How to Use a Daruma Doll: A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Your Goals

You’ve just received your first Daruma doll — now what? Using a Daruma doll is a beautiful and meaningful ritual rooted in centuries of Japanese tradition. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use a Daruma doll to set and achieve your goals.

What You’ll Need

A Daruma doll, a black permanent marker, a quiet moment to reflect on your goal, and a visible place to display your Daruma.

The Daruma Doll Ritual: Step by Step

Before you touch the marker, take time to reflect. A Daruma works best when you dedicate it to one specific, meaningful goal. It could be a career milestone, a health target, a relationship wish, or a personal achievement.

Step 1: Choose One Clear Goal

Be specific. Instead of “I want to be successful,” try “I want to get promoted to manager by December” or “I want to run my first 5K this year.”

Step 2: Fill in the Left Eye

Hold your Daruma and, using a black permanent marker, carefully fill in the LEFT eye (from the doll’s perspective — this is the eye on YOUR right as you look at it).

This act symbolizes the beginning of your journey. In Japanese tradition, the left eye represents the future, and filling it in means you are committing to your goal.

Step 3: State Your Goal Out Loud

As you fill in the eye, say your goal out loud or write it on a piece of paper and place it inside or beneath the Daruma. This makes your intention clear and real.

Step 4: Place Your Daruma Somewhere Visible

Display your Daruma somewhere you will see it every single day — your desk, your bedside table, your kitchen counter, or a home altar (kamidana). The point is that your Daruma serves as a daily visual reminder of your commitment.

In Japanese homes and businesses, Daruma dolls are often placed facing the front door or in a prominent location where they can “watch over” the household or workplace.

Step 5: Work Toward Your Goal

This is the most important step. A Daruma doll is not a magic charm — it’s a reminder and a motivator. Every day you see it, let it inspire you to take one small action toward your goal.

Step 6: Fill in the Right Eye When Achieved

When you accomplish your goal, fill in the RIGHT eye to complete your Daruma. This is a moment of celebration and gratitude. Your Daruma now has both eyes and your wish has been fulfilled.

Step 7: Return Your Daruma to a Temple

In Japan, fulfilled Daruma dolls are traditionally brought to a temple at the end of the year (usually around New Year’s) to be ceremonially burned in a ritual called Daruma Kuyo (だるま供養) or Otakiage (お焚き上げ). This is an act of gratitude, releasing the doll’s spirit.

If you’re outside Japan, you can simply display your completed Daruma with pride, or respectfully dispose of it while expressing thanks for the goal it helped you achieve.

What if You Don’t Achieve Your Goal?

Not every goal is achieved within the intended timeframe — and that’s okay. If the year ends and your right eye remains unfilled, bring your Daruma to a temple for Otakiage anyway, and start fresh with a new one. The cycle of setting intentions, working hard, and beginning again is at the heart of the Daruma tradition.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Daruma

Choose a goal that genuinely excites and challenges you. Place your Daruma where you’ll actually see it — not hidden on a shelf. Check in with your Daruma regularly and reflect on your progress. Consider using a new Daruma each year for a fresh intention. Share the tradition with family or friends for extra accountability.

Where to Buy a Daruma Doll

Ready to start your Daruma journey? Browse authentic Daruma dolls on Amazon and find the perfect one for your goal.

Final Thoughts

Using a Daruma doll is one of the most meaningful goal-setting rituals I’ve come across. It combines intention, commitment, and daily mindfulness into a beautiful object that connects you to centuries of Japanese tradition.

Whether your goal is big or small, a Daruma doll will be there to remind you: fall seven times, stand up eight.