The Power of a Misogi: Do Something So Hard It Changes You
Misogi isn’t another productivity hack. It’s a gut check-a ritual reset that asks you to step into the unknown, at least once a year. The idea is simple: do something so difficult, you’re not sure you’ll make it through. That uncertainty is the whole point.
Misogi traces back to an old Japanese tradition: stepping into icy water to clear the mind and spirit. These days, though, the practice has taken on a new shape. It’s less about ritual and more about stripping away comfort and ego to see what’s left when you’re tested.
At beflo, we’re obsessed with helping people find their flow. But sometimes, flow isn’t found at your desk. Sometimes, it’s waiting for you on the other side of something that scares you.
What Is a Misogi Challenge?
Traditionally, Misogi was a Shinto purification ritual-think waterfalls, rivers, and cold mornings. The goal wasn’t religious achievement, but a kind of emptying out. Here’s a deeper dive into Misogi’s history.
Modern Misogi is different. It’s a personal challenge you take on once a year-something so ambitious it borders on impossible. Not a marathon if you’re already a runner. Not a dry month if you’ve done it before. It’s the thing that makes your stomach drop just thinking about it.
Performance coach Marcus Elliott helped bring this idea into the spotlight. He suggests three rules:
- Do it once a year.
- Pick something with a 50% chance of failure.
- It should be so hard it changes you.
Some real-world examples:
- Climbing a mountain you’ve never tried-alone, with no fanfare.
- Spending five days in silence, off the grid, no screens, no contact.
- Training for and finishing an Ironman, starting from scratch.
- Building a working prototype in 48 hours, no shortcuts.
These aren’t stunts. They’re thresholds. The only real rule? It has to feel nearly impossible to you.
Why Try a Misogi? (Personal Growth and Resilience)
We all crave comfort, but comfort rarely leads to growth. Misogi is about stepping into discomfort on purpose. There’s no medal at the end, no app to track your progress-just honest effort and whatever you discover about yourself along the way.
Here’s what you might find:
- Resilience: Not from reading about grit, but from living it.
- Clarity: When you’re deep in challenge, the noise of daily life fades.
- Confidence: You stop wondering what you’re capable of. You know.
- Self-Discovery: You meet the version of yourself that only shows up when things get real.
One thing I’ve noticed: after a real Misogi, the rest of life feels quieter. The daily stressors don’t hit as hard. You remember what you can handle.
Want to explore how structure and intention can help you reset? Read The Power of Scheduled Procrastination.
How to Design Your Own Misogi Ritual
1. Choose something that genuinely scares you.
Not just a little. The kind of challenge that makes your heart race. If you’re not nervous, it’s probably not your Misogi.
2. Focus on effort, not outcome.
This isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about showing up fully, no matter what happens.
3. Keep it private.
No social media posts. No public declarations. This is for you, not your followers.
4. Reflect afterward.
Take time to process what happened. Write about it, talk with someone you trust, or just sit quietly. The lessons often show up after the fact.
Final Thoughts: What One Hard Thing Can Teach You
At beflo, we believe flow isn’t just about productivity. It’s about presence, honesty, and growth. Misogi is a reminder: comfort is nice, but it’s not where you meet your real self. Once a year, give yourself permission to step up to something that scares you. You might be surprised by who you become.
If you can do one thing that hard, just once-what else might be possible?
Ready for Your Reset?
Misogi FAQ: Honest Answers
I’m not into marathons or extreme sports. Is Misogi still for me?
Absolutely. A Misogi isn’t about athleticism-it’s about facing your own fear. For some, building a prototype in 48 hours is more daunting than running 100 miles. That’s your Misogi.
Does failing mean I wasted my time?
Not at all. Failure is part of the process. The point of a Misogi is to attempt something where success isn’t guaranteed-and to learn from the experience.
What if my Misogi is private? Does it still count?
Of course. The most meaningful Misogi is often the one you do for yourself, without an audience. It’s about your own growth, not anyone else’s approval.
How is this different from setting a goal?
Goals are planned and measured. Misogi is raw and uncertain. A goal fits neatly on your calendar. A Misogi shakes you up and reveals what you’re really made of.