Here’s the shorter version for those who subscribe to TL;DR
The ten Ikigai rules:
They paint a picture of a life that stays active, moves deliberately, and honors both body and spirit. By keeping busy with things you love, eating just enough, staying fit, and surrounding yourself with supportive friends, you build a strong foundation for purpose.
Adding a daily habit of smiling, gratitude, and time in nature helps keep the mind light and grounded. Living in the moment and continually searching for that unique passion ties everything together, turning everyday actions into a meaningful journey.
10 Key Principles for a Long and Happy Life
- Stay active—don’t completely retire.
Giving up what you love and what you’re good at can lead to losing your sense of purpose in life. Even as you grow older, doing meaningful work, being useful to others, and making the world a little better are very important. - Take it slow.
Living in constant haste reduces the quality of life. As the saying goes, “If you walk slowly, you’ll go far.” Letting go of hurry gives life a new meaning. - Don’t eat until you’re completely full.
For a long life, moderate eating is beneficial. Instead of eating until your hunger is fully satisfied, eating a little less helps maintain health for longer (the 80% rule). - Be with good friends.
Good friends are like the best medicine. Sharing sorrows, laughing together, receiving advice, and dreaming—these are the true joys of life. - Stay healthy for your next birthday.
Water becomes stale if it’s stored; it stays clean if it flows. Similarly, the body needs daily movement. Exercise releases hormones that make us feel happy. - Keep smiling.
A smile not only brings peace to the mind but also strengthens relationships. Make it a habit to notice and appreciate small good things. - Reconnect with nature.
Even if we live in cities, humans are part of nature. Going into nature frequently restores and recharges our energy. - Have a sense of gratitude.
Be thankful to your ancestors, nature, family, friends—everything that makes your life beautiful. Living with gratitude every day increases happiness. - Live in the present moment.
Don’t look at the past with regret or the future with fear. Today is in your hands—make it meaningful. - Follow your Ikigai.
The unique interest and talent within you gives your life meaning. If you don’t yet know what it is, then finding it becomes your life’s purpose.
Ikigai (生きがい) means “a reason for being”—the thing(s) that make your life feel worth living and give you purpose or motivation to get up each day.
