What are you the best in the world at?

Are you looking to find your purpose, or find what you can be the best in the world at? It is probably easier than you think. Try for a Guinness World Record and type the alphabet in less than 3.25s (that sounds quite tricky!), or put more than 28 socks on your foot in less than thirty seconds! We can all be the best at something. 

Jim Collins wrote about hedgehogs in his book ‘Good to Great’. He writes about hedgehogs and their special ability to curl up into a spiky ball and protect themselves. His concept is about working out what you, like the hedgehog, can be best at- and more than that but what can you ‘be the best at the world in’.  

His model flows from understanding about the intersection of three circles. The model has intersecting circles: what you are deeply passionate about; what you can be the best in the world at; and what best drives your economic or resource engine. 

Having a shared focus on self-discovery and purpose, Ikigia is a similar idea from Japan. Ikigai holds deep cultural significance in Japan, reflecting a life philosophy of purpose and balance. Rooted in community values and mindfulness, it emphasises how personal fulfilment connects to the greater good. Unlike Western ideas of purpose tied to success, Ikigai often lies in simple, everyday joys (meaningful work to small daily rituals). The concept is also linked to longevity in regions like Okinawa, where having a sense of purpose is seen as key to a long, happy life.  

The Ikigai model has three intersecting circles. There are sometimes four circles with the last being what you can be paid for. The circles describe what you love doing (your passion). what you are good at, your strengths and talents (your vocation): and what the world needs (a mission): Where these three circles overlap is considered a place of fulfilment and meaning and is your Ikigai. 

Finding your purpose doesn’t always mean changing the world. It ss about finding what you can be best at, no matter how small. Whether it's breaking world records or living with quiet fulfilment, both the Hedgehog Concept and Ikigai show that purpose is something we can all discover. I hope you can discover yours.