing others, with careful mentoring and by reading about new ideas and latest research. Life-long learning is another key ingredient for great teaching.
So, if teaching sounds like it might be your Ikigai – do it. The world needs great teachers.
TedTalk about Ikigai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk-PcJS2QaU
Produced by John K, 17/08/2020
Twitter: @mrkay_19