What's your Misogi Challenge? Mine's Rowing

A transformational year of service

I’ve heard a considerable amount of buzz this year around the concept of a “Misogi Challenge”—an epic challenge designed to push boundaries, restore mindfulness and accomplish a new feat. ?Originating from the ancient document Kojiki, this ritual inspired ancient students of aikido to purify themselves and reconnect with their world by diving into freezing rivers.? At its core, “misogi”?is about transformation. It's about shedding old habits and beliefs, and embracing a new, more powerful version of yourself. More specifically, the “Misogi Challenge” is about doing something so tough, once a year, that it shapes how you live the rest of your 364 days.

It’s an admirable pursuit and one that I considered deeply.? As a new father entering the next chapter in life, I have decided to make mine another collaboration with my wife, Blair Azamian .? I have never rowed before – she is a former USC captain of a PAC-12 champion boat.

My misogi for 2024 is to complete a 10,000-meter row (a little more than 6 miles) in a coxless pair with her in nearby Newport Harbor.? This will build a new level of teamwork and understanding between us, help us connect in different ways as partners and as parents, and (hopefully!) be good for us. I’d love to hear your misogi ideas or pursuits so please share in the comments below. I will return the favor by sharing the results of my challenge in a future post.

Simultaneously, I have also considered how best to approach those remaining 364 days. Not with a New Year’s resolution exactly, but more a North Star to help guide my intentions and aspirations. As I considered this idea, one word came to mind – service. And it has now become my word of the year.?

Service is an intentional version of gratitude – a word that defined 2023 for me, given the birth of my son, Auggie; the opportunity to bring a new FDA-approved medicine to patients in need of a new solution for Demodex blepharitis; and the continued growth and impact of the team and the culture we have built here at Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ?

And while I am filled with gratitude every day, gratitude is a word that is generally expressed in retrospect.? Service, in contrast, is forward-looking. It means constantly and consistently thinking about how my family, my team and I can be of help or assistance to others.?

By nature, biopharmaceutical companies exist to serve patients, and that principle drives the actions of each and every one of our Tarsus team members.? The Tarsus team also strives to be of service in our community?– which itself is a broad construct.? Our community includes the dedicated eye care professionals who also act in service to patients, and the non-profit patient organizations and local community groups that we commit and contribute to (like The Surfrider Foundation beach cleanup, pictured here).

It also includes our colleagues. At home, service means being a true partner to my wife Blair and, together, doing everything we can to provide a healthy, happy upbringing for our son, Auggie.

Since selecting “service” as my word of the year, I have been purposeful about using it in meetings, in social posts, with friends and family, and in my own daily reflections – and the effect has been profound. Words truly have the power to shape beliefs, drive behavior, and change hearts and minds.

I look forward to sharing more insights about the impact of service – both in word and in deed – and the outcome of my misogi challenge.? So much more to come and I can’t wait to share it with you all.