As the new year approaches, many of us reflect on the past and look forward to what’s next. While traditional resolutions often focus on quick wins or surface-level goals, setting Ikigai intentions allows you to align your resolutions with your deeper purpose. This approach ensures that your goals are not only meaningful but also sustainable, guiding you toward a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
In this post, we’ll explore how to create Ikigai-aligned resolutions, reflect on lessons from the past year, and plan for growth and fulfillment in the year ahead. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for a purposeful and impactful new year.
Why Set Ikigai Intentions Instead of Resolutions?
Traditional resolutions often focus on external achievements like losing weight, earning more money, or picking up a new hobby. While there’s nothing wrong with these goals, they can lack a sense of purpose and often fade by February.
Ikigai intentions, on the other hand, are rooted in your core values, passions, and purpose. They focus on creating alignment between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what sustains you.
The Benefits of Ikigai Intentions
1. Sustainability: Goals aligned with your Ikigai feel natural and are easier to maintain.
2. Clarity: Ikigai intentions help you prioritize what truly matters.
3. Fulfillment: By focusing on purpose-driven goals, you experience deeper satisfaction.
Step 1: Reflecting on Lessons from the Past Year
Before looking ahead, it’s essential to reflect on where you’ve been. Self-reflection helps you identify patterns, celebrate progress, and learn from challenges.
Key Questions to Guide Your Reflection
1. Wins: What accomplishments am I proud of this year?
2. Growth: What lessons did I learn from challenges or setbacks?
3. Joy: What moments brought me the most happiness and fulfillment?
4. Alignment: Where did I feel most connected to my purpose?
5. Gaps: What areas of my life felt out of alignment with my Ikigai?
Actionable Exercise: Year-in-Review Journaling
Dedicate 30 minutes to journaling your reflections. Divide a page into three columns:
1. What Worked Well
2. What Needs Improvement
3. Lessons Learned
This exercise provides clarity and a solid foundation for setting intentions.
Step 2: Crafting Ikigai-Aligned Resolutions
Once you’ve reflected on the past year, it’s time to look ahead. Ikigai-aligned resolutions go beyond surface-level goals and focus on the intersection of your passions, skills, values, and impact.
How to Create Ikigai Intentions
1. Start with the Four Pillars
Use the Ikigai framework to brainstorm resolutions in each area:
• Passion: What activities light you up?
• Profession: How can you grow your skills?
• Vocation: What steps will improve your financial sustainability?
• Mission: What contribution do you want to make to the world?
2. Make Them SMART
Ensure your intentions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound for greater clarity and focus.
3. Prioritize Meaningful Goals
Instead of setting too many goals, choose 2-3 intentions that deeply resonate with you.
Examples of Ikigai-Aligned Intentions
• Passion-Focused: Dedicate two hours each week to a creative pursuit like painting, writing, or music.
• Professional Growth: Enroll in a course that enhances your skills or transitions you toward a career that aligns with your purpose.
• Work-Life Balance: Implement a daily mindfulness practice to stay present and grounded.
• Mission-Driven: Volunteer monthly for an organization that supports a cause you care about.
Step 3: Planning for Growth and Fulfillment
Ikigai is a journey, not a destination. Your intentions should inspire steady growth and fulfillment throughout the year.
Create a Purpose-Driven Action Plan
1. Break It Down
Divide each intention into smaller, actionable steps.
Example: If your goal is to start a purpose-driven side project, the steps might include:
• Brainstorm ideas (January)
• Research feasibility (February)
• Launch a pilot project (March)
2. Use a Planner or Journal
Track your progress by using a dedicated Ikigai journal or planner. Write down your weekly goals and reflect on your progress regularly.
3. Stay Flexible
Life is unpredictable, and your intentions may evolve. Allow yourself to adapt without judgment while staying true to your overarching purpose.
Practices to Support Your Intentions
1. Morning Rituals
Start your day with purpose by incorporating practices like:
• Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you’re grateful for each morning.
• Visualization: Spend five minutes visualizing your Ikigai-aligned goals.
2. Mindfulness Practices
Stay present and reduce distractions with mindfulness techniques:
• Meditation Apps: Try apps like Headspace or Insight Timer.
• Breathwork: Practice deep breathing exercises to stay focused.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledging progress, no matter how small, reinforces motivation.
Example: Treat yourself to something meaningful when you achieve a milestone.
Stories of Growth and Renewal
1. Sarah’s Journey to Career Alignment
Sarah, a corporate lawyer, realized her Ikigai wasn’t in the courtroom but in mentoring young women in law. By setting a clear intention to transition into academia, she gradually shifted her career while maintaining financial stability.
2. David’s Passion Project
David, a software engineer, reignited his passion for photography by dedicating weekends to capturing local landscapes. His intention to reconnect with his creative side brought newfound joy and balance to his life.
Tools and Resources for the New Year
Books
• Atomic Habits by James Clear: A guide to building habits aligned with your goals.
• Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles.
Apps
• Notion: For goal setting and tracking.
• Daylio: For journaling and mood tracking.
Worksheets
Download an Ikigai intention-setting worksheet to map out your goals (consider offering a downloadable resource on your blog).
Your Call to Action: Start Your Year with Purpose
The new year is a blank canvas, waiting for you to fill it with purpose, growth, and joy. Begin by reflecting on the lessons of the past year, crafting meaningful Ikigai-aligned intentions, and taking small, consistent steps toward your goals.
Share Your Intentions
We’d love to hear how you’re planning to make the coming year purposeful and fulfilling. Share your intentions in the comments below or connect with us on social media. Together, we can inspire a global community of purpose-driven individuals.