Finding purpose and clarity in life can sometimes feel like a big task, but using an Ikigai planner is a great way to break it down and focus on what really matters to you. These free printable Ikigai worksheets are designed to help you explore your passions, skills, and how they align with what the world needs. I’ve found that sitting down and visually mapping out these areas can be surprisingly eye-opening. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to reflect on your career path, life goals, or even just to figure out what’s driving you day-to-day.
These printables guide you through identifying what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. Whether you’re looking for a career shift, wanting more fulfillment in your work, or just seeking a bit of life direction, these templates are a great tool for self-reflection. Plus, there are a variety of designs to choose from, whether you prefer a minimal layout or something with a splash of color. They also match the styles of our weekly planners and daily task planners!
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being.” It’s all about finding that perfect balance between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. Essentially, your Ikigai is your sweet spot—where your passions and skills meet a purpose that contributes to the world and can provide a livelihood.
By understanding these four elements—Passion, Mission, Vocation, and Profession—you can gain clarity on what drives you, both personally and professionally. The goal of an Ikigai exercise is to help you reflect on how these areas overlap in your life, which can guide you toward a more fulfilling career, lifestyle, or sense of purpose. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone looking to realign their life’s direction or simply gain a deeper understanding of their goals.
How To Download These Ikigai Templates
To download your Ikigai planner, simply click on the image of the design you like, and you’ll be taken to a PDF version of the template. You can save or download the file directly to your device. Make sure to browse through the different options and choose one that speaks to you!
How to Use the Ikigai Planner
Using the Ikigai planner is easy and highly personal. Here’s how you can get started:
- Fill in each circle: Begin by writing down your thoughts for each of the four areas:
- What You Love: Think about what excites you or makes you feel truly happy.
- What You Are Good At: Reflect on your skills, talents, and strengths.
- What the World Needs: Consider how you can contribute to the world, or what problems you’d like to help solve.
- What You Can Be Paid For: Identify jobs, professions, or roles that could financially sustain you.
- Look for the overlaps: Once you’ve filled in each section, look at the intersections. Where do your passions, skills, and potential career paths overlap? These areas are key insights into your potential Ikigai.
- Make notes: Use the notes section to write down any observations or action steps you might want to take based on your reflections. Maybe you’ve discovered a new career idea or realized you want to focus more on a particular skill set—this is your space to jot it all down.
The Ikigai planner can be revisited over time as your goals and experiences evolve, giving you a clearer sense of direction as you grow.
