[Freebie Alert] Ikigai 7 Needs Self Assessment Worksheet
Something feels missing.
You have a good job, stable income, and everything society says you should aim for. But deep down, something still feels off. Many adults struggle with an invisible gap between what they have and what truly fulfills them. Many of us live with it, but sometimes you can’t help but wonder, if there’s more to life than that.
Sorry, the term “ikigai” isn’t new. In fact, back in the 1960s, Dr. Kamiya Mieko was one of the first scholars to study what makes life meaningful. She spent years researching why some people feel deeply fulfilled while others struggle with a sense of emptiness. She concluded that a meaningful life isn’t just about one factor (like passion, money, or work). Instead, fulfillment comes from meeting 7 essential psychological needs; which, when balanced, create our sense of Ikigai.
Dr Kamiya Mieko was a Japanese clinical psychiatrist and researcher who was a pioneer in the study of Ikigai, and sometimes revered as the Mother of Ikigai Psychology, discovered that true fulfillment doesn’t come from just one thing (like career success or passion).
She published her main book “Ikigai-ni-Tsuite” On the Meaning of Life around 1966.
She identified 7 core psychological needs that shape our sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Kamiya Mieko’s 7 Needs for Ikigai
1. Life Satisfaction (生きがい感): Feeling overall contentment with life.
Life satisfaction is about feeling contented with where you are right now. It’s the difference between waking up excited for the day VS. waking up and dragging your feet to work (urgh!).
2. Change and Growth (変化と成長): A sense of personal development and progress.
We feel alive when we are in motion. That motion can come in the form of learning new things, and improving ourselves. We are a lot like water. We need to be in a state of flow in order to stay fresh and alive!
3. A Bright Future (明るい未来): Having something meaningful to look forward to.
Having something to look forward to can provide a sense of hope and direction to keep us aligned.
4. Resonance (共鳴): Deep connection and harmony with others.
No man is an island, and humans are social creatures. We thrive when we have deep, meaningful relationships with our family, friends, or colleagues, or just about anyone in the community we belong to.
5. Freedom (自由): Having autonomy and control over one’s life.
Freedom is about having autonomy over your choices, lifestyle, and work. The power of freedom gives us the control to make choices, rather than being trapped by obligations or expectations.
6. Self-Actualisation (自己実現): Becoming the best version of oneself.
Self-actualisation is about living up to your full potential; whether in creativity, career, personal growth, or self-expression.
7. Meaning and Value (意味と価値): Feeling that your existence has significance.
We feel truly fulfilled when we know that what we do matters; whether the actions are through work, relationships, or contributing to society.
Final Thoughts
Ikigai isn’t about finding that one passion that you have, but rather working on balancing these 7 needs.
Life is dynamic, and your needs will evolve. The key is to be aware, make small adjustments, and keep exploring. And have fun doing it!
As I was researching and writing this post, Kamiya’s 7 needs reminded me of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and for me I drew similarities and that helped me to understand my needs better.
I hope the article provided a greater understanding of the 7 ikigai needs, and I wanted to leave you with a free Ikigai 7 Needs Self Assessment Worksheet so you can have a go at assessing your needs.
You can absolutely work on this worksheet on your own or if you’re feeling stuck and want to talk it out with someone, book a KoPlay Discovery Play Session with me at david@saltnpepper.sg.