Ikigai Worksheet

What is the ikigai concept?

The Japanese believe that everyone has an ikigai. Ikigai means a reason for being. Some people discover their ikigai early, while others are still searching for it, even though it's within them. The concept called Ikigai is thought to be a deep motivation that drives a person each day, and finding it brings joy and meaning to life.

In Japan, people often stay active beyond retirement. The term ikigai, meaning "life" and "worthwhile," is crucial for a long life, especially in Okinawa, which has the world's highest number of centenarians. Okinawans eat a diet rich in vegetables and tofu on small plates, and their close-knit groups of friends, or moai, are important for their longevity (Garcia & Miralles, 2017). Each person's ikigai is unique, reflecting their personal sense of meaning.

What is an Ikigai Worksheet?

An Ikigai Worksheet aims to help individuals discover their unique sense of purpose and meaning in life. The worksheet typically illustrates the concept using a Venn diagram. Our worksheet aims to help those trying to find the balance between various aspects of their lives. However, it's important to note that the often-used diagram, which is what our template contains, comes from just one blogger's interpretation.

Marc Winn merged a Venn diagram focused on "purpose" with Dan Buettner's ikigai concept related to living a long life (Winn, 2014; Winn, 2017). Other worksheet versions emphasize self-actualization rather than wanting to achieve goals and being sure of one's destination.

While Winn's interpretation (the Westernized version) is widely used and has helped a lot of professionals, it's essential to remember the original definition of Ikigai. Staying connected to this purpose enriches life while losing it can lead to despair. To avoid being distanced by distractions like money and success, it's essential to follow intuition, embrace passions, and nurture relationships.

How to use our Ikigai Worksheet template

Our Ikigai Worksheet can guide clients in identifying their true ikigai by asking them about four key things: what they love, what they think the world needs, what things they can be paid for, and what they are good at. It's designed to assist clients in discovering their own ikigai. Follow these steps for ease of use:

Step 1: Download the worksheet

Ensure you have downloaded the Ikigai Worksheet by clicking "Use template" or "Download." Provide your clients with either a printable copy or a digital version they can access during your sessions.

Step 2: Explain the four circles

Introduce your clients to the ikigai Venn diagram, which consists of four intersecting circles. Guide clients in reviewing where the circles overlap. This analysis will help them discover their ikigai or true purpose.

Step 3: Reflect

Encourage clients to reflect on the completed worksheet and identify key themes or insights. We've added a section below the diagram for this purpose. Use these findings to help clients set meaningful purposes and make decisions that align with their ikigai, supporting their journey toward fulfilling their life's purpose.

Benefits of Ikigai Worksheets

Understanding ikigai makes life worth living. Here's how our worksheets can make a difference:

Clarifies life goals and personal strength

The worksheet helps people clearly see their goals by focusing on what they love, their skills, and available opportunities. By examining their skills and talents, individuals can discover what they're truly good at. Recognizing personal strengths allows them to maximize their abilities.

Connects with societal needs

The worksheet prompts individuals to spend time thinking about what the world needs and how they can contribute. This connection can boost their sense of purpose and inspire them to make a positive difference.

Aligns passions with opportunities

It helps people see where their passions meet opportunities, making finding a satisfying career path easier. This alignment ensures that their work is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Who can use this worksheet?

The Ikigai Worksheet is a practical tool suitable for individuals seeking to discover their true purpose. Some of them are:

Mental health practitioners

Therapists and counselors can use this worksheet to help clients explore their passions and life goals. It can also help guide clients toward a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Career coaches

Career coaches can use the worksheet to assist clients in aligning their careers with their personal interests and strengths. It helps clients find meaningful work that matches their skills and passions.

Students and young professionals

This group can benefit from the worksheet, which helps them understand their interests and strengths early in their careers and clarifies potential career paths and life goals.

Individuals seeking personal growth

People looking to gain insight into their life purpose and passions can use the worksheet for self-discovery.

References

Garcia, H., & Miralles, F. (2017). Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life (H. Cleary, Trans.). Penguin Books.

Winn, M. (2014, May 14). What is your ikigai? http://theviewinside.wpengine.com/what-is-your-ikigai/

Winn, M. (2017, October 25). Meme seeding. http://theviewinside.wpengine.com/meme-seeding/