Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding your reason for being, is all about balance and purpose. But what if your purpose is to, well, not become zombie chow?
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding your reason for being, is all about balance and purpose.
Lately we’ve been bombarded with Ikigai gurus purporting to tell you the ancient secrets of Ikigai, when really, they are just reciting the latest updated Ikigai Wikipedia page. All well and good to do Ikigai in ideal scenarios. The true test of a method is to see if works when you’re running for your life on a daily basis.
Let’s explore 5 principles of Ikigai that can help you survive (and thrive!) in a zombie apocalypse, paired with some handy dandy tools that might make your job a bit easier.
Who says finding meaning in life (or undeath) has to be boring?
Ikigai Principle 1: Know Your Passion – What Do You Love?
Love gardening? If the Actual Great Pandemic taught us something, it was that growing tomatoes was the sign of a true survivor, and a healthy gut biome. Why not grow your garden in your anti-zombie compound! Tending to crops might just become your Zen amidst the chaos of Zombies clearly needing more ruffage in their lives!
Product: Garden Pack Grow Your Own Kit (affiliate link)
“Survive the zombie apocalypse in style with the Garden Pack Grow Your Own Kit! Perfect for sprouting veggies AND fighting off the undead! Comes with clawed gloves for digging or defense, seeds to feed your family (or distract zombies!), and an e-book packed with survival tips. Don’t just survive—THRIVE! Order now and grow your way out of the end of the world!”
2. Find Your Mission: What Does the World Need?
In the apocalypse, the world needs Legends. Heroes who are skilled at…well, running away really fast. Training for speed and endurance is now your calling. There’s no gas or trains, so you’ll be the public transport for the time being. While warning others of marauding cannibals, or just getting some that fresh air you can only get in a Zombie Apocalypse, why not wear this great looking weighted vest?
- It can help increase your stamina.
- You can put lots of goodies in the pockets meant for weights.
- Whack those pesky running zombies when they get too close!
Product: Weighted Vest for Running (affiliate link)
“Because nothing says ‘mission-driven’ like carrying extra weight while sprinting from the undead. It’s like CrossFit, but with actual stakes.” Or actual, actual stakes, if that’s your weapon of choice…and if you are carrying steaks, well “Bob’s your uncle!”
3. Hone Your Vocation: What Can You Be Paid For?
In a Zombie Apocalypse bartering is the new Bitcoin! You can find something you’re great at, like crafting weapons, fixing things, and trading your skills for survival supplies. It’s a perfect time to pick up a new useful hobby… like archery. It’s both a useful skill and a way to keep boredom and zombies at bay. Arrows are reusable—unlike bullets—and they’re just as effective for zombie brain shots.
And if at any point society rebuilds and becomes a dystopian but reasonably functional society, archery still comes in handy! When they announce the annual televised district battle to the death, you’ll be the one everyone fears—and envies! (affiliate link)
Product: Beginner Archery Set (affiliate link)
“Start small, dream big! The Beginner Archery Set is easy to use, includes all the basics, and gets you on target fast. It’s not just a skill—it’s your ticket to survival glory and future fame! Don’t wait for the apocalypse to catch you unprepared. Order your Beginner Archery Set today, and may the odds—and your aim—be ever in your favor!” (affiliate link)
4. Embrace Your Profession: What Are You Good At?
Part of surviving the Zombie End of Days will be taking on a very minimalist approach. Can you abandon everything that own at moment’s notice when you’re overrun by zombies? An if you take anything with you, does it “Spark Joy?” Yes, that’s right, even at these times it’s important to know what really matters. That’s why we need to remind ourselves of Mari Kondo’s wise words. They teach us the value of appreciating what we have and being able to throw away the things that don’t feed your soul.
Product: Marie Kondo’s Spark Joy Series… (affiliate link)
Product: And once you have everything ready, you can use these very cool Goruck cargo systems and backpacks. (affiliate link)
“Just because it’s the Apocalypse, doesn’t mean things can’t be tidy!” Zombie Marie Kondo (She actually said, “Auuauuuududufuguugugsddudu.”)
5. Stay Curious: What Excites You to Learn?
Whoever that “there is no book on parenting” has never been to a library’s parenting section. During a Zombie Apocalypse, libraries will just be husks of paper and dust, so why not get the most important book to have during a Zombie Outbreak.
Also, why not get it now, when everyone and their mother has made a “Zombie Survival Guide!” Here is a great selection to choose from, and if you by any chance become a sentient zombie, you’ll be the most literate one out there! If you’re going to eat brains, you might as well make use of them.
Product: Zombie Survival Guides (affiliate link)
Be “that” Ikigai Guy: Survive with Style and Purpose
Ikigai is about finding balance and meaning, even in a world overrun by zombies. With these products and a sense of humor, you’ll not only survive but thrive—because a purposeful life is worth fighting (or running) for.
Now, go out there and embrace your Zombie Apocalypse Ikigai! Just remember to keep one eye on your passion and the other on the zombies.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
