How the 9×9 chart works
Start with one meaningful goal, identify the eight areas that make it achievable, then turn every area into eight actions you can actually take.
- 1Set the main goalWrite the result you want in the dark center square. Make it specific enough to recognize when you reach it.
- 2Choose eight themesUse the red-outlined squares for the skills, systems, or conditions that support the goal. Each theme is mirrored in an outer block.
- 3Define 64 actionsAdd eight concrete actions around every mirrored theme. Those small steps turn the chart from an idea into an action plan.
Shohei Ohtani's goal chart
In his first year at Hanamaki Higashi High School, a teenage Shohei Ohtani filled out a 9×9 mandala chart. His coach used the Harada Method, a goal-setting system created by Japanese coach Takashi Harada. Ohtani's center square read “first-round draft pick by 8 teams.” Around it he placed eight themes: body, control, sharpness, a 160 km/h fastball, pitch variety, mentality, character, and luck.
The surprising part is the luck block. His actions there were things like picking up litter, greeting people, cleaning his room, reading books, and respecting umpires. The chart treats character and habits as part of the goal, not extras. He went on to throw 160 km/h in high school and become a first-round pick.
This tool builds the same chart: one goal in the center, eight themes around it, and 64 actions. Write yours above, share it with a link, or print it.
What is a mandala chart?
A mandala chart (also called a Mandalart or “Open Window 64”) is a 9×9 grid for breaking one big goal into eight supporting themes and 64 concrete actions. The center 3×3 block holds your goal and themes. Each theme is then repeated at the center of an outer block, surrounded by its eight actions.
What is the Harada Method?
The Harada Method is a goal-achievement system developed by Takashi Harada, a former track coach in Japan. The 64-cell chart is its best-known tool. It's used by athletes, students, and businesses to turn a long-term goal into daily habits.
Is it free?
Yes. Making, saving, sharing, printing, and exporting a chart is free, with no sign-up. An optional one-time Pro upgrade adds unlimited saved charts and eight premium filled-in templates, including an Ohtani-style chart.
Where is my chart saved?
Only in your browser on this device. Nothing is sent to a server. Clearing your browser data, or 7 days without a visit in Safari, erases it, so use Charts → Export backup to keep a copy.