Let’s Talk Challenges
I love a good Challenge. Whether it’s Whole 30*, Dry January* or 75 Hard*, I usually learn something about myself and find one or two new habits to incorporate into my lifestyle.
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Have you ever heard of 75 Hard*? I started the 75 Hard Challenge a number of times. I think my longest stretch was 21 days because just like the name says it’s hard. There are five main components to the program. Two workouts of 45 minutes a day and one of them has to be outside. No matter the weather. Second, you have to drink a gallon of water*. No excuses. Number three, you have to take a full length photo of yourself. Number four, you have to read 10 pages of a nonfiction, personal growth book*. No alcohol or cheat meals i.e. sugar, processed crap, et cetera and lastly, you have to follow an eating plan. It doesn’t matter what it is but you have to pick one. It’s not a fitness challenge per se, but it is a mental strength challenge. It also really tests your abilities in time management, prioritizing and just getting shit done.
When I started, I really thought the toughest part was going to be the alcohol. I should’ve known better because I’ve done dry January and once I put my mind to it giving up alcohol is not really that big of an issue. I make my mock tails and I drink all the water. I tell people I’m just not drinking for now and it’s no big deal. What really threw me was the two workouts every day. I don’t mind working out in the snow or the rain or the heat. It’s not a big deal. I love to walk in the park. But doing two 45 minute workouts every day with a four hour break in between posed quite a challenge. It really requires planning and prioritizing. And I hate failing when I decide to take on a challenge. The first time I had to mark in the app that I hadn’t checked off all my boxes, I felt defeated. Like I had let someone down…..me. To my surprise the app actually praised me for being honest and showing integrity. It’s true the only person who would have know I didn’t do all the tasks would have been me. And my opinion of myself is the only one that matters. Because it’s a mental toughness challenge, the true lessons are how can you do better tomorrow? What did you learn from that failure? Me, I learned to put time limits on my social media so I don’t mindlessly scroll and waste time. I learned that in order to get up earlier, I needed to work on my night routine and wind down earlier to get a good night sleep. I learned to ask Scott to join me on evening walks instead of Netflix after dinner and for his support instead of trying to muscle my way through it on my own. I also learned that there is never a good time to attempt a 75 Hard but if you’re going to do it, then do it. Commit, plan, silence your excuses, and really really understand why you’re doing it.
I’ve kept a few parts of it even though I haven’t committed to another go. I’m always committed to growth and becoming the best version of myself. Reading books that teach me something, drinking a gallon of water, workouts are a no brainer and at the very least being mindful of my alcohol consumption have been really positive take aways. Have you taken on any “Challenges?” What did you learn about yourself in the process and what did you keep to incorporate into a newer version of you?
