Chances are you may have heard of the 75 Hard Program. This program has been spreading across the internet like wildfire, and for good reason. Created by Andy Frisella as an Ironman for your brain that promises to help you take complete control of your life in only 75 days.
Sounds great. Right?
So what is the program all about?
Each day you have to complete a list of tasks and if you miss one you start over from the beginning. The goal is 75 days straight of completing the following tasks:
* 2 – 45 minute workouts each day (one must be outside)
* Take a progress picture
* Read 10 pages of a personal development book
* Drink 1 gallon of water
* Follow a diet
* No cheat meals and no alcohol
From the 75 HARD official website: “75 HARD is the only program that can permanently change your life … from your way of thinking, to the level of discipline you approach every single task in front of you with. This is about mental toughness. 75 HARD will show you how to 100x the following traits in your life … confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, self-belief, fortitude, and grittiness. You are in complete control … and if you choose to follow this program PERFECTLY & without compromise … you will change your life forever.”
Why I decided to try the program
In late August 2020, while a large portion of the world shut themselves away to avoid the pandemic (and consume lots of quarantine booze + snacks), I decided to use the time in a productive manner. I was on a mission to better myself and looking for a good challenge to push myself out of the comfort zone in which I was residing. A good friend was almost half-way through the program herself and was explaining all that she had accomplished in just a few short weeks. I was instantly inspired and ready to take on the 75 Hard Program to make a massive shift in my own life.
As a health coach, I was already taking my diet and exercise pretty seriously. However, my self-discipline was seriously lacking. I was frequently finding myself making excuses for why I wasn’t able to work out that day. I was rationalizing my laziness and general lack of motivation. I would regularly commit to something only to give up or quit a week later.
Deep down, I knew the 75 Hard program was exactly what I needed to build my confidence, self-esteem, and discipline. But, it sounded so hard!! After several days of research and planning, I decided to go all-in and committed to finishing the program.
This is my journey through the ups and downs of the program.
08/30/2020
Day one of the 75 Hard Challenge and it’s a Sunday morning. Slept in until 10:20 woke up hungover, and got a slow start to the day. My first workout was high-intensity housework and I literally cleaned my entire 3,200 sq ft house in a few hours rocking out to some loud music. My second workout was a walk around the neighborhood in the rain. Not super fun, but I got it done. And yes high-intensity housework is a thing. You should try it!
Compleating all my other tasks were simple enough. Stick to a diet. Check. After overindulging the night before that was easy. Drink a gallon of water. Check. I drink a lot of water anyway, so now I am just keeping track of it. Take a progress picture. Check. Although I looked terrible and would have preferred no photo be taken. Read 10 pages of personal development. Check. Also easy since I like to read in bed every night to help me fall asleep, so it’s really just tracking how many pages I am reading now.
The first day was easy. Now 74 more days to go…
09/01/2020
Today is day three of the program for me. My husband decided to join me in this mental toughness program and it’s nice to have an accountability partner. He started yesterday and is officially a day behind me.
When I first heard about the 75 Hard Program I thought it was a physical fitness challenge, however, after a few days on the program, I realized that it is so much more than that. The program promises to permanently change your life … from your way of thinking to the level of discipline you approach every single task in front of you. I do like a good challenge and anything that will help me grow and develop my skills and experience. I’m looking forward to the personal development I stand to gain from this challenge.
It turns out I was already doing most of these tasks. However, there are two tasks that are going to be really tough for me. Fitting in two 45 minute workouts every day is going to be a challenge with my already full schedule running several businesses and coaching clients. Also, the whole alcohol-free aspect. I love my red wine….and it’s healthy (in moderation, of course). I’m also a little afraid that abstaining from drinking will take all the fun out of life.
09/07/2020
It has been 9 days since I started the 75 Hard program.
Not gonna lie. The first few days were tough. Rearranging my existing schedule and habits to accommodate the extra workout each day and making sure I accomplish everything on the list. I looked like a hot mess those days…but I was able to check off all the boxes and proceed in the challenge.
We quickly fell into a routine and made sure to put in the extra effort to look good while doing it. My mantra become “Make it look easy.”
I joined Beachbody’s On Demand streaming service for some new workouts. I’ve done a lot of their workouts in the past, back in the time of DVDs. Usually, weightlifting is my exercise of choice but I was looking to really level up my game and try some new forms of exercise. I started the Barre Blend program with trainer Elise Joan. It has been the perfect challenge learning French dancing terms and exercising my gracefulness (because I’m not really that good at it).
My husband and I have been exercising outside together, and that has been the most fun part! We walk around the neighborhood, ride our bikes, explore the area, and paddle board around the lake. Yesterday afternoon, he told me “Grab your bike, let’s go watch the sunset from the other side of the lake.” It’s like being on vacation and you have to get out there and enjoy the scenery outside.
Yes. I said the 75 Hard Program is like being on vacation! And I am making it look easy. Because I told myself it would be and then I figured out the logistics to make it happen.
Seriously, just nince days in and this program has already made a huge impact in my life.
09/28/2020
It has been 30 days since I started the 75 Hard Program.
I’m already more than a third of the way to my goal!
I have been really focusing on caring for my body during this time. The whole concept of 75 Hard is to challenge you and push you to develop mental fortitude and self-reliance. I decided that I would use this time to really walk the walk and follow the advice that I give to my health coaching clients.
