Last year, I dove headfirst into not one, but two rounds of 75 Hard. Why? Because, apparently, I can’t resist a challenge.
I started because I felt stuck—life felt stagnant. I wasn’t happy, nothing felt productive, and my health? It had tanked. I was snacking on my kid's goldfish crackers, addicted to sugar, and ending my days with a drink or two, hoping it would help me unwind. It felt like my life was running me, not the other way around.
The first round spanned May 5th to July 31st. After 87 days (I had to start over on Day 12 thanks to a stomach bug) I felt renewed. Down nearly 20 pounds, sleeping soundly, and genuinely feeling like I could tackle anything.
By October, I jumped back in with friends to finish 2022 on a strong note, starting October 17th and finishing on December 31st. It was tougher the second time—holiday treats and cold, short days—but I pushed through. When 2023 rolled around, I felt incredibly proud. I had committed, pushed through twice, and it changed me. I became someone I could truly be proud of.
So what is 75 Hard?
75 Hard is the brainchild of Andy Frisella, an entrepreneur and author. It’s gained a huge following—and for good reason. It’s a tough, no-nonsense 75-day program designed to build discipline and mental toughness. If you want the full breakdown, you can check out his website or listen to episode 14 of his podcast where he dives deep into it.
This isn’t your typical self-improvement program. 75 Hard pushes you both mentally and physically. The goal? Build positive habits and break through the mental blocks holding you back. Science says it takes about 66 days to solidify a habit, so with 75 Hard, you're making sure those habits stick for the long haul.
People take on 75 Hard for all sorts of reasons—building discipline, improving fitness, boosting confidence, or just proving they can push through. But let’s be real—it’s not for everyone. It’s demanding. It takes serious commitment, planning, and grit. For some, it's life-changing; for others, it’s just not a fit, and that’s okay. It’s about what works for you.
For me, it was about proving I could stay disciplined and unyielding in pursuit of my goals. No more excuses. No more "I’ll start tomorrow."
The program is transformative, but it's far from easy. The strict requirements mean you have to plan and be ready to face adversity head-on. For some, that’s the breakthrough they need; for others, it might be more than they need for their personal journey.
**Before starting the program, it's advisable to consider your own motivations and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that it aligns with your physical and mental well-being.
I used the 75 Hard app to keep myself on track, but choose whatever system works for you. The program is adaptable to individual fitness levels and diet preferences—whether you’re new to exercise or a seasoned athlete, you can make it work.
Here's how I structured my workouts and diet to support my goals and the fulfill the requirements of the challenge:
Workouts: My outdoor exercise often involved brisk walks/hikes with my dog, occasionally spiced up with a weighted vest. I am not a runner, and thankfully running isn't required. Sometimes my outdoor workouts consisted of weightlifting in my driveway. The second workout alternated between weightlifting and yoga/stretching sessions. I'd typically lift for 2-3 days, followed by a "rest day" of restorative yoga when needed. Stretching/yoga kept me injury free, helped with soreness, and gave me the "active rest" I needed to maintain and finish this challenge successfully.
Diet: Clean, mostly lean protein, veggies, fruit and healthy fats. I eliminated all snack foods except popcorn and cut out anything with 4 grams or more of added sugar. It was eye-opening to see how much sugar lurks in everyday foods. After the first few days of crankiness, I felt less foggy and more energized.
Even though it became more manageable after the first week, I still faced challenges. There were nights I found myself chugging water at 9 pm or squeezing in a late-night workout because I hadn’t planned my day well. But those tough moments taught me resilience. I realized if I wanted to be different, I had to do things differently.
The takeaway? You can adjust the program to your fitness level, but if you’re truly looking for transformation, you have to be ready to embrace discomfort and push past your limits.
Bringing it Home:
75 Hard is a 75-day challenge that instills discipline, mental strength, and self-improvement through daily fitness, reading, and dietary tasks. It’s not for everyone, but for those who embrace it, it can lead to incredible personal growth.
For me, it wasn’t just about physical transformation—it was about proving I could follow through on something relentless. The program forced me to confront my bad habits, with no room for shortcuts. It wasn’t easy, especially during the holidays, but I realized the real challenge was mental. Every day, I learned I was capable of so much more than I had thought.
By the end, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. I didn’t just shed weight; I regained control of my life. 75 Hard isn’t just about the challenge itself, but the confidence and discipline that carry over to every area of your life.
That’s the beauty of 75 Hard—it’s not just a fitness challenge; it’s a mental test. You push past your limits, and when you come out on the other side, you’re stronger—inside and out. And that kind of growth? It’s priceless.
Related Content
The Power of the Alter Ego: Overcome Insecurities and Achieve Your Goals
