Discovering Ikigai: A Journey to Your Purpose, Part 2
Finding your Ikigai is a transformative process that connects passion, skills, and purpose. In Part 1 of this blog series, we explored the meaning of Ikigai and specifically addressing what you love. A key tool in your journey to your purpose is the Ikigai diagram, which visually represents the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
What is the Ikigai Diagram?
The Ikigai diagram is a visual representation of the concept of Ikigai. It consists of four overlapping circles that help individuals identify their purpose by exploring:
✔ What you love – Your passions and interests
✔ What you are good at – Your natural talents and learned skills
✔ What the world needs – Ways you can contribute meaningfully
✔ What you can be paid for – Sustainable career or vocation
At the center of the Ikigai diagram, where these elements overlap, lies your true life purpose.
How the Ikigai Diagram Helps Identify Strengths
The Ikigai diagram helps break down the different aspects of life purpose in a structured way. By mapping out your passions, skills, and contributions, you gain a clearer understanding of your strengths and how they align with your purpose.
For many, the challenge isn’t knowing what they love, but rather understanding how to turn their skills into something meaningful and sustainable. The Ikigai diagram helps bridge that gap.
Exploring Your Strengths Through the Ikigai Diagram
To fully utilize the Ikigai diagram, start by reflecting on these questions:
- What skills do you use effortlessly that others admire in you?
- When someone asks for help, what will they most likely come to you for?
- Are there tasks you’ve mastered that feel easy or second nature?
- What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?
- What challenges have you overcome, and what strengths have helped you do so?
Mapping out your responses within the Ikigai diagram will help you see patterns and connections between your talents and purpose.
My Personal Experience with the Ikigai Diagram
When I first discovered the Ikigai diagram, I realized that my strengths in coaching, writing, and helping others shift their perspective were not just passions, but part of my greater purpose.
Some key strengths that aligned within my Ikigai diagram included:
🔹 Creating & Storytelling – I naturally communicate ideas that resonate with others.
🔹 Helping Others Gain Perspective – I assist people in seeing challenges from a new angle.
🔹 Empowering Others – I guide people toward healing and self-confidence.
🔹 Walking Through Fear – I embrace fear and use it as a catalyst for transformation.
Understanding how these strengths fit into the Ikigai diagram allowed me to refine my career path and create a life aligned with my true purpose.
Practical Exercise to Discover Your Strengths
Here’s an exercise to help you identify your skills and talents:
- Create a Strengths Inventory:
- Write down every skill or ability you think you have, no matter how small or insignificant it seems.
- Include feedback you’ve received from friends, family, or colleagues about what they think you’re good at.
- Reflect on Past Accomplishments:
- List your proudest achievements and think about the skills you used to accomplish them.
- Ask for Input:
- Reach out to people you trust and ask them what they believe your greatest strengths are. You might be surprised by what they share.
- Identify Patterns:
- Look for recurring themes in your inventory. These patterns often reveal your core strengths.
Aligning Your Strengths with Your Purpose
By fully engaging with the Ikigai diagram, you can begin integrating your skills and passions into a life that feels fulfilling and purpose-driven.
Discovering what you’re good at is a crucial step in the Ikigai journey. By reflecting on your strengths and abilities, you’ll uncover the tools you need to live a life of purpose and meaning. In the next post, we’ll explore how to connect these strengths to What the World Needs and create a powerful alignment between your talents and impact. In Part 3, we’ll explore the Ikigai Venn diagram in greater depth, breaking down how each overlapping section connects to different life paths.
If you’re looking for one-on-one guidance in using the Ikigai diagram to uncover your strengths and purpose, Transformative Coaching at Go Within Spiritual Coaching can help you take the next step toward a more aligned and fulfilling life. schedule a complimentary 1-hour Discovery call today.
🚀 Your purpose is waiting—start exploring it today!
