Derived from Japanese culture, Ikigai represents the concept of finding joy and meaning in life. This introspective exercise promotes self-awareness and alignment of personal and professional goals.
The Ikigai activity helps participants explore their purpose and identify what brings them fulfillment by aligning their passions, mission, vocation, and profession and how it can align/cohabit with the purpose of the team and/or the company.
Procedure:
The facilitator introduces the concept of Ikigai, explaining its four components: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
Participants are given worksheets with four overlapping circles representing the Ikigai diagram. They spend time individually reflecting and filling in each section:
What You Love: Activities and passions that bring joy.
What You Are Good At: Skills and talents.
What the World Needs: Ways to contribute to society or solve problems.
What You Can Be Paid For: Professional opportunities and careers.
Participants form small groups of 4-6 people to share their reflections. Each person discusses their Ikigai elements and any insights or challenges they encountered. Group members offer support, ask questions, and provide constructive feedback.
Reconvene as a whole group. Volunteers share key takeaways from their small group discussions. The facilitator encourages discussion on common themes, surprises, and personal revelations.
Participants create a personal action plan based on their Ikigai insights. They identify steps to align their work and life more closely with their Ikigai.
The facilitator wraps up the session, emphasizing the importance of continuous reflection and alignment with one’s Ikigai. Participants are encouraged to revisit and refine their Ikigai regularly.
Timing:
1-2 hours
Number of People:
Suitable for groups of any size, ideally 10-30 participants for effective small group discussions.
Results:
Enhanced self-awareness and understanding of personal purpose
Clearer alignment between personal passions and professional goals
Increased motivation and fulfillment in work and life
Strengthened connections through shared personal insights
The Ikigai activity provides a structured approach for participants to discover and articulate their purpose, fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment and direction in both their personal and professional lives.
