What is Mandalart?

The ultimate thinking expansion tool for achieving goals

Origin and History of Mandalart

Mandalart is a thinking expansion tool developed by Japanese designer Hiroaki Imaizumi (今泉浩晃) in 1987. It originated from the symmetrical structure inspired by the Buddhist Mandala (曼荼羅).

The name itself is a compound of three words. "Goal Achievement (Manda) + Skill (la) + Art" — it embodies the idea of elevating the skill of achieving goals into an art form.

Like the radial symmetry of a Mandala, Mandalart starts from a central goal and expands thinking outward in a balanced way. This structural characteristic naturally helps the brain perform association and divergent thinking, similar to a Mandala.

The Structure of Mandalart — The Secret of 81 Squares

Mandalart consists of a 9×9 = 81-square grid. These 81 squares form an elaborate three-level structure.9×9 = 81 squares

1 Square
Core Goal
The very center of the 9×9 grid
8 Squares
Key Elements
8 surrounding the central goal
64 Squares
Action Items
8 actions per key element

Center 3×3 matrix: The center square is the core goal, and the 8 surrounding squares are the key elements.

8 outer 3×3 matrices: Each key element occupies the center of its own 3×3 block, with the surrounding 8 squares becoming specific action items.

As a result, 1 core goal + 8 key elements + 64 action items = 73 meaningful squares are completed. (The remaining 8 squares are structurally empty corner blocks.)

How to Create a Mandalart — 5-Step Guide

  1. ①

    Set Your Central Goal

    Apply the SMART principle. Write a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goal in the center square.

  2. ②

    Identify 8 Key Elements

    Brainstorm 8 essential categories needed to achieve your goal. This step is the core of Mandalart. Write down everything that comes to mind, then select the 8 most important ones.

  3. ③

    Write Detailed Actions

    For each key element, create 8 specific action plans. Make them concrete enough to actually execute, like "Walk 30 minutes every day."

  4. ④

    Set Priorities

    Start with the most important and feasible among the 64 action items. You don't need to fill all squares at once.

  5. ⑤

    Execute and Review

    Regularly check your progress and mark completed items. Don't hesitate to revise when circumstances change. A Mandalart should be a living plan.

Mandalart vs Other Goal-Setting Methods

Among various goal-setting methods, Mandalart stands out in terms of specificity and comprehensive overview.

MethodStructureSpecificityOverviewDifficulty
Mandalart9×9 Matrix★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Mind MapRadial Tree★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
OKRObjectives & Key Results★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Vision BoardImage Collage★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Bucket ListSimple List★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Shohei Ohtani's Mandalart

The most famous example that brought Mandalart to worldwide attention is Shohei Ohtani. He created his Mandalart as a first-year student at Hanamaki Higashi High School.

Central Goal

First pick in the draft by 8 teams

8 Key Elements
Physical StrengthControlPitching PowerSpeed 160km/hBreaking BallsLuckCharacterMental Toughness
'Luck' Action Items (Partial)
  • Greet people
  • Pick up trash
  • Clean the dorm
  • Attitude toward umpires
  • Become someone people root for

Ohtani has indeed achieved historic success in MLB. What's particularly noteworthy is the key element of "Luck." He treated even luck as something controllable, and the fact that its action items focused on character and attitude shows the depth of the Mandalart approach.

Mandalart Applications

Personal Goals

  • Health Management
  • Self-Improvement
  • Financial Planning
  • Building Habits

Academics

  • Exam Preparation
  • Certifications
  • Career Planning
  • Language Study

Business

  • Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Performance Goals

Team Workshops

  • Organizational Vision
  • Team Goal Alignment
  • Process Improvement
  • Idea Generation

Enough theory.

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