The Mishogi System
Your organization system has three layers:
- Calendar with reserved events
- Quarterly objectives with milestones
- One annual goal - your Misogi
This is solid but can be enhanced with the following improvements:
Structural Improvements
1 Add Weekly Reviews
Why: Quarterly objectives are too distant for daily motivation
How:
- Every Sunday, review the week and plan the next
- Check progress against quarterly objectives
- Adjust priorities based on what's working
2 Create Monthly Themes
Why: Bridge the gap between quarters and daily tasks
How:
- Each month gets a focus area or theme
- 3 months of themes should advance the quarterly objective
- Example: Q1 objective "Launch side project" → January: Research, February: Build, March: Launch
3 Add Key Results to Objectives
Why: Objectives without metrics are just wishes
How:
- For each objective, define 2-4 measurable key results
- Example:
- Objective: "Improve physical health"
- KR1: Run 3x per week
- KR2: Reach 75kg body weight
- KR3: Complete a half marathon
Calendar Improvements
4 Block Time for Objectives (Not Just Events)
Why: Events fill your calendar, but objectives need protected time too
How:
- Reserve recurring blocks for working on quarterly objectives
- Treat these blocks as non-negotiable appointments
- Example: "Deep Work - Side Project" every Tuesday/Thursday 6-8am
5 Add Buffer Days
Why: Prevent burnout and allow for catch-up
How:
- One "buffer day" per month with no scheduled events
- Use for overflow tasks, rest, or spontaneous opportunities
6 Schedule Reviews in Advance
Why: Reviews often get skipped when not scheduled
How:
Add to calendar now:
- Weekly review: Every Sunday
- Monthly review: Last day of each month
- Quarterly review: Last week of March, June, September, December
- Annual review: December 28-31
Goal-Setting Improvements
7 Make the Annual Goal a "Misogi"
Why: An easy goal won't drive transformation
How:
- Choose something that has ~50% chance of success
- It should scare you slightly
- Completing it should fundamentally change something about your life
- Example: "Run an ultramarathon" vs "Exercise more"
8 Create Anti-Goals
Why: Knowing what NOT to do is equally important
How:
- Define 3-5 things you will NOT do this year
- Examples: "No new subscriptions", "No work after 7pm", "No projects that don't align with annual goal"
9 Define Your "Not-To-Do" List for Each Quarter
Why: Prevents scope creep and maintains focus
How:
- When setting quarterly objectives, explicitly list what you're saying NO to
- Review and update quarterly
Tracking Improvements
10 Add a Habit Tracker
Why: Daily habits compound into quarterly/annual results
How:
- Identify 3-5 daily habits that support your objectives
- Track them daily (simple checkmarks)
- Review weekly
11 Create a "Wins" Log
Why: Motivation comes from seeing progress
How:
- Daily or weekly, note small wins
- Review during monthly/quarterly reviews for motivation
12 Implement a Scoring System
Why: Objective measurement of progress
How:
- Score each Key Result 0-100% at end of quarter
- Average for overall quarter score
- Target: 70% completion (if 100%, goals were too easy)
Priority Implementation Order
Set annual goal and Q1 objectives with key results
Block calendar for Q1 reviews (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
Reserve time blocks for working on objectives
Define anti-goals and Q1 not-to-do list
Set up habit tracker for 3-5 key habits
Weekly reviews every Sunday