75 Hard: How 75 days of accountability and the power of routine delivered better habits and happiness

1. The 75 Hard Challenge, and Why I Signed Up

I first heard about the 75 Hard challenge in December 2020 through my friend, Matt Berkey. Matt is always looking to push the envelope with himself and help bring out the best version of yourself. After doing some quick research, I learned that 75 Hard comprised of 75 consecutive days of the following:

1. Two workouts a day for 45 min each
2. One of the workouts MUST be completed outdoors (regardless of weather)
3. Follow a diet
4. No alcohol/cheat meals
5. Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book
6. Drink a gallon of water per day
7. Take a progress picture each day

Matt was looking to organize a group of folks to commit and participate in the challenge - he thought it was a great way to teambuild and practice accountability, all while making some great life and health choices.

At first glance, the challenge seemed impossible. 75 consecutive days of multiple workouts, no cheat meals, nonstop consumption of water, and reading? All of this on top of a day job? No thank you. I respectfully declined.

The holidays came, went, and just like that, 2020 was a distant memory. I took a long drive shortly after New Years and for the first time in months had clarity on where and who I wanted to become in 2021. I thought about family, friends, and yes, 75 Hard. Matt, and a cohort of others had begun the challenge on New Years Day, and had already started posting results and of course, airing their grievances on social media. 

I messaged Matt and let him know I wanted to participate, but didn’t think I would be able to commit to all the requirements and demands. He disagreed with my assessment, and asked why I thought I couldn’t manage the requirements. After all, it was effectively adding a 45 min workout to my already set daily routine.

I went back to how clear my head was on the drive I took. All of the sudden I was doubting my decisions and resolutions for 2021? And 3 days into the year? Yea, we aren’t starting the year on a negative beat. Let’s go! I’m in for 75 Hard.

The most difficult aspect of joining or starting a new challenge or goal is making the decision to start the journey. Essentially, that’s what I just did - I took action. We all want to make tough decisions in life, but sometimes fear and doubt appear - walk past the invisible obstacles, and be stronger than the voices which sometimes plague your mind. 

2. Creating (and sticking to) a Routine

If I was going to compete seriously, I knew I had to map a plan and solidify a routine to be successful. I downloaded the 75 Hard companion app, which has reminders and prompts set throughout the day - if you miss any of the requirements, you have to start over, from Day 1. I decided I would start each day by waking up at 5am in order to get in my first workout prior to officially starting my workday. Oooof - never fun, especially when it’s still dark outside, cold, and you’re working out outdoors. 

The first few weeks of the challenge were by far the hardest. Getting into a new, and demanding routine is not easy. The multiple workouts weren’t kind to my body during this stretch - I managed to tear up my foot pretty bad one day during an early morning run on the way to my second (outdoor) workout. I completed the workout and didn’t realize I had bled through my entire shoe. When I saw my shoe, I looked around in disbelief, and just kept pushing myself. No way I was going to let a bloody foot and blister send me back to day 1. I bandaged my foot, and completed the second workout. 

Getting through the first few weeks was crucial for my mindset and providing the much needed energy to keep momentum. Frustrated at times, especially during the Super Bowl where I had to enjoy my balanced snack plate of grain free chips, guacamole, and carne asada. Gone are the days of enjoying cheesy dips, Doritos, and other snacks I’ve grown to love. 

After day 21 or so, everything began to feel normal. My cravings for the most part went away, and my body was recovering much quicker - primarily due to my diet, and water intake. It was recommended my protein intake each day hover around 190g - this is the equivalent of 30oz of steak or 26 eggs. I have become pretty creative on best practices for protein intake. Happy to share my tips and tricks if you’re interested.

As the challenge kept going, and the days became weeks, and the weeks months, I started imagining what it would feel like waking up on the morning of day 76. What drove me throughout the 75 days, was knowing that I would be able to say I set a goal, and completed the challenge. Oh ya, and the donut I promised myself the morning of day 76 :). 

Some of the easier tasks were some of the hardest to squeeze into the day - most notably the water consumption and reading. I would always try to get a head start on the water intake during my 6am workout, and try to be 40% complete by 9am. If I managed this, I knew I would have consumed the full gallon by late afternoon. I was forced to learn to manage my time in ways I never have before. Never forget, time is your most precious asset. 

As time ticked, a few participants in our group missed a daily task. It’s not easy to keep this amount of focus and diligence while maintaining an appropriate level of balance in your everyday life. I don’t think people realize how powerful their mind can be, especially in moments of weakness and doubt. I was never happy to see anyone miss daily requirements of the challenge. Our group was very reassuring and encouraging, and found ways to bring them back in order to complete the full 75 days. 

