Ikigai and motivation: the “why” in psychosocial learning

Understanding Ikigai through a EIVSOM psychosocial learning lens helps clarify motivation by focusing on the “why” before the “how.”

In a world saturated with advice on how to live better, make decisions, or achieve success, we rarely pause to understand the why. The concept of Ikigai—often described as the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what is sustainable—takes on deeper meaning when viewed through a psychosocial learning framework. As Dr. Robert Graves explains, “Motivation doesn’t start with action. It starts with understanding.”

Within the EIVSOM Psychosocial Learning System, Ikigai is not presented as a formula or a productivity hack. Instead, it serves as a starting point for understanding motivation. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes or monetization, the system emphasizes insight into the emotional and cognitive drivers behind our choices, habits, and recurring life patterns. According to Dr. Robert Graves, this shift matters because “when the why is unclear, people default to imitation instead of intention.”

When individuals begin to connect with their Ikigai, a visible transformation often occurs. Dr. Graves notes that clarity changes not only internal motivation but also external expression: posture, energy, language, and emotional engagement shift as meaning comes into focus. In his words, “When the ‘why’ becomes clear, decisions stop feeling heavy.” This clarity supports better prioritization, more grounded decision-making, and sustainable personal development.

Psychosocial learning does not begin with the question “How do I do this?” It begins with more fundamental inquiries: What is happening? Why does it matter? What am I actually seeking? Once the “why” is understood, the “how” can be explored through many paths. Integrating Ikigai into the EIVSOM Psychosocial System helps reduce informational overload and strengthen purpose-driven clarity, allowing progress to become intentional rather than forced.