Coaching Glossary

What is Ikigai and How to Use It in Coaching

Ikigai (from the Japanese: iki = life, gai = reason) is a Japanese concept that describes a person's reason for being — that which gives them meaning and motivation to get up every day. In coaching it is used as a tool to help the client find the intersection between what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be rewarded for.

Origin and History

The concept has roots in the Japanese culture of Okinawa, a region known for the longevity of its inhabitants. The four-circles framework was popularized in the West by author Hector Garcia and journalist Francesc Miralles in their book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (2016).

How It's Applied in Coaching

What You Love: What activities or subjects make time fly by? What would you do even if you weren't paid for it?
What You're Good At: What are your natural talents and skills? What are you genuinely good at?
What the World Needs: What problems can you solve? What genuine contribution can you make?
What You Can Be Rewarded For: For what activities or skills would the market be willing to pay you?
The Intersection: Ikigai lies at the center where these four elements converge.

Benefits for Your Client

Helps the client connect with their deep purpose
Guides career and life decisions from a values-based perspective
Reduces the feeling of emptiness or lack of meaning
Applicable in life coaching, career coaching, and executive coaching
Generates clarity about life direction

Interactive Tool Available in CoachPro Tools

Use the tool live with your client. Interactive, customizable, and with PDF export. Interactive Ikigai Tool →

Recommended reading: Ikigai in coaching: finding life purpose

Related Terms

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