What Gets You Out of Bed

From The Tutor Podcast by Neil Cowmeadow

April 20, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 422

About this episode

Neil explores the Japanese concept of Ikigai and its impact on teaching and personal fulfillment.

In this episode, Neil delves into the powerful Japanese concept of Ikigai your reason for getting out of bed in the morning. Reflecting on his own six decades of life and time spent teaching guitar, Neil unpacks why he continues to step into his teaching room, which he affectionately dubs "the vortex," every single day with no plans to retire. KEY TAKEAWAYS True fulfillment in teaching often comes from achieving flow, which is a psychological state of deep concentration where time distorts and you become completely absorbed in the challenge of the task at hand. Conventional teaching that lacks an underlying rationale, like memorizing guitar chords without understanding the theory, fails many students. Building a pedagogical system that creates genuine understanding makes you a far more effective tutor. To find your ultimate career sweet spot, look for the intersection of four essential elements: what you love, what you are naturally good at, what the world actually needs, and what people are willing to pay you for. The world needs your specific take on your subject. Conventional teaching leaves gaps that only your distinct skills, personality, and knowledge can fill for the right…

People in this episode

Host: Neil Cowmeadow

Topics covered

Ikigai
teaching
flow state
pedagogical system
well-being
nature

Keywords

Ikigai
teaching
flow state
pedagogy
well-being
nature
guitar

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Ikigai