The Notion of Misogi

We live in an era where most of our struggles are comfortably predictable. Missed deadlines, awkward presentations, and tough conversations feel like the worst-case scenarios. But rewind human history, and survival often depended on facing real, life-threatening challenges—predators, famine, and wars. Modern life has stripped away these primal tests, leaving us safe but often untested.

This is where the concept of Misogi steps in. A Misogi is a challenge so difficult that you have only a 50% chance of success. It follows two simple rules:

1. Make it really hard.

2. Don’t die.

Misogi is a concept rooted in ancient Japanese tradition, originating from Shinto practices of ritual purification. The word itself means "water cleansing" and historically involved standing under icy waterfalls or immersing in rivers to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. It symbolized a fresh start, a shedding of impurities, and a reconnection with nature.

In the modern world, this spiritual ritual has evolved into a broader philosophy—a practice of pushing oneself to the edge of physical, mental, and emotional limits to achieve growth and transformation. The essence of Misogi today mirrors the ancient ritual's purpose: purification through challenge.

My Misogi

Early last year, I came across the idea of Misogi. It intrigued me—this notion of doing something so hard it could break you, only to emerge stronger. At the time, I was not a runner. In fact, I had never trained for long-distance running at all. But a marathon sounded appropriately insane. So I signed up.

Then I procrastinated.

I pushed training further and further back, until I almost forgot about it. It wasn’t until May that I realized I really had to start. The thought of running 42 kilometers still felt impossible. But that was the point.

Training wasn’t glamorous. My legs cramped, my lungs burned, and I had no structured plan. I just ran 10k three times a week, hoping it would be enough.

Race day came on October 13. It was cold, rainy, and I hadn’t slept well. The perfect storm of discomfort. But once I started running, something shifted. The chatter in my head disappeared. My legs moved almost automatically, and I became a passenger to the process. The pain was there, but so was the momentum.

Crossing the finish line felt surreal. The months of doubt, discomfort, and struggle melted into pride. I realized something profound: the hardest part of any challenge is starting. The rest is just continuing to move forward.

Why Misogi Matters

Misogi matters because it challenges the comfortable rhythms of modern life. Food is readily available, transportation eliminates physical effort, and technology minimizes the need for problem-solving. While these advancements make life easier, they also deprive us of experiences that test our resilience and adaptability. Misogi acts as an antidote to this comfort. It simulates the struggles our ancestors faced—whether hunting for food or surviving harsh conditions—and in doing so, reminds us of our innate strength and potential. It’s a practice that forces us to embrace fear and uncertainty, to face the unknown head-on.

Taking on a Misogi rewires how we think about adversity. By intentionally creating situations where failure is possible, we teach ourselves to cope with setbacks and develop perseverance. The growth isn’t temporary—it’s transformative. Misogi forces us to adapt, builds confidence, and rewires our relationship with failure. It reveals strengths we didn’t know we had and pushes us past self-imposed limits. The memory of completing a Misogi lingers, serving as a mental anchor that reminds us we can overcome future challenges.

Misogi Isn’t Just Physical

While many Misogis involve physical feats—marathons, triathlons, climbing mountains—it doesn’t have to be about the body. Mental and creative challenges can be just as transformative. Writing a book in a month, launching a business with no prior experience, or traveling solo to a foreign country with no set plan can all qualify as Misogi challenges. The defining factor is that the challenge must scare you, push your limits, and leave you changed.

The Misogi Mindset

Jesse Itzler, entrepreneur and author, popularized the idea of incorporating Misogi as an annual tradition. He describes it as one monumental challenge per year—something so significant that it impacts the remaining 364 days. Itzler’s take on Misogi highlights its potential as a reset button—a way to realign priorities, test grit, and create lasting memories. He encourages people to view it not as a test of skill but as a journey of self-discovery.

When you deliberately place yourself in situations where failure is possible, you develop a mindset of growth. You stop playing it safe. You start asking, "What else am I capable of?" Misogi doesn’t just change what you do—it changes who you are.

Every year, we have the chance to test ourselves, to create stories worth telling. My marathon was my Misogi for the year, and it reshaped how I see myself. It taught me that the most meaningful growth happens when you lean into discomfort and keep going—even when everything in you wants to stop.

So ask yourself: What’s the one thing you could attempt in 2025 that feels almost impossible? What’s your Misogi? You might surprise yourself with the answer.