In today’s episode of the Inspiration2Grow podcast, I would like to introduce you to the concept of the Misogi challenge Itzler style.
But first, let me ask you a question…
What’s one thing you did in 2022 that was memorable, life-changing perhaps and took you far out of your comfort zone?
Some of you may know Jesse Itzler and some may not. I have been following him on IG now for a few years and this guy does some amazing things. He is a prime example of living life to the fullest. He lives and breathes wellness practices such as: fruit til noon, sauna sessions followed by cold plunging, Wim Hof breathing, extreme athletic pursuits involving biking, running, and swimming.
Jesse also happens to be Sara Blakley’s husband. But he doesn’t stand in the shadow of his ultra-successful wife. He is a serial entrepreneur, highly sought-after speaker, former rapper, author of several books, coach and calendar creator. You name it, Jesse has undoubtedly done it.
His resume of accomplishments is quite impressive and his vibrant personality is so infectious. I think the two words – limitless & unstoppable – best describe Jesse’s attitude toward goals, both of a personal and professional nature.
So, I like to see what he is up to on IG from time to time. A while back, I noticed he was talking about a thing called “the Misogi Challenge”. I had never heard of this before so I started to look into it. However, in fine Jesse-style, he adapted the original Japanese version to reflect a personal goal or challenge.
Basically, it goes like this…
If you commit to the Misogi challenge, you choose ONE big event or goal that you would like to achieve in the year. And, by big, I really mean a big, audacious goal. Jesse’s version is designed to help us uncover what we’re capable of as individuals and to tap into possibilities we don’t see in the moment. Once we complete the challenge, it’s a reminder that we are stronger than we believe and that more is possible that we can imagine.
Jesse talks about the challenge as, “The notion around the misogi is you do something so hard one time a year that it has an impact the other 364 days of the year. Put one big thing on the calendar that scares you, that you never thought you could do, and go out and do it.”
In other words, once a year, do something memorable. Create your own milestone events!
If you do some research on the concept of misogi, you’ll find out that it began as a yearly Japanese purification process for body and mind. However, Jess Itzler’s version is slightly different. It’s not connected to a spiritual experience.
Essentially, the Misogi challenge is meant for us to experience life-changing events that provide us with memories and meaning in our lives. Something to look back on and remember.
Another concept Jesse talks frequently talks about is the fact that ‘tomorrow’ is not promised. So, instead of planning out lives 5, 10 or 20 years out from now, we should adopt the mentality that life is short and valuable. It needs to be lived to the fullest now, not in 10 years down the road.
Personally, I haven’t nailed down my Misogi for 2023 yet, but I have some ideas for sure. I hope you consider doing the Misogi challenge for yourself and I would like to give you some helpful tips on how to make your decision…
1. Misogi should push your personal limits. Your own Misogi goal should be designed for a 50/50 chance of success. That means it shouldn’t be too easy! There needs to be a sense of adventure and risk involved. Keep in mind – you may not succeed. The whole premise is to stretch yourself to tap into something you didn’t know you were even capable of.
2. Misogi should scare you a bit. Your misogi goal should create fear and discomfort for you, and it should rattle your nerves a bit. A slight feeling of unease and anxiety needs to be present, otherwise you aren’t truly pushing your limits.
3. Misogi is for YOU, not anyone else. The idea here is to learn something about yourself and your limits. That means it is your challenge, and the experience is very private regardless whether you do it alone or within a group setting.
The Takeaway –
Think back over your past 5 – 10 years. What memories can you associate with specific years? Were there moments when you pushed your limits? Stretching yourself and allowing yourself to be uncomfortable is a great way to grow as a person. Consider ONE thing you could do in the coming new year that would make it memorable. Learn a new language, run a marathon, climb a mountain, write a book, start a business… Whatever it is that you choose, get ultra-focused on the goal and start planning the steps to completion.
Take the risk and crush your comfort zone in 2023.
Thanks for listening and I hope to have inspired you to grow.
And, in case you haven’t heard it yet today, let me be the first to tell you…
You are an amazing human being with so much potential. I believe in you. Now, go out there and show the world what you are made of.
Til next time,
Xoxo Lisa
