Start day [take two]: April 11, 2021

Embarking on the 75 Hard Challenge was a decision that changed my life in ways I never imagined. It wasn't just a physical transformation; it was a mental and emotional overhaul that pushed me beyond my limits and reshaped my perspectives.

This challenge consists of sticking to 5 main pillars for 75 days [no breaks, no excuses]. If one pillar is missed, the challenge must be restarted from day 1:

1. Workout twice a day, 45 min/each [1 must be outdoors and they can’t be back to back]
2. Pick a diet and stick to it, no cheat meals [mine was no ice cream, no processed food/drinks]
3. Read 10 pages per day
4. Take a progress photo everyday
5. 1 gallon of water per day, no alcohol

^{Photo Date: May 6, 2021}

Where to begin?

I'll be honest; it wasn't all smooth sailing. There was a point where I missed my daily reading, and according to the challenge's rules, I had to restart. It was a humbling experience that reinforced the importance of discipline. Starting over wasn't a setback; it was a chance to reaffirm my commitment and dive deeper into the challenge. And this was only the first lesson that was applied to my life and will forever remain with me.

Physically, the results were astounding. I witnessed my body change, becoming stronger and more resilient. But the mental and emotional growth I experienced was even more remarkable. What started as a quest for physical improvement became the best all-around transformation I'd ever seen in myself.

The two daily workouts, rain or shine, snow or heat, taught me about consistency. It wasn’t just about the exercise; it was about showing up for myself daily, no matter the circumstances. I enjoy working out, but twice a day for 45 minutes each? It definitely takes a toll on your body in the beginning. However, towards the end it's something I wasn't sure how I lived without.

^{Photo Date: May 8, 2021}

The diet was another crucial aspect. Staying committed to a specific eating plan for 75 days demanded a level of mindfulness and discipline that seeped into every aspect of my life. If you know me, you know I love French fries and ice cream (AND French fries with ice cream). Staying away from anything processed, anything out of a bag or vending machine for 75 days was a challenge. Attending events and staying away from a drop of alcohol, was a very satisfactory goal to accomplish. Especially being Armenian, the amount of delicious (and at times, not so healthy) food and drinks we're surrounded by tested my discipline and willingness to complete the challenge successfully. Spoiler alert: I made it, I didn't give into the temptations and stuck to my goal. 

Photo Date: Unknown

Reading 10 pages a day might seem insignificant, but this small habit brought profound changes. The knowledge and inspiration I gained from those daily pages were invaluable, shaping my thoughts and broadening my horizons. There were days I was exhausted but would push myself to my limit, staying up and completing the reading. Looking back – best decision I ever made. [COMING SOON: WHAT SHOULD I READ]

I can confidently say that the hardest part of the challenge was taking daily progress photos. Mentally this was extremely tough. Seeing your body change daily can be very taxing. There were days these progress photos pushed me and motivated me while other days I solely depended on discipline to get through it.

^{Photo Date: May 10, 2021}

On the flip side, the easiest part of the challenge was not drinking a sip of alcohol and drinking a gallon of water. Sure, there were days I would sit and drink it all at once because throughout the day I neglected it. BUT I did (eventually) come to a point of balancing out the amount of water I drank daily. Definitely felt like I was drowning on days from the inside out. My skin loved me for it and I can confidently say I had a lot more energy than prior. 

The emotional and mental fortitude I gained was the most profound change. Days that once seemed challenging became moments to exercise resilience and discipline. The discipline required to adhere to the challenge's rules transcended the physical aspects, pouring into every corner of my life.

Admittedly, there were tough days. Days when the weather was harsh, energy was low, and motivation was fleeting. But it was on those days that I learned the most about myself — the days when I persevered despite wanting to quit.

In short... 

Key lessons to be applied daily:

• We all have the same 24 hours in a day, how we decide to spend it is up to us #priorities
• Your mind is stronger than you think
• You can do anything as long as you set your mind on it
• Your goal must be for YOU & must have value for YOU
• Intention is nothing without action & action is nothing without intention
• How you do ONE thing, is how you do EVERYTHING
• You must believe in yourself & your capabilities
• Your goal must be inline with your values
• You can’t let outside forces disrupt your balance and priorities
• You allow others to impact how you feel, only let in the positive
• Finding time to workout twice a day for 75 days in a row takes lots of planning in advance
• Reading 10 pages per day is relaxing
• Taking a progress photo daily is mentally challenging

If you got to this point, I appreciate you reading this. Trust me when I tell you, you’re so damn strong and can do anything you set your mind to. Just make sure it’s what YOU want. ❤️

The biggest takeaway? The power of consistency and discipline in transforming not just the body but the mind and spirit. This challenge wasn’t just about changing habits; it was about changing my entire approach to life.

While the 75 Hard Challenge has officially ended, the lessons learned and the habits formed are ingrained in my daily life. This journey was a catalyst for a new chapter — one filled with determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of consistent, intentional action.

If you’re considering the 75 Hard Challenge, know that it's more than a test of physical endurance; it's a gateway to a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.

So, here’s to new challenges, continuous growth, and the unwavering belief that we are capable of far more than we often believe.