“If what I see in my mind excites me, there is a good chance it will make a good photograph.”
Ansel Adams
quolira
quolira.com
Ikigai is less a thing you find and more a thing you keep doing.
Who said it?
This is an original line written for Quolira, not attributed to a known author.
This is our own summary of the idea, not a line from a published source. We wrote it to carry the main point of the piece.
From the collection: Ikigai Meaning Explained: The Reason to Get Up, Not the Four-Circle Chart
About this quote
Meaning
Ikigai is best understood as an ongoing practice rather than a single discovery. It is the sense of purpose that grows through steady, meaningful activity in daily life.
Why it resonates
Many people assume a sense of purpose must be found all at once, through a clear answer that settles every question about work and direction. This line pushes against that expectation. It suggests that purpose often shows up in the habits we return to, the small tasks that give our days shape, and the people or crafts we keep choosing. That framing can relieve pressure, because it does not require certainty before one begins. It invites attention to what already sustains us and what we are willing to keep tending.
How to use it
The idea works well as a reflection prompt during a period of uncertainty. Someone might ask which activities they return to without being asked, and which ones leave them feeling more engaged over time. It can also guide conversations about career change or retirement, where the question shifts from finding the perfect calling to deciding what to keep practicing. Used this way, the line encourages patience and consistency. It reminds readers that meaning often develops through repetition and care rather than a single moment of revelation.
Frequently asked questions
Who said "Ikigai is less a thing you find and more a thing you keep doing."?
This is an original line written for Quolira, not attributed to a known author.
What does "Ikigai is less a thing you find and more a thing you keep doing." mean?
Ikigai is best understood as an ongoing practice rather than a single discovery.
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