Find your IKIGAI through individual coaching
Do you love what you do? Are you committed to your job? And if not, are you ready to make a shift? The IKIGAI model is a Japanese concept for personal development that helps people find their purpose in life. But what does IKIGAI really mean? And how can you define your own IKIGAI?
Eva Declercq
Do you love what you do? Are you committed to your job? And if not, are you ready to make a shift? The IKIGAI model is a Japanese concept for personal development that helps people find their purpose in life. But what does IKIGAI really mean? And how can you shape your own IKIGAI?
Discover in this article an IKIGAI template and how individual coaching can help you complete it!
What is the meaning of IKIGAI?
- The IKIGAI model explained
- Filling in your IKIGAI (template)
- How individual coaching helps you find your IKIGAI
- Inspiring examples of IKIGAI in practice
What is the meaning of IKIGAI?
The Japanese concept of IKIGAI was brought to wider attention through research into the so-called Blue Zones by American author Dan Buettner. These Blue Zones are remote regions with a distinctive lifestyle and environment where people are shown to live significantly longer.
During his research, he discovered that the Japanese island of Okinawa is home to an exceptionally large number of people who live beyond the age of one hundred. The island has remarkably low rates of infections and heart disease — something the local population attributes, alongside healthy eating habits, to a balanced and meaningful way of life.
IKI stands for “life,” and GAI refers to “value, worth, effect, or result.” Together, they point to the meaning of life. In other words: what is your raison d’être? A fundamental element of personal development.
The IKIGAI model encourages a way of living in which passion, love, and skills are combined with what the world needs. This integration leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
The IKIGAI model explained
Finding and defining your IKIGAI is not a guaranteed path to wealth — at least not necessarily in the financial sense. However, those who live in alignment with their IKIGAI more often experience a sense of flow and derive greater satisfaction from their work. Individual coaching helps uncover these deeper layers of meaning and direction, supporting you in shaping a life and career that truly resonate with who you are.
The meaning of life
The IKIGAI model consists of four circles. When all four elements overlap, we speak of an IKIGAI.
- What do you love?
What are your interests and hobbies? During which activities do you lose track of time and your surroundings? What would you do even without pay or reward? - What are you good at?
What are your natural talents? Where do you truly excel? When do you feel most confident in your abilities? What can you do better than others? - What does the world need?
Where is there scarcity? Which needs or trends do you see in today’s society? Which groups do you want or are you able to help? How can you contribute to a better world? - What can you be paid for?
What are you currently being paid for? Which skills are in high demand? Where are there shortages?
If you find these questions difficult to answer, try asking yourself the opposite: what don’t you like, or what are you not good at — and then reverse it.
Different overlaps within the IKIGAI model
The IKIGAI model contains several overlaps. By looking at the intersection of two circles, you can already gain valuable insights about yourself.
- Passion
Your passion lies at the intersection of what you love and what you are good at. It is a fulfilling path that many people keep as a hobby. However, because it is not paid, they often cannot dedicate as much time to it as they would like. - Profession
A profession is something you are paid for and are good at. Most people operate in this area, as we tend to look for jobs that match our talents. But how does this relate to your passion and your contribution to the world? - Vocation (Calling)
A calling exists when you are paid to contribute to society. This often includes professions such as educators or roles in healthcare. These people are typically driven by impact and the desire to help others. Still, a lack of skills or genuine love for the work can lead to motivation issues over time. - Mission
A mission combines what you love with what the world needs. These people derive deep satisfaction from their work and from helping others or contributing to society. However, a lack of skills can limit the impact they are able to make.
By exploring these overlaps, you move step by step closer to a life and career that feel meaningful, aligned, and fulfilling.
Missing synergies in the IKIGAI model
- When you are paid to do what you are good at and what the world needs…
You feel comfortable, but may experience a sense of emptiness. You miss a genuine love for the work, which can make both the job itself and self-motivation challenging at times. - When you do what you love, what the world needs, and you are paid for it…
You experience enthusiasm and fulfilment, but also uncertainty. A lack of skills or knowledge can make the work difficult and, at times, frustrating. - When you are paid to do what you love and are good at…
You feel satisfied, but with limited fulfilment. You are not contributing to the wider world, which can lead to a sense of meaninglessness or lack of impact. - When you do what you are good at, love, and what the world needs…
You experience fulfilment and enjoyment in your work, but without financial security. This can create anxiety and limit the impact you are able to make.
These missing synergies highlight why true IKIGAI only emerges when all four elements come together in balance.
Filling in your IKIGAI
It’s important to know that multiple IKIGAIs are possible. Your IKIGAI can also change as you gain new experiences and continue to grow as a person.
Fill in the IKIGAI template column by column, without considering the whole at first. Let intuition and curiosity guide you.
Look for overlaps between the different columns. Discover your passions, callings, and missions — and from there, your IKIGAI.
Give yourself enough time. IKIGAI is a continuous process of reflection and personal development. You don’t find your life purpose in a single day.
Test your IKIGAI in real life. Take action. The grass often seems greener on the other side — but is your assumption about your IKIGAI truly accurate, or is it influenced by unconscious beliefs and external expectations?
How does individual coaching help you find your IKIGAI?
Searching for your IKIGAI on your own can often be challenging. A coach acts as a sounding board, offering an external perspective and reflecting or reframing your thoughts. This helps you uncover your own strengths, talents, and unconscious biases. Coaching supports this process by:
- Asking questions and probing deeper (see the LSD model)
- Discovering underlying motivations
- Identifying unconscious drivers and beliefs
- Bringing unconscious assumptions to light — for example: What would you do if money were not an issue?
Finding your IKIGAI also contributes strongly to your personal development. Once you know what you are moving toward, you begin to live a more inspired life. You recognise and seize opportunities more quickly and are more likely to experience a state of flow.
Discover your IKIGAI through individual coaching!
Inspiring examples of IKIGAI in practice
Everyone’s IKIGAI looks different. But what are some real-life examples of IKIGAI?
You often find IKIGAI among top athletes. For example, Sven Nys started out as a top professional cyclist and later evolved into a coach, commentator, and owner of a cycling centre. He succeeded in turning his love and talent for cycling into a profession, while simultaneously helping others grow.
Beyond athletes, there are many other professions in which IKIGAI can be found. Think of writers, teachers, coaches, activists, politicians, chefs, and more.
For instance, Seppe Nobels became one of the first Belgian chefs to embrace urban farming. He combines his passion for cooking with a positive impact on health and nature. Through his work, he shows that vegetables are not merely a side element on the plate, but can stand as a full-fledged dish. He shares this passion not only through his restaurant, but also via television programmes.
And you?
What is your IKIGAI?
Ready to discover your IKIGAI? Book an individual coaching session!
Whether you feel stuck in your job, are looking for more fulfilment, or are considering a career switch, discovering your IKIGAI is a valuable investment in your personal development.
Be guided by a professional coach. This way, you make conscious choices, grow into your potential, and live a meaningful life.