Language Practice: Finding Your Ikigai (Fill in the Blanks)

Expressions to Choose From:

  • Give someone the cold shoulder

  • Step up your game

  • The ball is in your court

  • Jump on the bandwagon

  • Throw someone under the bus

  • Keep something under wraps

  • In over your head

  • Hit the ground running

  • Drop the ball

  • Pull a rabbit out of a hat

Finding your ikigai—your purpose—means aligning your passion, skills, and values. But the process isn’t always smooth.

In the beginning, it’s easy to get __________ (1) by chasing too many things without a clear plan. You may start a project and then suddenly __________ (2), overwhelmed and unsure what to do next.

Some people wait for permission or direction, but if you’re serious about self-discovery, remember: __________ (3). You have to take the next step.

Others may __________ (4), distancing themselves because your path makes them uncomfortable or insecure. That’s their issue—not yours.

You don’t need to __________ (5) just because everyone else is doing it. Your ikigai is personal. It doesn’t have to be trendy.

Sometimes you’ll __________ (6)—begin a new job, project, or routine with energy and confidence. Other times, you’ll need to __________ (7) after falling behind or losing focus.

When that happens, don’t __________ (8) or blame others. Own your mistakes and grow from them.

As your purpose becomes clearer, you may want to __________ (9) until the time is right. Not everything needs to be shared immediately.

Still, when you’re under pressure, you might surprise yourself and __________ (10)—finding creative ways to make things work against the odds.

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Exercise: "The 3-Sentence Challenge"

Thu May 15 , 2025
Objective: Practice delivering clear, concise responses by limiting answers to just three sentences. Part 1: Controlled Practice (Teacher-Student) Teacher asks broad questions (e.g., “Tell me about your favorite holiday” or “What’s your opinion on remote work?”). Student must answer in exactly 3 sentences, forcing them to: Prioritize key information. Avoid filler words (“um,” “like,” “you […]

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Listen to this great podcast on Mastering The Secret Rules of English Grammar.

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