Find your purpose

Dr Bernthal works with the Japanese concept of ikigai, which can be described as a balance of four elements to find your purpose. She suggests taking some time, in a space where you feel creative and safe, with just you and a sheet of paper. Take one prompt at a time and plunge into your imagination… DO WHAT YOU LOVE

What did you enjoy doing as a child or in your early adult years? What exactly gives you joy in creativity – is it the thing itself, the people, your own sense of achievement? When else does your heart lift like that?

DO WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT

Ask a couple of people to describe the strengths they see in you. Search Values in Action for a free strengths tool.

DO SOMETHING THE WORLD NEEDS

The clue might be in what makes you angry (anger is very energetic). Who inspires you? A key is to commit to something beyond yourself.

DO SOMETHING YOU CAN BE PAID FOR

Perhaps balance will mean paid work with people you like, and your creativity will continue to serve parts of you that money can’t touch.