A Simple Concept to Unlock Breakthrough Performance

How your expectations shape your reality

The Power of ‘Misogi’

There’s a Japanese purification ritual called ‘Misogi’, that can help spark personal transformation. The concept is simple but powerful: once a year, pursue a challenge so big, uncertain, and uncomfortable that it forces you to grow beyond what you thought was possible.  The challenge reshapes your perception of your own limits and can unlock new levels of performance and confidence you never thought you had.

“Only those who risk going too far, can possibly find out how far they can go.”

– T.S. Eliot

Marathon Training

When I was training for a half-marathon last year, my longest training run was 10-miles, a major effort at the time. It felt challenging, as it was over 75% of the race distance. 

After completing that goal, I started the new year, looking for my next challenge, what was going to be my ‘Misogi’?

I signed up for a full marathon (26.2 miles), double the distance I had ever run.  The goal is much bigger and more uncomfortable. I am not sure whether I will be able to complete it.  But something interesting happened:

·      What once seemed difficult, running 10-miles, quickly became my new baseline, and my perception of a long run expanded

·      I ran a half-marathon this morning, something that once felt like my peak performance, is now just part of the training process

This is known as ‘The Expectation Effect’ a psychological phenomenon where your performance, behavior, and even physical capabilities are shaped by what you expect to be possible, not just your actual ability. 

Your expectations and capabilities expand with your goals.

Insight: What You Expect Shapes Your Reality.

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

– Norman Vincent Peale

In work and life, we tend to set goals that feel safe and comfortable.  The real breakthroughs happen when we aim for something so big it scares us.

The paradox is, the process of setting and pursuing bold, audacious goals is what reshapes our limits and redefines what we think we can do. 

What’s your Misogi?

What’s one challenge you could pursue this year that feels uncomfortable, uncertain and almost too big?

It doesn’t have to be athletic, it could be launching a new business, making a career pivot, writing a book or giving a speech.  The point is to choose something that forces you to elevate your expectations and shift your beliefs about what’s possible.

Your reality is shaped by your expectations.  Remember that.

What’s your Misogi?