Find your 2024 Misogi

In Japan there is old ritual called a Misogi, which is a purification ritual, where people make a pilgrimage to sacred waterfalls and stand under icy water as standing underneath the cold water symbolizes intense purification.

This pilgrimage has been westernized to be a challenge that radically expands your sense of what’s possible. To do 1 big thing in the year that is so difficult that it has a profound impact on the other 364 days of the year.

For some this may be running a 5k or maybe even a Marathon. For others it could be biking across the country, starting your business, visiting a country you have always dreamt about traveling to but never had the time or money to go.

It is one really big thing that challenges you physically, mentally, emotionally, maybe even financially.

A lot of people think it has to be physical, and while I agree, physically challenging Misogis are great tests, as they tend to really challenge all aspects of you and your life, it doesn't have to be. It just has to be something that is big to you, something that makes your jaw drop a little thinking about it, something that you have been thinking about doing for a long time but have never committed to.

There are only two fundamental rules to this. First is it needs to be something that you feel that you only have a 50% chance of completing, and it can’t kill you.

So if your goal is to run a half marathon, and you already run 10 miles, then I would say pick something more challenging. Use to your discretion but, make it interesting.

There is a third rule, I personally put in place considering the social media world we live in. It can’t be used as a way to generate fame, or be for social.

Finally, take some time to figure out what you will make as your Misogi, and when you will do it. Make that date non-negotiable, and set it on the calendar today. Some of you will have something pop in your head almost immediately like I did, as it was something I had been thinking about doing for years.

If that is not you, that’s okay, take some time to think about some of your goals next year, and think about what kind of Misogi would push you to achieve those. For instance, if your goal is to lose 15 pounds then maybe you want to pick a physical misogi, like biking 30 miles. If you want to be making 100K next year, then maybe you need a Misogi around business. If you have never left the country, maybe your Misogi will be going to Italy or another country you have never been to.