Lane Β· Occupational wellness
π― Find Your Ikigai
Ikigai (ηγη²ζ) is your reason for being β where what energizes you, what you're good at, who you help, and what can sustain you overlap. This is a private reflection; answers save on this device.
What is ikigai?
In Okinawan culture, ikigai is not a single job title β it is the daily sense that your life is worthwhile. The familiar Venn diagram (love, skill, need, livelihood) is a Western simplification, but it is a useful map.
This exercise walks you through five reflection areas, then the classic four lists of 25. Aim for honesty over polish. You can pause anytime β your answers are saved locally.
1. What gives you energy?
Instead of asking βWhat am I passionate about?β try these:
2. What are you naturally good at?
List skills that others consistently seek you out for. Many people overlook their strengths because they come naturally.
3. Who do you want to help?
Ikigai often becomes clearer when you focus on a specific group. The more specific the group, the clearer the purpose.
4. What problem do you care enough to spend years solving?
This is often where purpose becomes durable.
5. How can it be sustained?
Traditional ikigai diagrams include βwhat you can be paid for.β A purpose that burns you out financially is difficult to sustain.
Practical ikigai exercise: four lists
Create four lists with up to 25 items each. Don't force 25 in one sitting β add items over days if needed. Patterns matter more than perfection.
Love Β· Good at Β· World needs Β· Can be paid for β look where they overlap.
Love
Activities you enjoy
0 / 25 items
Good at
Skills and talents
0 / 25 items
World needs
Problems worth solving
0 / 25 items
Paid for
Value others would pay for
0 / 25 items
Your ikigai map
Review your reflections. Print or revisit this page anytime β answers stay on this device until you clear them.