The Mental Challenge of 75 Hard: My Journey Through Week Three

As I reached the milestone of day 21 in my 75 Hard Challenge, I couldn't help but feel like I was climbing a mountain, and the peak was still far from view. This third week brought a mix of emotions, but it was primarily a mental battle for me. You see, I'm someone who thrives on routines, diligently checking off boxes on my to-do lists and enjoying the comfort of predictability. However, this week, the challenge was beginning to feel somewhat monotonous.

Every day followed the same pattern - wake up, savor my morning coffee, read my 10 pages, and dive into my Bible study. I'd then fill my massive gallon jug with water, which I'd consume throughout the day. By late morning, I'd embark on my first workout, gearing up for a day of business and household tasks. As my husband returned from work, we'd spend quality time together, or he'd begin his workout while I took a moment to unwind. Our second workout walk was scheduled around 6 or 7 pm, followed by dinner. The evening would wind down with some TV, a final push to finish my water, and bedtime. The routine was perfect, exactly what I wanted, yet something felt off.

A Mental Struggle

This week, I decided to pause and engage in some self-reflection to unravel the source of my restlessness. After all, 75 Hard isn't just a physical challenge; it's a test of mental fortitude. I realized that I had started to contemplate quitting. Negative thoughts crept in, whispering, "No one is forcing you to do this; you could simply stop and indulge in a Whataburger," or "You'll probably fail later on anyway," or "What's the point of continuing?" It was an unsettling realization that these negative thought patterns were the same ones that had sabotaged my previous attempts at challenges and personal growth.

The Need for Self-Discipline

At that moment, I understood the essence of why I embarked on this challenge. It wasn't merely about physical transformation; it was about honing self-discipline. I recognized that I lacked confidence in my abilities and was apprehensive about what lay beyond this challenge. This fear had held me back in the past and was the root cause of my struggle with self-discipline.

With this newfound self-awareness, I reset my mindset and pushed through week three. I introduced a daily reflection period to ensure my thoughts were aligned with growth and looking towards the future, rather than dwelling in the past.

Physical Discoveries

Amidst the mental battle, I also observed a few physical changes and improvements. I had noticed my muscles becoming increasingly tight during and between workouts. In particular, a challenging leg day made me realize the need for more stretching. To address this, I incorporated a "rest" day consisting of two walks, which allowed for active recovery.

I began to increase the weights during my strength training workouts, and it was gratifying to see the progress I made compared to the previous week. Instead of fixating on the clock, I focused on the quality of the workout. Interestingly, the workouts consistently surpassed the required 45 minutes. Additionally, I found myself feeling more energized after workouts, providing a welcome boost during the day when I'd usually be yearning for a nap.

Quality Sleep and Time Management

My sleep patterns also improved remarkably. I was waking up naturally around 7 am, a significant shift for someone who used to sleep in until noon. This adjustment offered extra time to tackle daily tasks without the need to force myself out of bed. On one occasion, I experienced a migraine and slept until noon, which I attributed to the long hours spent working on my website. To prevent this from happening again, I established work hours to maintain a healthier sleep routine.

Looking Ahead: A Balancing Act

Week three was more mentally challenging than physically demanding. Nevertheless, I was grateful to observe continued physical progress, which served as motivation. Moving forward, week four will mark the transition from strict zero to minimal carbs to an adjusted macro plan. It's essential to remember that carbs aren't the enemy; our bodies need them for fuel. This adjustment aligns with my weight loss goals and will remain sustainable for the future. My ultimate objective is a healthy, maintainable lifestyle.

Join me next week for a deeper dive into my evolving dietary plan and more exciting updates on my journey through 75 Hard!