In a recent conversation with my good friend Justin, I came across a concept that has me fired up, and I know it’ll inspire you too.
Justin shared his audacious goal of running a 100-mile trail race by the time he turns 40—a goal he fully admits will take him to some dark and challenging places. But here's the thing: it’s not just the goal itself that got me excited; it’s the philosophy behind it—the idea of doing something so physically demanding that it tests not just your body, but your mind and spirit.
This idea stems from a Japanese concept called Misogi (and yes, I had to look it up to make sure I pronounced it right).
Misogi is all about taking on a challenge that feels almost impossible—something so tough that you have no choice but to grow. Whether it’s running a marathon, hiking a mountain, or completing an intense workout regimen, the point is to take yourself beyond your perceived limits, to the point where you’re not even sure you can finish.
Now, Justin’s Misogi—a 100-mile trail run—might sound extreme. I mean, imagine running for 24 hours straight through rugged terrain, isolated from everything but your own thoughts. The physical demands alone are incredible, but the mental game is where it really gets intense. You have to ask yourself: Can I push through the fatigue, the self-doubt, the pain, and keep going?
But that’s exactly what makes a Misogi challenge so powerful. It’s not just about the accomplishment (though running 100 miles would be insane!). It’s about proving to yourself that you can conquer the impossible, that you have the mental toughness to push through, even when every fiber of your being is screaming for you to stop.
And here’s the best part: you don’t have to run 100 miles to take on your own Misogi challenge.
For some, it might be running a 5K, especially if they’re coming off an injury or haven’t exercised in a long time. For others, it might be climbing a mountain, completing a triathlon, or simply committing to a month-long workout plan. The point is to choose something that feels just out of reach, something that makes you uncomfortable, because that’s where growth happens.
After hearing Justin’s plan, I started thinking about what my own Misogi could be.
The idea of pushing myself beyond my limits isn’t new to me—I’ve done it in business, with marathon training, and even with my fitness program, 6-Pack Dads. But there’s something about setting an intentional, physically demanding goal that gets me pumped up. When you accomplish something that seemed impossible, it has a ripple effect. You start to think, “If I can do that, what else am I capable of?”
It reminds me of the feeling I had after finishing my first marathon. The sense of accomplishment wasn’t just about crossing the finish line; it was about the mental shift that happened afterward. Suddenly, the challenges in other areas of my life didn’t seem as daunting. I knew I had the grit to keep going, no matter what.
So, here’s my challenge to you: What’s your Misogi?
What’s that one big, scary goal you’ve been thinking about but haven’t fully committed to yet?
It doesn’t have to be as intense as running 100 miles (but hey, if that’s your jam, go for it!). The key is to pick something that scares you a little, something that you’re not sure you can do. Because once you achieve that, you’ll realize just how powerful you really are.
Get out there and get moving. Your life is waiting on the other side of that challenge.
Check the full podcast episode where Justin King and I discuss this concept here.
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