I did it!

Hello friend - it’s Miriam 👋🏻

Welcome to the Ikigami Insider – a deeply curated, 7-minute read designed to set you up for a purposeful, balanced week ahead. Each edition, sent every Sunday, is thoughtfully crafted to dive deep into themes that help you explore, expand, and elevate your journey with Ikigami.

I did it – overnight, I switched to English and took the leap into a whole new direction with Ikigami. You might be wondering… why the sudden shift? Let me walk you through the journey.

1. I - Intuition

Intuition has been my compass throughout this journey. Research shows that following our intuition enhances well-being and life satisfaction, particularly for highly sensitive individuals (Myers, 2002; Gigerenzer, 2007). Intuition often guides us toward choices that feel authentic and aligned, helping us to live a life that resonates with our true selves. With Ikigami, I want to create a space where intuition isn’t just a whisper but a guiding force you can trust.

2. K - Knowledge

Knowledge of self, purpose, and well-being is at the core of Ikigami. My Master Thesis focuses on these elements through the lens of digital coaching for high-performers. As I delve into the science behind purpose and well-being, I’ll be sharing insights here that bridge research with real-world applications, helping you connect knowledge with action.

3. I - Innovation

This past weekend, I experienced a true flow state, diving into the depths of app programming – with the support of AI. It was an incredible blend of intuition and technology, crafting Ikigami into something both purposeful and functional. Here’s an exclusive look at one screenshot of the app. These early design already reflects the elegance, simplicity, and functionality we’re creating, tailored to extroverted, highly sensitive high-performers.

4. G - Gold

The color Gold plays a significant role in our new branding. Gold has historically symbolized enlightenment, wisdom, and a journey toward higher knowledge (Karpen, 2019). In Ikigami, it represents the pursuit of self-awareness and meaningful success, qualities that resonate with our community. I’ve put together a branding postcard to showcase the colors that reflect our mission.

5. A - Awareness

Awareness is foundational to personal growth and purpose. Mindfulness and self-awareness equip high-performers with the tools to navigate their demanding lives while maintaining inner peace. To foster this awareness, each newsletter will include exercises that guide you toward deeper self-reflection. Here are two practices to help you start your week:

• Daily Intuition Check-In: Each morning, spend five minutes tuning into a decision or challenge. Notice any immediate thoughts, feelings, or bodily sensations. Intuition often speaks quietly; take a moment to listen closely.

• Golden Reflection: Every evening, reflect on three moments in your day that felt aligned with your true self. This practice can help you identify what truly brings fulfillment and purpose to your life.

6. M - Mastery

Mastery over purpose and well-being is a journey, not a destination. Through my Master Thesis, I’m exploring how digital tools can help high-performers achieve this mastery in both their professional and personal lives. With Ikigami, this isn’t about perfection – it’s about nurturing what makes life meaningful.

7. I - Inspiration

Inspiration fuels the vision for Ikigami. I today joined the Archimedes Club, a community of LinkedIn thought leaders, to connect with experts who are masters of personal branding. This collaboration allows me to share Ikigami’s mission on a larger stage and gives me access to insights that I’ll pass on to you here. Together, we’re building Ikigami as a place where purpose-driven individuals can find inspiration, grounding, and growth.

A Poetic Summary

Intuition whispers, a compass to follow,
Knowledge blooms, leaving no room to wallow.
Innovation bridges the old and the new,
Gold lights the path in wisdom’s hue.
Awareness anchors us to purpose’s core,
Mastery beckons to learn and explore.
Inspiration rises, a flame fed with care,
With Ikigami, together we dare.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s make Ikigami a tool that brings purpose, balance, and well-being to our lives in a world that’s always on the move.

Stay tuned, stay curious, and keep thriving!

Warmly,
Miriam

Sources:

1. Myers, D. G. (2002). Intuition: Its Powers and Perils. Yale University Press.

2. Gigerenzer, G. (2007). Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious. Viking Press.

3. Karpen, S. C. (2019). The Symbolism of Gold: From Alchemy to Higher Knowledge. Journal of Symbolic Studies, 27(3), 15-28.