How to Incorporate the Ikigai Method in Your Planning

The Ikigai Method is a concept derived from the meaning behind the Japanese phrase “Ikigai”, meaning “life” and “worth”. Your ikigai is what gives you joy in life through purpose! There are a multitude of ways to incorporate this method in your daily planning life, and Cloth & Paper is here to help guide you to your ikigai.

The easiest way to start the ikigai method is to add the Self Discovery Inserts from our September 22 Planning + Stationery Box or nab them from the Exclusive Subscriber Collection. Alternatively, you may incorporate the ikigai method in your planning using note-taking inserts like the Dot Grid Inserts or a Mind Mapping Desk Pad. When you map out your ikigai, it can be applied to multiple facets of your personal life, such as career, community, or interests.

The Ikigai Method functions using four circles and four pillars within those circles:

The Four Circles (the what)

What are you good at?

What do you love?

What does the world need?

What can you get paid for?

The Four Pillars (the why)

Passion

Mission

Profession

Vocation

Ask yourself:

What do I love, or am passionate about?

What does the world need that fits my mission?

What am I good at that can be my profession?

What vocational effort can I get paid for?

Example

Step 1:

I am good at sketching digitally

I love to create art

The world needs access to art on digital platforms

I can get paid to accept art commissions on social media

Step 2:

My passion is creating art using technology

My mission is to connect with others creatively and provide an artistic service

My profession is a digital concept designer

My vocation is an artist

By tying together your four circles and pillars, you become closer to aligning with your purpose. The Self Discovery Inserts also provide a Discovery Ledger, which allows you to explore various aspects of your best qualities and how you can apply them to elevate your life.

Once you’ve mapped your ikigai, start shifting your priorities to support it. Your journey will likely require trial and error, adjustments, and time. While planning your goals, both short-term and long-term, consider how they contribute to your ideals lain out in your ikigai map.

Common planning methods like color-coding will help you stay engaged with your goals! Try using highlighters like the Zebra Mildliner Dual Tip Highlighters to color-code tasks/goals that relate to your four circles/pillars. Additionally, the Reminder Sticky Notes are perfect for keeping reminders of your circles/pillars in your workspace and planner so that you remain focused on your goals.

We are confident that with determination and planning, you will cultivate your ikigai!

The Subscriber Exclusive Collection is a special collection only planning subscribers get access to just for being subscribed! Subscribers have the opportunity to grab seconds and stock up on the best, exclusive goodies from past and current boxes.