There are certain challenges that you know will not be easy before you even begin. The 75 Hard Challenge was one of those challenges for me. I knew that completing 75 consecutive days of a strict routine would test my discipline, but I also knew it could help my habits move in a better direction. My goal was not to become perfect. It was to become better, even if that meant just 1 percent every day.
The Challenge Beyond the Workout
The challenge quickly taught me that every day would look different. Some days felt easy. There were days when I would exceed my water goal and finish three workouts without thinking twice. On other days, I was chugging water late at night and scarfing down protein at the last minute just to make sure I completed everything. Yet, both days had something in common: my mindset remained focused on my goals.
Because getting better does not always look the same.
Some days, my body needed recovery, so I took a couple of walks and let myself move without pushing too hard. Other days, I could complete two high-intensity workouts and feel completely fine. I learned that listening to my body was just as important as following the challenge. The Apple Watch medals that once felt like obstacles became reminders that I had another opportunity to move, improve, and stay accountable.
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Staying Consistent Outside of My Comfort Zone
One of the biggest lessons came when I traveled to Florida for a few days. Staying healthy while traveling was much more difficult than I expected. Different food options, different schedules, and a completely different environment made it easier to fall back into old habits. However, instead of seeing the change in environment as an excuse, I started seeing it as another opportunity to stay true to my goals.
The same lesson came from attending a wedding. I wanted to have a great time with great friends, and I did. But I also learned that enjoying the experience did not require indulging in every sweet that was available. I could prioritize the people, memories, and experience while still staying committed to what I had set out to accomplish.
Along the way, I also learned several new recipes that made meal prepping easier and more enjoyable. These are habits and meals I know I will continue to use long after the challenge is over.
The Finish Line Was Just the Beginning
My all-time favorite moment came on Day 75. I ran a 5K and set a personal record, then completed a boot camp workout right after it. That moment truly emphasized that all the small decisions I had made over the previous 75 days were adding up. The water, workouts, meal preparation, walks, and moments when I wanted to quit had all contributed to something bigger.
But 75 Hard ultimately showed me a side of fitness that was greater than fitness itself. It meant showing up on the hard days. It meant building confidence through consistency and proving to myself that I am more capable than I sometimes think. From now on, I will look at challenges differently. The greatest obstacles may not always be something standing in the way of growth. Sometimes, they are exactly what creates it.
And that is a lesson I plan to carry with me long after Day 75.
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