New year, same old resolutions?
Think Again.
Every year, as the calendar flips to January 1st, we’re inundated with the same old mantra: “New Year, New You.” Gyms overflow, planners are purchased, and social media fills with lofty resolutions. Yet, by February, the energy fades, and most people slip back into old habits. If I’m being honest, I’ve always had mixed feelings about New Year’s resolutions. They can feel like fleeting promises, often made in haste and abandoned just as quickly. So, here’s my hot take: I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions.
Or am I?
Here’s the twist: while I’m skeptical of resolutions as they’re traditionally approached, I’m a big believer in using the New Year as a moment to reset and challenge ourselves in meaningful ways. For me, this means embracing something far more impactful than vague resolutions: the Misogi Challenge.
What Is Misogi?
Misogi is an ancient Japanese concept that has been adapted into a modern practice. It’s about choosing one monumental challenge each year—something so outside your comfort zone that success feels uncertain. The goal isn’t necessarily to achieve it but to commit fully to the process, learn about yourself, and push your boundaries.
This approach has been a game-changer for me. Each year, I choose a Misogi challenge that feels just beyond my reach. It could be a physical feat, a professional milestone, or a personal growth endeavor. The key is that it requires preparation, intention, and sustained effort—long past the New Year’s hype.
My Misogi Journey
In the past, my Misogi challenges have been transformative. I took on triathlons at a time when I didn’t know how to swim, didn’t own a bike, and was told I’d never run again. I trained for and completed a marathon, defying expectations and my own self-doubt.
One of my most memorable Misogi challenges was signing up for an Ironman 70.3 while living on the small island of Lanai, Hawaii. To give you some perspective, Lanai is just 140 square miles, with most of its roads made of dirt and one swimming pool for lap swimming, operating on mystery hours. Training for a race of that magnitude required creativity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to my goal.
This past year, my Misogi took a different form. I made a significant career change, stepping into a new role that pushed me to grow and learn new skills. It was a leap of faith, requiring the same mindset I’ve applied to physical challenges: one of preparation, persistence, and embracing discomfort for the sake of growth.
[Indian Wells IROMAN 70.3 in 2023]
Why Misogi Over Resolutions?
Most resolutions fail because they’re vague and lack deeper purpose. “Lose weight” or “get fit” sounds great in theory, but without a compelling “why” and a concrete plan, motivation fizzles out. Misogi, on the other hand, is about setting a bold, clear intention that lights a fire within you. It’s about stepping into the unknown, not just for a month but for the entire year.
Your Misogi Challenge
As we step into the New Year, I encourage you to think beyond resolutions. What’s your Misogi? It doesn’t have to be athletic—it could be launching a business, learning a new skill, or committing to a year of daily meditation. Whatever it is, make it something that excites and terrifies you in equal measure.
Here are a few tips to get started:
Dream Big: Choose a challenge that feels just out of reach but still attainable with effort.
Train with Intention: Break it into smaller steps and create a plan to build your skills and endurance over time.
Commit Fully: Misogi is about more than the goal; it’s about the journey. Embrace the discomfort and growth.
Celebrate Progress: Along the way, acknowledge the small wins. They’re proof that you’re evolving.
A Year to Remember
So, yes, I’ll admit it: I do believe in New Year’s resolutions. But not the kind that fade with the first wave of adversity. I believe in bold, intentional challenges that demand more from us and inspire us to become our best selves. This year, skip the fleeting promises and go all in on something extraordinary. Choose your Misogi, and let’s make 2025 a year to remember.
Happy New Year—let’s get to work!
