Elevating My Journey in Male Modeling: A Tongue-in-Cheek Reflection
Written on
Chapter 1: Discovering Misogi
In this edition of my weekly newsletter, Renaissance, which I send out every Monday morning, I dive into topics filled with inspiration, knowledge, and a sprinkle of dad humor. If you enjoy what you read below, feel free to subscribe!
What have I been learning? Recently, I've been exploring the traditional concept of Misogi (miss-oh-ghee), a Japanese practice centered around ritual purification that often involves standing under a frigid waterfall for extended periods—loin cloth not included. Interestingly, just like your father's mustache, Misogi is making a modern comeback.
Today's interpretation of Misogi has transformed into an intense physical challenge of your choosing, with just two straightforward rules:
- The task must be so daunting that there's a 50% chance of failing.
- Survival is mandatory.
The Misogi trend gained traction when NBA player Kyle Korver and his friends undertook the challenge of carrying a 70-pound rock for 5 kilometers… submerged underwater. Last Saturday, I embarked on my own Misogi, which entailed running one mile every hour for a continuous 24-hour span, from 6 PM Saturday to 5 PM Sunday.
Here are a few lessons I gathered along the way:
- Setting an alarm that reads, “wake up and pour cold brew in your eyes to finish newsletter” isn't an effective motivational tactic.
- Waking up after just 13 minutes of sleep to run a mile at 3 AM should be deemed illegal.
- Self-negotiation is draining. Decide in advance that negotiation is off the table and relish in the mental clarity it brings.
- Pushing past perceived boundaries enhances the enjoyment of food, fosters better sleep, and guarantees a sense of achievement.
I understand if you prefer not to challenge yourself; that's a personal choice. However, if you’re open to discomfort, you’ll discover the truth behind Buzz Lightyear's endless chatter about how voluntary challenges can propel us to infinity and beyond.
P.S. I'm recruiting volunteers for the next Misogi. Challenge details to be announced, and here’s how to start preparing!
What I've Been Contemplating
What if everything turned out even better than you envisioned? What if failure was not an option? How would you spend your time if you knew everything would be alright? These are the questions I've found myself pondering this week.
We essentially have two paths:
We can spiral into negativity by asking, “what if [insert worst-case scenario] occurs?”
Or we can choose to be excited about a future that ignites our passion—much like P Diddy in this iconic video.
A rather odd thought crossed my mind last week: What if I forget to unplug the ice bath before entering, and my right big toe punctures the insulation, resulting in an electrocution incident? Unsurprisingly, this thought did little to improve my mood.
Now, let’s pivot to a more uplifting thought: What if the head of talent acquisition at Gucci happens to drive by as I exit the ice bath, is (wildly) impressed by my shrinkage, and my male modeling career finally takes off?
While I’m no mathematician, I feel pretty optimistic about this scenario. Even if it never materializes, here's the secret: it made me chuckle just considering it. The more we can envision a positive future that uplifts us, the better our outlook will be.
If you’re alive and reading this, I’m willing to wager that everything in your life has unfolded just as it should have. Ironically, it’s often during the toughest times that we find ourselves reflecting fondly.
So since a) everything is happening as it should, and b) you’ve navigated every challenge life has thrown your way, you truly have nothing to fear. Everything is destined to turn out even better than you could ever imagine. Dream big this week, don’t take yourself too seriously, and be sure to check out that P Diddy video. It’s like sipping a quadruple espresso mixed with Red Bull.
Quote of the Week
“If it costs me my peace, it’s too damn expensive.” — Cayla Hans
What I’m Reading
Currently, I'm diving into The Coddling of The American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. With a title like that, how could I resist?
A brief overview: Recently, many college campuses have seen troubling trends. Speakers are being silenced, and both students and professors report feeling anxious and afraid to speak openly. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide are on the rise—not just on campuses but across the nation. What led to this situation?
What I’m Writing
The Greatest Metric For Measuring Success?
Spoiler: it has nothing to do with financial gain or accolades.
Did you know you can enhance your digital reading experience by joining Medium for just $5 a month?
Click here to gain unlimited access to all my writings and stories from other talented authors on Medium for just $5 a month.
Chapter 2: The Misogi Experience
In this first video, "Why I Quit Male Modeling," the speaker shares their personal journey and the unexpected challenges they faced in the industry, ultimately leading to their decision to leave.
The second video, "EXPOSING THE MALE MODELING INDUSTRY," delves into the realities of the male modeling world, revealing behind-the-scenes stories and insights that challenge common perceptions.