Sejahtera Concept

Sejahtera's definition:

1.  Aman Sentosa Dan Makmur; Selamat (Terlepas Dari Segala Macam Gangguan) 
2.  Keadaan Yang Baik, Kondisi Manusia Di Mana Orang-orangnya Dalam Keadaan Makmur, Dalam Keadaan Sehat Dan Damai 
3. Aman Dan Makmur, Senang Dan Tenteram, Terpelihara Daripada Bencana (Kesusahan, Gangguan, Dll.); Selamat…. (translated as peace, harmony and prosperity)

peace, tranquility, ease

A case in point is the word Sejahtera in the Malay language, which carries a positive connotation referring to abundance, happiness, prosperity, peace, and tranquillity. 

Sejahtera is more associated with the practice of having a balanced well being or even co-existing with common shared values and prosperity. It is implied that the achievement of quality of life that is both sustainable as well as balanced is embodies in Sejahtera as a way of life.

Mainstreaming SEJAHTERA like another concept of living and life

Many of us strive to be our most productive and fulfilled selves. We seek out new self-improvement books and podcasts. We scour the internet for the latest schools of thoughts on how to live a better life. Some even go as far as attending impassioned weekend retreats with a life coach.

We do this in the humble pursuit of living a purposeful and intentional life. There couldn’t be a better time than right now for this type of exploration. From the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, the Danish tradition of hygge to a lesser-known African concept of ubuntu; these lifestyle concepts are permeating around the globe.

The goal is definitely not a futile one. In this day and age of constant distractions at work, and the pressure to always “be on” even during “off” work hours — we need a break from it all.

What is ikigai?

Ikigai can be considered as the antithesis of hygge. Instead of prompting us to slow down, it’s about striving to find purpose and balance in life.

The work ikigai comes from “iki,” meaning life, and “kai,” meaning the result or effect of a particular action.

This balance is found at the intersection of four key elements in your life.

1. Passion – What do you love? 
2. Vocation – What you are good at?
3. Profession – What can you get paid to do?
4. Mission – What does the world need?

How to incorporate ikigai into your work life

The way we search for work has changed. Most are not searching for a paycheck, but for a mission, they can stand behind.

Sixty-six percent of Millennials surveyed by Deloitte, say they intend to leave their current organization by 2020. This can be a huge challenge for companies. However, ikigai can help individuals find their real passion, and in turn, find a job that matches their interest in the long term.

What is lagom?

Lagom is all about letting go of a self-indulgent, consumerist lifestyle and finding balance. It is often described as the Goldilocks principle of “not too little, not too much, just right.” With that being said, everyone’s perfect medium varies.  It’s a personal journey to find what works for you.

How to incorporate lagom into your work life

Lagom has various meanings depending on the situation and context. It could imply “less is more” in interior design or “sustainability” in lifestyle choices.

In the workplace, lagom is a way of making “optimal” decisions when faced with a new challenge or task. It’s all about reaching that happy medium. How can you keep your investors satisfied, while considering your employee’s needs and maintaining a healthy bottom line? It can feel like a juggling act at times, making lagom, or a “balanced mindset” all the more impactful.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is the “belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity”. The concept has its roots in humanist African philosophy. In particular, the South African Zulu culture where the concept of community is the pillar of its society. Without this sense of “togetherness,” there can be no community.

How to incorporate ubuntu into your work life

Business leaders can practice ubuntu by considering the key ingredients of a sports team. The only way a team can win is when strategies are aligned and execution is consistent. Think about synchronized swimming? They all have to be in check for the team to win. Ubuntu strives to create interconnectedness among team members in the workplace and overcoming the challenges in communications that might create strife and inefficiency.

All in all, these lifestyle philosophies are entirely customizable to suit your needs. However you go about it, the end goal is the same. We all want to live a better life.  Seek out purpose and meaning in your daily life, while cultivating a sense of belonging and mission at work. Ikagi, lagom, and ubuntu can offer some pearls of wisdom throughout your journey. The same goes for Sejathera in our subject now.