Unlocking Your Purpose with the Ikigai Chart: A Step-by-Step Guide to Designing a Life You Love
- Anne Ruozzi
- Mar 19
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Have you ever felt like you're drifting through life, unsure whether you're truly living in alignment with your passions and purpose? Do you sense that there’s more to life than the routine cycle you find yourself in? And while you enjoy the company you keep and the work that you do, there’s still a deep longing for… more?
You are not alone. This is a common predicament for many, and it is not selfish to want more from life. Living up to your highest potential is your birthright. In fact, I’d go so far as to say the world needs you to shine at your brightest. Yet, many people don’t realize that the patterns keeping them stuck can be shifted—and that a fuller, more meaningful life is within reach, starting exactly where you are right now.
For some, the challenge begins with identifying their purpose in the first place. Enter the Ikigai chart—a simple yet profound Japanese concept that helps you uncover the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
About the Expert
Anne Ruozzi is a certified feng shui consultant & founder of The Sanctuary Method
Table of Contents
More than just a self-help exercise, Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a philosophy deeply woven into Japanese culture, guiding individuals toward a fulfilling, meaningful, and balanced life. It’s not just about a career; it’s about crafting a way of living that brings immense daily joy and deep satisfaction.
That’s why I always start my Feng Shui sessions with the Ikigai chart—it’s a powerful way to help my clients get clear on what truly lights them up so that their home can reflect and support the life they really want. If you’re new to Feng Shui and want to understand how energy flow, intention, and your environment all connect, check out A Beginner’s Guide to Feng Shui. It’s a great foundation to pair with your Ikigai journey. If you’re ready to take a step toward a more aligned and intentional life, this guide will walk you through why the Ikigai chart matters and how you can apply it today.
Find Clarity on What Truly Lights You Up It’s easy to get stuck on autopilot—following the path that society, family, or financial obligations have laid out for you. The Ikigai chart helps you pause, reflect, and uncover that sweet spot where your passion and purpose come together.
Create a Life That Feels Whole Unlike traditional career advice that focuses only on making money or using your skills, Ikigai weaves together what you love, what drives you, and what the world needs—helping you design a life that feels fulfilling on every level. It's incredible how quickly things start falling into place once you discover your true calling. 👉 Here’s how to find and activate your Feng Shui money corner to support financial flow.
Navigate Life’s Transitions with Confidence Big life changes—whether it’s switching careers, starting a business, or simply seeking more meaning in your everyday routine—can feel overwhelming. Ikigai acts as a compass, giving you clarity and direction so you can move forward with confidence and purpose.
How to Find Your Ikigai: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Draw or Download the Ikigai Chart Template
The Ikigai chart consists of four overlapping circles, each representing a key area of your life:
What You Love (Passion) – The activities, hobbies, and interests that light you up.
What You’re Good At (Vocation) – Your talents, skills, and expertise.
What The World Needs (Mission) – The problems you feel called to solve or contribute to.
What You Can Be Paid For (Profession) – The skills and knowledge people are willing to pay for.
At the center of these four areas lies your Ikigai—your sweet spot of fulfillment.
Step 2: Brainstorm & Fill in Each Circle
Take a notebook or print out an Ikigai diagram, then start writing in each section. Use a second sheet of paper if your list goes on long. The key is to let your ideas flow, don’t hold back.
-What You Love: Think about the things that make you lose track of time. What excites you? What topics do you naturally gravitate toward?
-What You’re Good At: Identify your skills, talents, and strengths. These could be natural gifts or abilities you’ve honed over time.
-What The World Needs: Reflect on what truly matters to you. What problems or causes are you drawn to? Where do you feel you can make an impact?
-What You Can Be Paid For: Consider what industries or professions align with your skills and interests. What services or expertise do people seek from you?
💡 Tip: Don’t rush this process. Sit with these questions, revisit them over a few days, and allow the answers to surface naturally.
Step 3: Identify Overlaps & Patterns
Once you’ve filled in each section, start looking for patterns.
Passion (What You Love + What You’re Good At) – These are things that light you up and come naturally to you.
Mission (What You Love + What the World Needs) – This is where your heart meets service.
Vocation (What You’re Good At + What You Can Be Paid For) – These are skills that can turn into income.
Profession (What the World Needs + What You Can Be Paid For) – This is where market demand meets your expertise.
At the center, where all four areas overlap, is your Ikigai—your ultimate purpose.
Step 4: Put It Into Action
Now that you’ve found your Ikigai, it’s time to take action.
Start Small – You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Instead, make small shifts toward incorporating your Ikigai into your daily routine. One easy and powerful way to start is by shifting your home’s energy to match your intentions. 👉 Try aligning your front door color with your goals using Feng Shui.
Test & Experiment – Take on projects, start a side hustle, or volunteer in areas that align with your Ikigai.
Refine & Adjust – Your Ikigai may evolve over time. Keep reflecting and refining as you grow.
Your Ikigai is a Journey, Not a Destination
Finding your Ikigai is not about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s a lifelong journey of alignment, growth, and fulfillment. By taking the time to understand where your passions, skills, and purpose intersect, you can start designing a life that not only feels good—but is deeply meaningful.
Key Takeaways
Ikigai is the intersection of passion, skills, purpose, and income.
Finding your Ikigai helps you live a more meaningful, aligned life.
You can uncover your Ikigai by mapping out what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
Small daily shifts and experiments will bring you closer to your Ikigai over time.
Your Ikigai will evolve—it’s a journey, not a destination.
Ready to Discover Your Ikigai?
I’ve created a downloadable Ikigai Chart Template to guide you through this process. Grab it [here] and start your journey toward alignment today.
✨ Your purpose is waiting—go find it! ✨
Behind the Method: A Note From Anne
This article was written by Anne Ruozzi, certified Feng Shui consultant and founder of The Sanctuary Method. Anne has studied both classical Eastern Feng Shui and its modern Western interpretations, bringing a balanced, holistic approach to space design.
Her journey into Feng Shui began as a child, intuitively rearranging rooms to create joy and ease. That instinct evolved into a certified practice that blends the energetics of Feng Shui with over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience. Before founding The Sanctuary Method, Anne built Therapy Clean, a wellness-focused cleaning brand now trusted by over 1,000,000 households nationwide.
Anne created The Sanctuary Method to help individuals create intentional spaces that support clarity, abundance, and well-being. Her methods are rooted in personal experience, deep training, and a passion for empowering others to design lives from the inside out—starting with their environment.
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