IKIGAI Instruction Guide
Background & origin
Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to 'reason for being' or 'purpose in life.' The term originates from Okinawa, Japan, one of the world's Blue Zones, where people live exceptionally long and fulfilling lives. The philosophy behind Ikigai is rooted in the balance between passion, vocation, mission, and profession. It is used as a framework for personal fulfillment and professional alignment, helping individuals and businesses find a deep sense of purpose and motivation.
When & where to Use Ikigai
Ikigai can be used in various settings, including:
- Personal development – To gain clarity on life direction and purpose.
- Career planning – To align work with passion and strengths.
- Business strategy – To ensure a company’s purpose aligns with its values, market needs, and profitability.
- Coaching & leadership – To help individuals and teams discover meaningful work that fosters engagement and motivation.
- Wellbeing & resilience – To cultivate a sense of fulfillment, reducing stress and burnout.
Benefits of using the Ikigai framework
- Helps identify purpose and fulfillment in work and life.
- Aligns strengths with career opportunities.
- Improves motivation and engagement by focusing on meaningful activities.
- Supports strategic business decisions to align with purpose driven leadership.
- Increases happiness and life satisfaction by clarifying personal and professional goals.
Step by step guide to finding your Ikigai
Step 1: Draw the Ikigai model
The Ikigai model consists of four overlapping circles, each representing a key area:
- What you love (passion) – Activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
- What you are good at (strengths & skills) – Your natural talents and acquired skills.
- What the world needs (mission) – Problems you can help solve or meaningful contributions to society.
- What you can be paid for (profession & market demand) – Opportunities to monetise your skills and passion.
Where these four areas overlap is your Ikigai, your purpose in life.
Step 2: Brainstorm & reflect
Using the four categories, answer the following questions:
- What you love:
- What activities make you feel most alive and energized?
- What hobbies or interests do you naturally gravitate towards?
- What you are good at:
- What skills have you mastered or developed over time?
- What do others often seek your advice or help with?
- What the world needs:
- What problems or challenges do you feel strongly about?
- How can you contribute to making a difference?
- What you can be paid for:
- What skills or services are in demand in the market?
- What career paths align with your strengths and interests?
Step 3: Find the Overlapping Areas
Once you've completed the brainstorm, identify intersections:
- Passion = what you love + what you are good at
- Mission = what you love + what the world needs
- Vocation = what the world needs + what you can be paid for
- Profession = what you are good at + what you can be paid for
Step 4: Define your Ikigai
- Look at the central overlap, where all four circles intersect.
- Reflect on how you can incorporate more of your Ikigai into your daily life, career, or business.
- Identify any gaps, what areas need more focus to achieve better alignment?
Step 5: Take action
- Small steps: Start integrating Ikigai principles into your daily routine, whether by adjusting your career path, exploring new opportunities, or aligning your business strategy.
- Experiment & adapt: Ikigai is not fixed, it evolves as you grow. Regularly revisit the framework and refine your approach.
- Seek feedback: Talk to mentors, coaches, or peers to validate your insights and gain new perspectives.
Final thoughts
The Ikigai framework is a powerful tool for self discovery and strategic decision making. Whether you're looking to redefine your career, enhance personal fulfillment, or align your business with a greater purpose, Ikigai offers a roadmap to achieving a more meaningful and balanced life.
