There’s an old Japanese ritual called a Misogi. The idea is simple: once a year, you do something so big, so difficult, and so meaningful that it becomes year-defining.

If I asked you what you did eight days ago, you’d probably have to think about it. Most of us would. But when you do something that challenges you deeply—something that scares you a little—that becomes an anchor point in your life. You remember it forever.

I’ve had plenty of moments with egg on my face, plenty of failures, but they’re all part of the story. Speaking on stages like this? It’s a bucket-list item for me. But I like to think less about bucket lists and more about “f* it lists”**—dropping the “B” and replacing it with an “F.” Meaning: stop waiting and start doing.

Here’s the framework I live by—three things that anyone can do to live more intentionally.

First: Do one thing every year that is truly year-defining. Something that will stick with you when you look back on your life. Maybe it’s launching a podcast, opening a store, quitting smoking, writing a book, running a marathon, or recording an interview with your parents on Zoom to keep for your kids. It doesn’t matter what it is—it just has to matter to you. Do something big enough that when the year ends, you can point to that moment and say, “That was my Misogi.”

Second: Every other month, do one thing you normally wouldn’t do. That could mean skipping the football game to take your kids fishing, going to a conference like this instead of sitting on the couch, or taking a cooking class just because. Six small adventures a year might not sound like much, but imagine doing that over time.

If you’re 50 years old and you live to 80, that’s 30 more years—30 big, year-defining experiences and 180 mini adventures. That’s not just a life—that’s a heck of a life.

Third: Every quarter, add one winning habit. Habits and grit are the backbone of success. Pick something small but meaningful: drink more water, never be late, return every call, meditate ten minutes a day—whatever helps you grow.

That’s it.
One big thing a year.
Six small adventures.
Four new habits.

Those simple choices compound into a life that’s full, intentional, and memorable.

Because time is moving, heartbeats are finite, and the best way to honor them is to make every year count.