I felt accountable to the entire group that embarked on this journey together as well as my family, friends, and coworkers. A few days after starting, I purposely told quite a few people I was competing with myself in this challenge - most thought it was an amended version of dry January. More like dry January’s older, older brother. 

The outside motivation from family and friends was critical during a few of the most difficult days. On day 20 or so it hailed/snowed during my outdoor workout, and other days I just woke up tired. Other days began feeling like other days, and the only thing that seemed different were the days being crossed off in my app.

3. How I kept Busy, and My Mind Occupied

Believe it or not, I did manage to get a bit bored during a portion of the challenge, and decided this was an opportune time to pick up piano. I’ve always wanted to learn how to play, and found a great instructor in Tommy Mardola who agreed to take me on as a student. I’m having a blast playing a combination of elementary songs, coupled with some Beatles classics, and mixing in some standard jams. I look forward to my Tuesday lessons, which provide a sense of stress relief and comfort.

The lessons aren’t all fun and games. I am admittedly having trouble learning to read music, and have been called out a few times for not studying as much as I should. As Tommy continually tells me, learning to read music is no different than learning a foreign language - it takes time, practice, and patience. 

Deciding to take piano lessons was the little bit extra I needed to keep my mind fully occupied and help pass the time. It’s also keeping my creative juices flowing in case I ever decide to record an album :). 

My 6am workouts also provided a bit of fuel and extra motivation for other areas in my life. For one, I distract myself by planning out my day, and lining up emails, communications, and conversations I needed to have throughout the day. Other parts of the workout served as a vision board for what the next year could look like. 

The hunger for completing one challenge, and starting another (before the current has finished) go hand in hand with my philosophy of pushing yourself and breaking barriers. One I haven’t been able to complete is winning a large multi table poker tournament. I rarely get a chance to play, but the vision of hoisting a trophy above my head, and being dubbed “the champ” kept me going during a few of those early morning workouts. 

I’ve also been reading quite a bit about emerging markets and business models - lots of crypto, and sports cards - both extremely fascinating, and fast paced. New podcasts have also helped feed my desire to keep learning.

4. What I Learned, and Finding Happiness

This 75 day period allowed me to reflect quite a bit - in some cases, I think the challenge provided me the opportunity to rewire and reprioritize what’s important day to day. The books I read focused on entrepreneurship, individuals chasing dreams, never giving up, and betting on themselves. I’ve always had somewhat of an entrepreneurial spirit, but the stories I read amplified the message, and placed it front and center.

I don’t think I can think of a more rewarding statement or confidence booster than trusting your internal instincts and going with your gut. We all need to be strong enough to make an uneasy call and go against what we typically would do. Take control, and become your own superstar. In a nutshell, this is the mantra of the 75 Hard challenge.

The first book I read, Delivering Happiness helped shine light on a topic I thought I understood well - in reality, I didn’t, and still don’t. I do acknowledge that adjustments and change are contributors in the pursuit of happiness, which is a continual quest, and not a standing destination. 

We all deserve to pursue and find happiness in our lives. I’m hopeful everyone who has read this far is taking personal time for themselves and getting after anything which provides drive and motivation - you should always be searching for the best version of yourself.

Shoe Dog has been motivating in more ways that I can pen in a single article. It has quickly become my favorite book of all time, and has taught me a number of lessons in both life, business, and leadership. We should all be continually evolving, never settling, and pushing to break through any barriers which are holding us back. 75 Hard allowed me to accomplish all of these things.

5. 75 Hard Stats and Takeaways 

Here’s what I learned throughout the 75 days (in no particular order):

1. Always bet on yourself
2. Your mind is the strongest asset you own/manage/control
3. Anyone truly can complete this or any challenge - no excuses, just go
4. Why wait until tomorrow for changes you can make today?
5. The challenge itself isn’t difficult, committing to yourself and to others is

Books I read during 75 Hard:

1. Delivering Happiness - Tony Hsieh 
2. The Biggest Bluff - Maria Konnikova
3. Shoe Dog - Phil Knight

Hard 75 stats:

1. Weight loss: 14 pounds
2. 150 workouts completed
3. Favorite (healthy) cheat meal: Cauliflower pizza
4. Most consumed flavored water: Black Cherry

What’s next for me? Finding the next challenge, and encouraging those around me to make inspiring changes in their lives. Let’s go!