In Okinawa, one of the famous Blue Zones, people live longer. This is not just because of what they eat or how they move.There is something deeper that is not so evident: their ikigai. The word loosely translates as “a reason to wake up in the morning”. It’s not a rigid life plan or a vision board. It’s the unspoken reason behind our everyday actions whether that’s tending a garden, teaching grandchildren cook a family recipe or simply meeting friends for morning tea.

And science backs it up. A 2019 study in JAMA Network Open found that people with a strong sense of purpose had a lower risk of death from all causes compared with those drifting without direction. Another Japanese study linked ikigai to reduced risk of heart disease and better mental health. It turns out, living with purpose isn’t just a poetic figure: it’s preventive medicine.

Now, here is where things take a techy twist. In Okinawa, elders find ikigai in their gardens. In London, New York or Miami, you might find yourself staring for hours at a screen instead. So, can artificial intelligence (yes, ChatGPT, Claude and their digital siblings) help us rekindle with our own purpose?

Journaling, Reimagined

Journaling has been used for centuries as a tool for self-discovery. But staring at a blank page can feel as intimidating as stepping on the stage of a karaoke bar. This is where AI becomes your surprisingly useful pal. Instead of sitting each morning waiting the words to flow, you can prompt an AI with the help you need to achieve your goal. Imagine starting each morning with questions that will guide you, week after week, to self discovery:

• “What small moment yesterday made me smile and why?”
• “If I had unlimited time and resources, what would I spend my day doing?”
• “When did I last feel proud of myself?”

AI doesn’t give you answers—it helps your brain slide into reflection. Think of it as a caring friend who never gets tired of asking, “And then what happened?”

Purpose in Bite-Sized Prompts

Ikigai isn’t discovered in a sudden epiphany. It is built and discovered the everyday. That’s why simple, short AI generated questions can feel more doable than waiting for that AHA moment to come and give you all the answers. Try asking:

• “List three things people thank me for.”
• “What would my 8-year-old self say I’m good at?”

One person realised his “reason for being” wasn’t really about changing careers but about mentoring the younger staff at his office. Another realised she found more joy in weekly sharing her family recipes with her daughter than in the endless scroll of “personal development” podcasts. AI simply helped them notice what was already there.

Why This Matters Now

We’re living in a time when people are busier than ever yet lonelier than ever. The World Health Organization has even called loneliness a “global public health concern”. Purpose is like the glue that keeps life meaningful. And while AI won’t grow you a garden in Okinawa, it can give you the right questions to start one in your own backyard (literal or metaphorical).

A Gentle Warning

AI is a tool, not a guru. It can mirror your thoughts, spark ideas and challenge what you thought was an undeniable truth, but purpose is something you cultivate by living, not by typing. Use it as a flashlight, not as the sun: it shines light on a specific shadow but you cannot live under it.

So, the next time you’re sipping your morning tea and wondering where you are heading in life, maybe let AI ask the first question. Who knows? Your ikigai might be hiding in plain sight—just waiting for a good prompt.

NOTE TO THE READER:

If you would like a little help to start this activity, feel free to copy this prompt onto your AI for your All-in-One Daily + Weekly Journaling.

*”I’m starting a continuous journaling practice with you. Here’s what I need:

Daily Routine

• Each day at [insert chosen time], act as my journaling companion.
• Ask me 7 short but meaningful questions to reflect on joy, purpose and fulfilment.
• Make the questions slightly different every day so they feel fresh.
• Cover themes such as: what made me smile, what gave me energy, when I felt connection, where I felt useful, what challenged me, what I’m grateful for and what I want more of.
• Keep the tone warm, friendly, and curious. Do not give me advice or comments—just ask the questions and wait for my answers.

Encouragement

• On Day 1, just ask the questions.
• On Days 2–6, start with a short, encouraging phrase (example: “You’re doing great, let’s keep going!”) before asking my 7 questions.
• On Day 7, also begin with encouragement, then ask the 7 questions.

Weekly Reflection (Day 7 only, after I answer)

• After my Day 7 answers, review all my responses from the past 7 days.
• Summarise the recurring themes, moments or patterns that brought me the most joy, meaning, and fulfilment.
• Highlight at least 3 specific activities, people or situations that had a positive impact.
• Point out any repeated struggles I mentioned.
• Present this as my Weekly Purpose Map, and tell me warmly how valuable it is that I’ve captured this.
• Remind me that the next week will build on these insights and help me even further.

Ongoing Weeks

• At the end of each new 7-day cycle, create a new Weekly Purpose Map.
• In each new map, also include insights from previous weekly reflections so I can see how my sense of purpose is evolving over time.

Today is Day 1—please begin by asking me my first 7 questions.”*