𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙗𝙡𝙧

It's been a while, y'all. But I'm back!!!!!

The last year has been hard. I've faced a lot of challenges, but have also overcome a lot. I finished my first year of grad school. I'm moving into my first apartment next week. I'm starting a new job next week. I've started going to therapy again. I'm feeling good.

That being said, once I move into my apartment, I'm going to participate in the 75 Hard Challenge.

For those unfamiliar with the 75 Hard Challenge, it is a "transformative mental toughness program" about winning the war within yourself. Developed by Andy Frisella, this challenge was intended to improve self-esteem, grit, confidence, mental health, and self-belief.

There are 6 rules included in 75 Hard.

1. Follow a diet for 75 days.

2. Drink a gallon of water a day.

3. No alcohol, no cheat meals.

4. Two 45 minute workouts a day - at least one MUST be outside.

5. Read 10 pages of non-fiction a day.

6. You must take a progress picture every day.

You have from when you wake up until you go to sleep to complete all the tasks.

Sounds decently simple right? Here's the catch: if you fail to complete a task at any point in the challenge, you have to start over again at DAY ONE.

I figure it's time for me to take on this challenge. Because it's about winning the war within yourself, I've decided to change one of the tasks: I struggle with nicotine addiction, so rather than no alcohol, I'm supplementing that rule with no nicotine in order to break the habit and give myself a real reason to quit. I've tried for years, but I always slip up. I'm hoping this challenge will hold me accountable and actually help me quit.

Additionally, I'm going to make it a goal to keep a reflection and gratitude journal throughout the process. I might do it every day for 75 days, or do a weekly summary every week. Either way, I want to track my mental progress with a journal in addition to my physical progress with the photos.

So next week after I'm settled in my new apartment and job, I'm starting the challenge. If you want to join me, send me a message! Let's hold each other accountable.

To prepare, I'm making a list of books I want to read during 75 Hard and updating my workout playlist. If you want to check them out (or send me some recommendations) feel free! If you've done the challenge before, how'd it go? Let me know!

4 Effective Workout Tips For Better Progress

The last rep should look as good as the first rep

Stick to the plan. Don’t perform a 1-hour HIIT workout if it’s supposed to be an active recovery

Vary your training styles, so you can perform in different ways

Cut off distractions (e.g. your phone) and stay laser focused