75 Reasons to Quit

Everyone has that one friend. The one that you just can’t say no to, the one who doesn’t know any reasons to quit. They talk you into fun runs or volunteering for crazy events and every once in while…

…they get you to do something exciting, challenging, or just plain stupid.

Enter the 75 Hard Challenge.

If you haven’t heard of it, don’t feel bad. Neither had I. However, I found myself in a rut, and I needed to try something new. Before I knew what was happening, I joined the 75 Hard with Friends Facebook group, launching myself into this insane world without reading the fine print.

And the fine print is where the crazy and the chaos was hiding.

The free program (developed by Andy Frisella) is based on his belief that it takes more than 21 days to build a habit. Apparently, it takes 75! The Challenge is straightforward and consists of six tasks you must promise to commit to every day.

If you fail on one task, you have start the program over.

And there are no exceptions!

Like most military spouses, I love a good checklist. But… I was not truly prepared for the 75 rules:

Rule #1: No Alcohol

Um… What? I don’t consider myself a heavy drinker, but I was seriously shocked that this was the first rule of the program. I almost bowed out right here. After all, I’m social (and I have children), so the need for a glass of wine was always going to be tempting. However, I was (not so gently) reminded by my soldier that he gave up alcohol for a year—multiple times—so 75 days should not be that much of a challenge. (Again, there was more of a forcing mechanism with his program, but I get his point).

So far, this has not be an issue, and we’re saving some money on Ubers!

Rule #2: Two 45-minute Workouts a Day 

One caveat is that one must be outside.

This one didn’t seem as unreasonable (at least it didn’t on day 1) as an outside walk was usually part of my routine. How hard could another one be? After all, there was no specificity listed for each workout other than a 45-min. duration.

But this is proving daunting to me on many days, and I’m finding myself finishing the second workout close to bedtime.

Rule #3: Drink a Gallon of Water a Day

I’m sure you just read that last rule and thought, “Wow how many times would I be in the bathroom if I did that every day?” The answer is all the time. I’m still finding the best way to do this and not lose my mind…

Stay tuned!

Rule #4: Take a Progress Picture Every Day

Luckily, there is a reminder on the app for this insane task. I’m also very uncomfortable with this task. All of my progress pictures just make me cringe, and I pray that no one ever hacks the app and releases some of those pictures.

AWKWARD AND NOT MOTIVATING FOR ME!

Rule #5: Follow a Diet

It can be any diet, but there are no cheat days.

The flexibility of this rule is what talked me into the challenge. I don’t count points or macros. I found a healthy diet that incorporates all foods, but little to no sugar and refined carbs. Some of the participants in my group are doing Weight Watchers and Whole30, but the beauty of this rule is that you can set realistic expectations for yourself.

The no Cheat Day part of the rule is the hurdle. I used to look forward to cheat day, as I would eat my weight in all the things I’d been denying myself, but this rule prevents that. I’ve noticed an increase in my self-discipline in this area, so maybe “no cheat day” has some merit.

And finally, my favorite Rule…

RULE #6: Read 10 Pages of Non-Fiction Every Day

Now we’re talking! Finally, a rule that seems like fun. When I started this challenge, I had a stack of 10 nonfiction books, and I’m now on book number four. The purpose of this rule to challenge your mind in some personal or professional growth. I wish we could do this rule for 45 minutes a day.

I can probably find 75 reasons to quit almost every day. But I haven’t yet.

As of today, I’m on day 39 of the challenge and still going strong. It hasn’t been easy, and I’ve found myself dancing with failure on many days (slow dancing…cheek to cheek).

But, I manage to get through each day with the encouragement from my crew. Just like the past 25 years of military life, it takes a village—especially one born in stairwell housing! The women in my group are proven warriors, and they know how to motivate. Our fearless leader (I call her AFM) is the founder and gatekeeper of our 75 group. There’s no mountain too high for AFM, and she will lead you up them all!

I’m hoping that the discipline I’m practicing will stay with me after day 75 , so I can accomplish some bigger goals in my life. Goals that I’ve packed and repacked with every move. Goals that never seem to get an answer when they ask me, “When will you finally do this?”

Maybe the answer will be clear…

…in 36 more days.

Pray for me!

P.S. This piece is dedicated to Amy F. Marson and Pam Reed. Love y’all!