Ikigai Worksheet
Author: Jackie Mandeir
Website: jackiemandeir.com
Designed: January 2023
1
Introduction
Welcome to this worksheet ikigai.
Ikigai is a Japanese practice that
is designed to help you to a happy
and healthy life, often described
as a – ‘reason for being.’
This tool is often used by life and
career coaches to help clients
who want to find their purpose in
life and steer their careers and
lives in the right direction.
The practice is an exploration and convergence of your passion, mission,
profession, and vocation, with the premise that if you align them all you achieve
‘ikigai’ – a point of balance between reality and ideals, your personal aspirations
and aligned to what the world needs.
In the Western world, this is sometimes recited as what you love, what you are
good at, what the world needs and what can you be paid for. However, in
Japanese culture, it is not only used for work but also for pastimes and interests.
This worksheet is designed to help you work through this process by yourself, if
you have invested in a coach or have a close friend who can support you, it’s
good to spend some time talking through each element.
Whilst you are completing this template, it is important to keep in mind two
things; firstly, that you are not your job; you are what you do, and second try not
to limit your thinking to the present, instead search for clues in your past too.
2
Step 1 – Your Past
Your future sometimes lies in reconnecting with your past, so it is worth spending
time on this step, as it serves to remind you of your passions, and important
memories.
1. What did you most enjoy about your childhood?
2. Which memories spark the most joy?
a. When did you feel most fulfilled?
b. What makes you smile when you think of it?
3. What emotions do those memories evoke?
a. What brings about the strongest emotions?
b. What and when do you feel most moved?
4. Are there any passions you have forgotten about that you would like to
reconnect with?
a. When do you experience your greatest curiosity?
b. What did you do that never left you feeling bored?
5. Can you see any common themes and pastimes that were important to
you?
a. Are any of these themes or pastimes still reflected in your present?
b. What do you look forward to in the future?
3
Step 2 – The Present
Okay, let’s take one element at a time, and set some time aside to really reflect
on each of the elements in turn. Below are some questions to consider for each
element.
What you LOVE
Prompts Personal Reflection
1. When do you feel at your happiest
and most passionate?
2. What were you doing when you
were last ‘in flow’ that you lost track
of time?
3. What would you do even if you
were not being paid to do so?
4. What would you do if you had all
the time and resources in the
world?
5. What kind of work or projects do
you find most satisfying?
6. What do you find yourself talking
about most enthusiastically?
4
What you are GOOD AT
Prompts Personal Reflection
1. What skills do you think come really
naturally to you?
2. What are the things you do that
people approach you for help with?
3. If you could choose two parts of
your current role, which would you
choose?
4. What accomplishments are you
particularly proud of?
5. What specific challenge have you
recently overcome using your
skills?
6. How do you continue to develop
your skills and stay current in your
field of expertise?
5
What the world NEEDS
Prompts Personal Reflection
1. What are some of the biggest
challenges facing society today?
2. What issues or causes do you feel
particularly passionate about?
3. Are any of those issues or causes
‘things’ you can have an impact
upon?
4. Are there any innovative solutions
or ideas that you would like to see
implemented?
5. Would that ‘thing’ be relevant 5 or
10 years from now?
6. What can you offer that would
benefit others?
6
What you can be PAID FOR
Prompts Personal Reflection
1. What types of jobs or roles align
with your interests and skills and
are they in high demand?
2. Are you already making a living in
your area of passion or expertise?
3. Can you make a decent living
doing this work in the longer term?
4. What kind of work environment do
you envision yourself in?
5. Have you ever considered starting
your own business or becoming an
entrepreneur?
6. Are there any volunteer
opportunities you could take up to
gain experience in fields that
interest you?
