Above all, he has to find his purpose, his reason for getting out of bed — his ikigai.
— García & Miralles, Ikigai
1. One Small Step Can Change Your Life by Robert Maurer
This book introduces the Japanese concept of kaizen, which is all about conscious, incremental change. You’ll find it a low-pressure alternative to typical drastic self-improvement approaches. It shares Ikigai’s philosophy that lasting fulfillment comes from small, sustainable habits rather than big leaps.
2. Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki
Our society is addicted to buying new possessions because our brains are always seeking novelty. We place immense value on material things, forgetting that our most important memories should be stored in our minds. Read this book if you feel an urge to break free from unnecessary things. Goodbye, Things will help you adopt a mindset that keeps your spaces uncluttered, increasing your level of focus and productivity. Discover more details in our summary of Goodbye, Things.
3. Kaizen by Sarah Harvey
If you feel weighed down by long-established habits, the kaizen way may become your guiding light. Only by recognizing your genuine desires can you set meaningful goals for yourself. Divide your life into spheres and keep records regarding the improvement of each area. As you do this, you will notice changes in all aspects of life — career, relationships, and hobbies. Learn more about this approach in our summary of Kaizen.
4. Wabi-Sabi by Beth Kempton
There is nothing more tiring than struggling with circumstances that are beyond our control. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese concept that helps to accept imperfections and even see beauty in them. Originating from the tea ceremonies of feudal Japan, wabi-sabi is closely connected with nature. By embracing life’s imperfections, you will achieve harmony with them, leading you to better relationships with others. Wabi-sabi will teach you peace, and if you’re intrigued to learn how — here’s the summary:
5. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
To live more intentionally, we should use the most crucial resource — time — effectively. This book will tell you how minor changes today affect your tomorrow. The key lies in rising early. Getting up earlier and dedicating this time to improving your body, spirit, and mind, you set yourself up for a successful day ahead. Read more about how to live by the principle of “one more day — one more success” in our summary:
6. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
This is a must-read for everyone who loved Ikigai and similar books. Jay Shetty’s book draws on monastic wisdom to help readers reduce mental clutter and build habits for a calmer mind. It parallels Ikigai’s core message that a meaningful life comes from intentional focus rather than external achievement. You’ll learn how to find harmony within yourself by looking at your path like a monk. (Find more details on how to do that in our summary)
Each of us strives for harmony in all aspects of life, from career to interpersonal relationships. But transforming our external circumstances is impossible without first reshaping our inner worldview. There are many ways to organize thoughts and build resilience against daily challenges. Each case is unique, and only you can find out which approach motivates you most effectively.