Getting extra restorative sleep, drinking more green juice, dry brushing my skin, more meditation sessions, daily gratitude practice, and a weekly restorative yoga session. I upgraded my nightly skincare and bedtime routine. My body is getting stronger and healthier every day. It’s amazing to watch how such simple practices can compound and make such a huge difference so quickly.
Following a diet with no cheat meals and no alcohol. The diet I am following is my own custom diet that works best for my unique body. No gluten, no dairy, minimally processed foods, lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, high-quality ethically sourced meats, and plenty of healthy fats. The diet part is easy. After all, I am a health coach and I love to cook healthy food.
Now the alcohol part. I did over 60 days with no alcohol at the beginning of this year. Then the pandemic came along and I found myself drinking wine and cocktails more. Maybe it was a coping mechanism for dealing with the stress and uncertainly that came along in those early weeks of the pandemic? Now, with 30 days of sobriety all I can say is it is sooo nice to wake up without a hangover.
Exercising twice a day has been fun and challenging. One exercise a day has been Barre Blend, which is a mix of ballet dancing moves and pilates. It has been challenging learning all the ballet terminology and doing SOO much booty and ab work. I was sore every day for weeks, but am much stronger now and dare I say maybe a bit more graceful? I’m switching it up and starting a new program this month – Muscle Burns Fat – which is much more my regular exercise style.
On the weekends we go exploring. Bikes rides or kayaking and checking out new places in Central Florida. I made the executive decision that yard work counts as an outdoor exercise – so long as I am moving the entire time and get sweaty. Bill disagrees and says I am cheating. Gardening every day certainly produced therapeutic effects as well. Also, my garden has never looked better.
On the topic of exercising outside once a day. During hurricane season in Florida, it rains. A LOT! I have been exercising in the rain a lot the past few weeks. Not really very fun – but it certainly is developing character. I set a goal and accomplish it, no matter what the weather is doing. I have also learned that if the weather is gorgeous you should get out there RIGHT NOW and enjoy it. Because it could be worse later.
So far, I have already read three personal development books. Reading before bedtime is something I have done for years to help me fall sleep. Now, I am spending a bit more time each night reading and more on the weekends as well. It’s important to note that I stopped watching television during the week, and only watch a few hours during the weekend – like a movie or documentary. No more mindless television.
Overall, I would say this program is tough and totally worth the effort. I am excited to see what positive benefits I realize in the next 45 days!
10/28/2020
It has been 60 days since I started the 75 Hard Program.
Without a doubt, I am in the best shape of my life right now. Twice daily workouts, diet optimized, sober, hydrated AF, sleeping very well, driven, motivated, and making big business moves.
I’m working to build a life that I don’t need a vacation from. Putting in the work and the effort to realize my full potential. Showing up 100% and doing whatever it takes to get closer to my goals.
The mindset shift I have experienced as a result of this program is absolutely mind-blowing.
Each morning I make a list of everything that needs to be accomplished. Planning for the two workouts. Planning out the work to accomplish for the day. Health coaching. Full-time managing at the furniture business. I’ve lost count of the number of side businesses I’m running right now. Each one needs attention and requires some sort of work to get to that next level. I’m loving the challenge and the level of deep problem solving and planning that goes into building and managing them all simultaneously.
I’m taking extra good care of my body and prioritizing my health and happiness. Nothing but the best fuel for my body. Date nights now include a walk around the neighborhood, a special (healthy) dinner, kombucha or a healthy mocktail, and a relaxing soak in the hot tub. We’ve even been meditating together.
Just finished up my second at-home exercise program, Muscle Burns Fat, and looking for what’s next. How can I push myself just a bit further? How can I keep it fresh and exciting?
Added high-quality CBD to my evening routine and now I’m getting 7-8 hours of solid sleep every night. I’m learning a lot about the health benefits of CBD and becoming more aware of natural plant-based medicines in general.
The big question is, what next? Will I keep going with the twice-daily workouts, sobriety, and personal development? Or will I let myself go and yo-yo back to exactly where I started? Or worse?
My heart tells me that I’m on to something really powerful here. This is just the beginning!
11/12/2020
Day # 75. did it!
Here I am on the final day of the challenge and looking back at the journey to reach my goal. It has been difficult. At times it has been uncomfortable. Even dangerous (like when I was exercising outside in a lightning storm). It has also been a lot of fun. I have grown and learned so much.
My key takeaway of this entire challenge has been that I now feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. Meaning, I have developed the time-management and planning skills to make any dream into a reality. Also, my discipline has dramatically improved.
What you don’t see on that list are all the other ways I pushed myself this past 75 days. I knocked out project after project on my property maintenance to-do list. Rather than sitting around drinking every weekend, I was being productive and improving the value of my properties while making them better suited for my unique needs. I spent a lot of time building and improving my businesses to create a life I don’t need a vacation from.
Most importantly, I learned to prioritize my time where it matters most. I cut out all the extra hobbies I was wasting time and money on and instead focused on building the life of my dreams. I dramatically reduced my social media time and mindless screen time in general.
Bottom line. The program works. You will get out of it what you put into it.
Now I’m looking for my next challenge. What’s next?
11/15/2020
Day 76
After successfully completing the 75 Hard Program, it was time for a little celebration.
We headed east to watch the sunset on Cocoa Beach pier with a nice cold margarita and some fried coconut shrimp (my husband’s request).
We had dinner afterward at an Indian restaurant (my request) and walked on the beach under the stars. It was magical and the perfect way to celebrate.
Today I am meal prepping and planning for the week ahead. Planning what exercise program I’ll try next to keep the momentum going. Back to the routine tomorrow with two workouts.
