Finding Your Ikigai - Short version
"Ikigai" is a Japanese concept that translates roughly as your reason for being; the sweet spot where four core dimensions of a meaningful life overlap: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
Goal
To support participants in uncovering their personal “ikigai”; a sustainable source of purpose and motivation, and to inspire practical next steps toward living it.
Materials
Instructions
Note: While the naming for this exercise is a bit off from it’s original meaning, it is the name under which this concept is known.
This exercise guides participants through a structured 4-circle Venn diagram reflection to explore these four life dimensions, identify overlaps, and uncover areas to develop toward a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Ideal for personal development, career coaching, or team wellbeing sessions.
Ideal for personal development, career coaching, or team wellbeing sessions.
- Introduce Ikigai: Briefly explain the four dimensions:
- What you love; passions and interests
- What you are good at; talents, strengths
- What the world needs; ways to contribute meaningfully
- What you can be paid for; financially viable activities
: Have participants write their personal responses in each circle. - Reflect and write (5 min): Have participants write their personal responses in each circle.
- Identify Overlaps: In the intersections, find where two, three, or all four dimensions align; these areas hint at personal ikigai.
: Highlight any missing areas, e.g. something you love that can’t sustain you financially, and explore how to bridge them . - Spot Gaps: Highlight any missing areas, e.g. something you love that can’t sustain you financially, and explore how to bridge them.
- Action Planning (10–15 min): Encourage setting 1–2 practical next steps to deepen a circle, increase overlap, or start experimenting toward ikigai.
- (Optional) Peer Sharing: In pairs or small groups, invite participants to briefly reflect on key insights or action steps.
- Provide the diagram as a shared editable file (e.g. Google Slides, Miro).
- Use breakout rooms for 2-3 participants to reflect and share insights.
- Allow time for quiet, focused reflection before discussion.
- Encourage participants to take a screenshot of their final diagram to revisit or journal about later.
Attachments
- Identifying-Your-Ikigai.pdf
- ikigai-1.png
- Ikigai Self-reflection Questions.docx.pdf
Background
Based on the “Finding Your Ikigai” worksheet from PositivePsychology.com, which adapts the classic four‑circle Venn model of ikigai (Positive Psychology).
Author
Trainers Toolbox is a place for trainers and coaches interested in creative, innovative methods that can bring a new twist, energy and deeper level of learning to their training. We provide workshop & courses for trainers, facilitators and coaches, build science based learning materials & share great new tools on Trainers Toolbox blog.
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