In the quest for a fulfilling life and career, aligning personal values, professional aspirations, and lifestyle choices is essential. Two powerful frameworks—LEAP and Ikigai—offer distinct yet complementary perspectives on how to achieve this alignment. The LEAP model provides a strategic approach to making decisions about location, environment, aspirations, and position, while Ikigai, a Japanese concept, guides individuals towards a deeper sense of purpose by integrating what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

This comprehensive guide will explore how the LEAP model and Ikigai intersect, highlight their similarities and differences, and demonstrate how integrating both can lead to a life and career that resonate with your core values and aspirations.

Understanding the LEAP Model: A Framework for Career and Life Planning

The LEAP model—Location, Environment, Aspirations, Position—provides a structured approach to career and life planning. It encourages individuals to make informed decisions that align with both their personal and professional goals.

1. Location: Where you live impacts your lifestyle, well-being, and opportunities. It influences everything from your daily routines to long-term happiness.
2. Environment: The work environment, including company culture and organisational values, plays a crucial role in job satisfaction and overall happiness.
3. Aspirations: Your long-term goals and aspirations should guide your career choices and personal growth.
4. Position: The specific role you occupy should align with your skills, interests, and desired career trajectory.

Exploring Ikigai: Finding Purpose and Meaning

Ikigai, often translated as “reason for being,” is a Japanese concept that helps individuals find purpose and fulfilment by aligning four key elements:

1. What You Love (Passion): Activities that bring joy and make you feel alive.
2. What You Are Good At (Profession): Skills and talents that come naturally and that you have developed over time.
3. What the World Needs (Mission): How you can contribute to society in a meaningful way.
4. What You Can Be Paid For (Vocation): Opportunities to earn a living doing what you love and are good at.

Ikigai is achieved at the intersection of these four elements, where personal satisfaction and societal contribution coexist in harmony.

Similarities Between LEAP and Ikigai

Both frameworks share a common goal: helping individuals lead fulfilling, balanced lives by aligning personal values with professional goals. Here are some of the key similarities:

1.     Holistic Approach:

• LEAP: Considers multiple dimensions of life, including location, organisational environment, personal aspirations, and job role.
• Ikigai: Emphasises the balance of passion, skills, societal impact, and financial sustainability.

2.     Personal Fulfilment:

• LEAP: Focuses on finding roles and organisations that align with your values and aspirations.
• Ikigai: Encourages the pursuit of work that you love and are good at, ensuring personal satisfaction.

3.     Alignment of Goals:

• LEAP: Aligns career choices with personal goals and lifestyle preferences.
• Ikigai: Aligns personal passions and skills with professional opportunities and societal needs.

Differences Between LEAP and Ikigai

Despite their similarities, LEAP and Ikigai have distinct differences in focus and approach:

1.     Practicality vs. Philosophy:

• LEAP: Offers a structured, step-by-step approach to career planning, ideal for those who prefer a logical framework.
• Ikigai: Is more philosophical and reflective, focusing on self-discovery and understanding one’s deeper motivations.

2.     External vs. Internal Focus:

• LEAP: Emphasises external factors such as location, organisational environment, and market opportunities.
• Ikigai: Focuses on internal factors like passion, personal strengths, and life purpose.

3.     Financial Considerations:

• LEAP: Considers compensation and job stability but does not prioritise financial sustainability as strongly as Ikigai.
• Ikigai: Ensures that your work is not only fulfilling but also financially viable.

Enhancing Your Career Journey: Real-World Examples

Case Study 1: Jane’s Story

Jane, a software developer, is passionate about education and technology. Her Ikigai is to use technology to create educational tools that make learning accessible to everyone. Using the LEAP model, she decides to move to a city with a strong tech community, join a company dedicated to educational innovation, and take on a role that allows her to lead projects aligning with her passions.

By integrating Ikigai and LEAP, Jane finds a career path that is not only fulfilling but also strategically aligned with her life goals.

Case Study 2: John’s Transition

John, a project manager, wanted to align his career with his passion for sustainability. He used Ikigai to identify his strengths in strategic planning and his passion for environmental conservation. Applying the LEAP model, he moved to a region known for its green initiatives and joined a non-profit organisation focused on sustainable development, finding a role that matched his skills and passions.

Practical Exercises to Discover Your LEAP & Ikigai

Exercise 1: Creating a Personal Vision Board

Visualising your goals can help clarify your aspirations and keep you motivated. Create a vision board that represents your ideal lifestyle, career, and personal achievements. Include elements from both Ikigai (passions, skills, societal impact, and financial goals) and LEAP (ideal location, organisational environment, aspirations, and position).

Exercise 2: Conducting a Personal SWOT Analysis

Assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to your career and life goals. Use this analysis to identify areas where you can align your Ikigai with practical career decisions guided by the LEAP model.

Exercise 3: Seek Feedback and Mentorship:

Engage with mentors, coaches, or trusted colleagues who can provide objective feedback and guidance. They can help you see blind spots, offer new perspectives, and support you in aligning your career choices with your Ikigai and LEAP goals.

Exercise 4: Develop a Learning and Growth Plan:

Lifelong learning is essential for staying relevant and achieving your aspirations. Create a personal development plan that includes skills training, networking, and wellness practices.

Exercise 5: Journaling for Self-Reflection

Regularly write about your experiences, challenges, and achievements. Reflect on how your work and life align with your Ikigai and LEAP criteria. This practice can help you stay connected to your goals and identify areas where adjustments are needed.

Expert Opinions and Research Insights

According to a study by Yamamoto-Mitani & Wallhagen (2002), the concept of Ikigai is closely linked to psychological well-being, particularly among the elderly in Japan. It highlights the importance of having a purpose in life that goes beyond just financial stability, aligning well with the holistic approach of the LEAP model.

People who have used the LEAP Model have commented that combining practical frameworks like LEAP with introspective models such as Ikigai has helped to provide a balanced approach to career planning, helping them make informed decisions that are both fulfilling and sustainable.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1.     Struggling to Identify Passions:

• Solution: Explore new hobbies, volunteer, or take online courses to discover what excites you.

2.     Balancing Financial Needs with Personal Goals:

• Solution: Consider remote work, part-time roles, or side projects that allow you to pursue your passions while maintaining financial stability.

3.     Adapting to Change:

• Solution: Regularly revisit your LEAP and Ikigai assessments to ensure they reflect your current circumstances and aspirations.

Key Takeaways

• LEAP and Ikigai Integration: Combining these models provides a comprehensive framework for career and life planning, integrating both practical and philosophical elements.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Both frameworks are dynamic and can evolve with you as your life circumstances and aspirations change.
• Actionable Steps: Use practical exercises, like vision boards and personal SWOT analyses, to clarify your goals and take informed steps towards achieving them.

Conclusion: Taking the Leap into Your Ikigai

The LEAP model and Ikigai offer complementary perspectives on career and life planning. By integrating these frameworks, you can create a path that is both purposeful and practical, aligning your personal values with professional opportunities. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a change, these models provide the tools you need to make informed, fulfilling choices.

Remember, the journey to a fulfilling life and career is not a straight line but a series of leaps. By understanding and applying the principles of LEAP and Ikigai, you can take each leap with confidence, knowing that the net will appear.

Call to Action: Take the Next Step Towards a Fulfilling Career

Download our LEAP & Ikigai Self-Assessment Worksheet to evaluate your current career alignment and start planning your next leap today. For personalised guidance, schedule a one-on-one coaching session and explore how these frameworks can transform your career journey.