Bonus: Your IKIGAI Map

A Compass to Design a Meaningful Career (Plus Your Ikigai Visual Map)

Hello! Welcome to your personal reflection space. You have read my previous article titled “More Than Just Passion“, which discusses your passion, so I thought of providing a medium for you to write it down.

Think of this continuation of the writing process not as a test with right or wrong answers, but as an honest conversation with yourself. The goal is to begin mapping your true “north direction”—your true north.

Please prepare a sheet of paper to write down the details. Remember the five pillars that will guide this journey: Start small, free yourself, maintain alignment, find joy in small things, and be present in the moment.

Take a deep breath. Let’s begin.

Step 1: Mapping Your Four Circles

Answer the questions below as freely and honestly as possible. Write down everything that comes to mind, without filtering or judgment.

Circle 1: What You Love (Your Passion)

This is about what excites you and makes you lose track of time.

• What activities make you completely lose track of time when doing them?
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• If you had a full day of free time with no obligations, what would you do?
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• What topics do you enjoy reading, watching, or listening to without getting bored?
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• Think back to your childhood. What activities did you enjoy the most?
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• What makes you feel most alive and energized?
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Circle 2: What You’re Good At (Your Skills)

This is about your natural talents and the skills you have developed.

• What problems do friends or colleagues most often come to you for help with?
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• What achievements (big or small) in your life make you most proud?
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• What feels easy for you but seems difficult for others?
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• If you had to teach something to others, what topic would you confidently teach?
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• What compliments have you received regarding your skills or abilities?
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Circle 3: What the World Needs (Your Mission)

This is about your contribution to something bigger than yourself.

• What problems around you (in your community, industry, or the world) make you feel concerned or even angry?
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• If you had a superpower to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
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• What do people around you often complain about? Is there a way you can help?
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• What contributions align with your core values (e.g., justice, creativity, education)?
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Circle 4: What You Can Be Paid For (Your Vocation)

This is about market realities and how you can earn a living.

• From your skill list in Circle 2, which ones are most in demand in today’s job market?
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• What problems are people or companies willing to pay a premium to solve?
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• Look at people you admire in your industry. How do they make money?
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• Can any of your hobbies or passions from Circle 1 be turned into a source of income?
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Step 2: Finding the Intersections (Connecting the Dots)

Now, review your answers across all four circles. Let’s begin identifying overlaps and connections.

1. Intersection of Passion & Skills (What You Love & What You’re Good At)

Look at Circle 1 and 2. Write down activities or skills that appear in both lists.

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2. Intersection of Skills & Income (What You’re Good At & What You Can Be Paid For)

Look at Circle 2 and 4. Write down skills you have that are also in demand in the market.

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3. Intersection of Passion & Mission (What You Love & What the World Needs)

Look at Circle 1 and 3. Write down activities you enjoy that can also contribute positively.

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4. Your IKIGAI Intersection (Initial Brainstorming)

Now, look at the three intersections above. Are there any themes, roles, or callings that combine elements from all four circles? Write down all ideas that come to mind, no matter how “unusual” they may sound.

Example: “Becoming a career coach who helps fresh graduates (Mission), because I enjoy guiding people (Passion), am good at communication (Skills), and this is a service in demand (Income).”

• Idea 1:
• Idea 2:
• Idea 3:

Next Step: From Reflection to Action

Remember, IKIGAI is not a final destination that must be perfectly found. It is your compass.

Use what you’ve written today as a living document. Revisit it every few months. Your answers may evolve as you gain new experiences, and that’s a good thing.

The next step is to take one small step to explore one of your IKIGAI ideas. You can continue by copying and pasting into >> this website page << for visualization.

Happy exploring!