Yesterday, I completed the 75 Hard challenge.

Since mid-winter, and through much of spring, I had a sense of being adrift. I was working a lot, walking infrequently, not praying much, and almost always 30–45 minutes late to bed. This unregulated, unmoored feeling was disquieting, and I knew I needed a reboot.

I had seen many online programs, but with the new cohort-model, none were ready when I was. They also had many aspects that I not only didn’t care about, but they actively turned me off.

I don’t remember where I first found 75 Hard, but when I found it, it clicked.

The premise is simple. To steal a phrase from Shia LeBouf, “Do it!”

The 75-day challenge has a daily task list:

• Two 45-minute workouts (one must be outside)
• Drink one gallon of water
• Read 10 pages of a book
• Stick to a diet
• No cheat days
• No alcohol
• Take a daily progress photo

When you do an item, you check it off. Miss an item? Start over at Day 1.

Looking at the list, it describes perfectly my ideal day. I want to work out, read, drink water, and stick to my diet. The only thing really missing is time for daily prayer.

Me, before my last workout on Day 75 (August 12, 2023)

The program is designed to be inconvenient. Two workouts a day was my biggest hurdle because it meant I had to give up 90 minutes each afternoon/evening to work out, cool down, and shower.

75 Hard is also meant to challenge you when life gets crazy. I did not control every aspect of my day for 75 days. There were two days that we drove across the country. We spent two weekends away from the house. There was all the daily busyness of raising four kids, homeschooling, running a business, and more. It took extra effort to make sure that I created the circumstances that I needed to accomplish my goal.

Yesterday, my last item of the challenge was my second workout of the day. As I walked around the neighborhood, essentially my victory lap, I felt a real sense of accomplishment and joy. Before the challenge I was out of control, now I was back where I wanted to be. These 75 days allowed me to build back the momentum and the habits that I know I need to practice every day to reach my personal and professional goals.

I will carry this accomplishment through my life. I will forever know that I have the capacity to commit to myself and execute on that commitment, no matter the circumstances of my life.