Looking to set goals that actually stick—and mean something? Forget the “go big or go home” mindset. How to Set Goals with Kaizen and Ikigai by Anthony Raymond offers a fresh approach to goal-setting that blends sustainable change with deep purpose.
In this guide, we’ll break it down using a simple formula: one idea, one question, one exercise. Whether you’re chasing productivity, personal growth, or life purpose, this method has you covered.
Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy focused on continuous, incremental improvement. Instead of massive change overnight, you make small, consistent steps every day.
Ikigai is the Japanese concept of your “reason for being.” It’s the intersection of:
What you love
What you’re good at
What the world needs
What you can be paid for
It’s not just about passion—it’s about living with meaning.
By combining Kaizen’s slow-and-steady improvement with Ikigai’s sense of purpose, you create a goal-setting framework that’s both sustainable and soul-aligned.
Each tip includes an insight, a reflection question, and a quick action to help you apply the idea right away.
Idea: Small steps lead to big results.
Question: What’s one habit you can start with just 1 minute a day?
Exercise: Try one micro-action today (e.g. 1 push-up or 1-minute journal).
Idea: Meaningful goals start with knowing your “why.”
Question: What activity makes you feel most alive?
Exercise: Journal for 5 minutes about a time you felt truly fulfilled.
Idea: Generic goals often lead to burnout or disinterest.
Question: Have you ever set a goal that wasn’t really yours?
Exercise: List 3 past goals and ask if they matched your core values.
Idea: Align your goals with all four elements of Ikigai.
Question: Does your goal reflect passion, skill, need, and income?
Exercise: Fill out an Ikigai diagram to visualize your sweet spot.
Idea: Kaizen makes change feel effortless.
Question: What’s one step so tiny it feels laughable?
Exercise: Choose a 2-minute habit to try today.
Idea: Daily action beats occasional intensity.
Question: Can you commit to one small action for 7 straight days?
Exercise: Track one habit for the next week.
Idea: Progress isn’t linear—it’s adaptive.
Question: When was the last time you adjusted a goal mid-way?
Exercise: Use the PDCA cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act) on a current habit.
Idea: Self-awareness unlocks clarity.
Question: What do others always ask you for help with?
Exercise: Make a list of recurring compliments or requests.
Idea: Purposeful goals check all four Ikigai boxes.
Question: Does this goal light you up AND serve others?
Exercise: Score your goal from 1–5 in each Ikigai quadrant.
Idea: You need a destination before you can map the route.
Question: Where do you want to be in 5 years—personally and professionally?
Exercise: Write a simple 5-year vision statement.
Idea: Long-term goals need short-term plans.
Question: What would the halfway point of your vision look like?
Exercise: Set a 1-year, 6-month, and 3-month goal aligned with your vision.
Idea: Short-term wins keep momentum going.
Question: What can you realistically accomplish in 7 days?
Exercise: Choose one achievable goal for this week.
Idea: Link new habits to existing routines.
Question: What daily activity can your new habit piggyback on?
Exercise: Use the formula: “After I [existing habit], I will [new habit].”
Idea: External input can fine-tune your path.
Question: Who do you trust to give honest, helpful feedback?
Exercise: Ask one person what they think of your goal or progress.
Idea: Repetition breeds refinement.
Question: Are you still excited about the goals you set last month?
Exercise: Schedule a 15-minute goal review every 2 weeks.
How to Set Goals with Kaizen and Ikigai teaches that true success is slow, steady, and deeply personal. When your goals align with your purpose—and your steps stay small—you create a life that feels both productive and meaningful.
Want to put this into action? Grab the Kaizen + Ikigai Habit Tracker to build daily momentum toward your goals.