Finding Ikigai in Sales

Finding Ikigai in Sales: A Path to Purpose and Fulfillment in Every Deal

At this stage in life, many of us have built careers with their fair share of ups and downs. Sales, for one, can be a demanding and sometimes exhausting field. But it doesn’t have to feel like just a job. If you’re like me, crossing the 30-year line in the making, you may be looking for a more profound sense of purpose in what you do, something more than just hitting quotas and checking off goals.

So, how do we, as experienced professionals, find our Ikigai in sales? Let’s break it down:

1. Doing What You Love: Rediscovering Joy in Connecting with People

At the heart of every sale is a human connection. Over the years, I’ve realized that the most rewarding part of my job isn’t just closing a deal. It’s the relationships I’ve built. I’m sure many of you can relate—whether it’s a client you’ve worked with for years or a new prospect, the connection matters.

Could you take a moment to think about what you truly enjoy in your work? Is it problem-solving? Maybe the satisfaction of helping a customer find the right solution?

When you focus on these moments, sales stops being just about transactions and becomes much more fulfilling.

2. Doing What the World Needs: Offering Real Solutions

As we progress in our careers, the idea of making a difference matters more. This can sometimes feel like a stretch in sales, but when you look closely, you’ll see that what we do is more than just selling products or services. We’re offering solutions that meet real needs.

You find a greater purpose in the work when you shift your focus from just making a sale to truly helping a client. Whether you’re helping a business run more efficiently or providing a product that improves someone’s day-to-day life, the value you bring is genuine.

I find my ikigai in sales when my passion aligns with the value I bring to my clients, creating success and fulfillment in every deal.

3. Doing What You’re Good At Leveraging a Lifetime of Skills

If you’ve been in sales for decades, you’ve likely built a robust set of skills that feel like second nature by now. Whether you know how to read a room, engage in active listening, or navigate tough negotiations, these abilities are sharpened through experience.

Take pride in your expertise. It’s not just about getting better at closing deals; it’s about recognizing that you bring years of wisdom. Mastering your craft at this stage in life is deeply satisfying and something younger colleagues look up to.

4. Getting Paid for It: Financial Rewards with Purpose

There’s no denying that sales are a results-driven field. But at this point, it’s less about the paycheck and more about aligning financial success with purpose. We want to be compensated fairly, but we also want our work to matter.

The beauty of Ikigai is that it helps us balance financial gain with meaning. When you’re doing what you love, providing real value, and using your hard-earned skills, success follows naturally—professionally and personally.

True success in sales comes when you find your ikigai—where your passion, skills, and the value you bring to others meet.

A Final Thought: It’s Never Too Late to Find Purpose in Sales

If you’re reading this and thinking it’s too late to change your approach, think again. Finding your Ikigai doesn’t mean overhauling your career or making drastic changes. It’s about reflecting on what’s important to you and letting that guide how you approach your work.

Sales can be more than just a job. It can be a way to find joy, purpose, and fulfillment in every interaction. So, as you continue your journey, ask yourself: How can I bring my Ikigai into my work? You might be surprised at the sense of renewal it brings.

Thank you for taking the time to explore how finding your ikigai can transform your sales career.

I hope this article has inspired you to pursue success and fulfillment in your work. If you found it helpful, feel free to like, share, and pass it along to others who might benefit. Here's to finding purpose in every deal!

Bernat

Disclaimer: I used AI to assist with some elements for ease of reading, but the insights and content are entirely my own.