If you’ve heard of Jesse Itzler, you’re probably familiar with the Misogi Challenge.
As Jesse put it, “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.”
Origins of Misogi
Misogi began as an annual Japanese purification process for both the body and the mind.
The word misogi translates to “water cleansing” and is usually done by standing under an icy waterfall while winter waters pour over the body.
Nat Geo had explored traditional misogi in Japan and the writer shared in their article that standing under the waterfall was like “pressing Control-Alt-Delete on your body.”
The Modern Misogi
Itzler’s version of the Misogi Challenge is designed to help us uncover what we’re capable of. Once we complete the challenge, it serves as a constant reminder that we are stronger than our thoughts and that anything is possible if we put our mind, body, and soul to it.
My Misogi Challenges
I started doing a yearly misogi challenge in 2021. I love it and find it super beneficial for my overall health and well being 🙂
It’s November 2025, Joey and I decided to get Jesse’s mini Big Ass Calendar (love!) and he sent some great misogi tips! See them below:
A Misogi (mis·ō·gē) is one year-defining event that will be the pinnacle of your year. When you look back, you’ll remember 2025 as the year you made it happen. It could be a physical challenge, a trip, a business goal, or a life bucket item. Make sure it’s within the realm of possibility, but go BIG.
Maybe there are milestones or checkpoints you need to hit leading up to your Misogi. Color-coordinate these points using our adhesive labels, a highlighter, or certain color pen. Then, simply follow the script and track your way to your Misogi.
Now your year-defining event is locked in, and that’s half the battle. Remember—it’s unwavering. Give yourself permission to say NO to other things that come up, and use your calendar or planner as your excuse.
Okay, so at this point you set goals, created a plan to achieve them, and now know what you have to do on a daily basis to accomplish them.
You took the time to figure it out: what you want, and how you’re going to get there.
“But how often should I review my plan?”
When you first create your plan, I suggest diving into it daily. Reread your plan and see where you can adjust things (+ / -) to make your plan more simple and relevant to you.
Since plans are constantly adjusted, they are constantly changing. That’s why we can’t wait to have the “perfect plan” to get started, because the perfect plan doesn’t exist.
Your goal grows and manifests through your plan. It’s up to you to decide on the path you take to get there by reviewing your plan on an on-going basis.
When you feel like your plan is in a solid place, scale back diving into your plan on a weekly basis to see if any adjustments are needed.
