Optimize with Jacqueline

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Why I Took on 75 Hard

When my friend Sarah @Faith_FueledFitness invited me to do 75 Hard with her, I initially dismissed it. She had attempted it a few times without success, and the idea of giving up alcohol seemed absurd to me. I’ve always been the type to set a goal and crush it, but this challenge sounded more like a fitness fad than something I’d enjoy.

However, after listening to the podcast by Andy Frisella, the creator of 75 Hard, my perspective shifted. It wasn’t just a fitness challenge; it was a mental toughness challenge. By day 30, the physical part fades, and it’s all about mental resilience.

The Rules of 75 Hard

1. Follow a Diet: Any diet, no cheat meals, and no alcohol.
2. Two Workouts Per Day: Each workout must be 45 minutes, with one being outdoors.
3. Drink a Gallon of Water: Daily.
4. Read 10 Pages: Non-fiction books only.
5. Take a Progress Picture: Every day.

Miss one task, and you start over from day one.

I was already working out twice a day, so that wasn’t a hurdle. But no snacking, no cheat meals, and no alcohol? That was going to be tough. The reading and progress pictures were manageable, but drinking a gallon of water daily meant frequent bathroom trips.

Why I Did It

I needed mental strength. My typical pattern was to start strong with goals, only to slide back into my comfort zone after a few weeks. Food was my biggest challenge—I struggled with binge eating, often triggered by boredom or emotional issues. I wanted to prove to myself that I could stick to a meal plan without succumbing to these urges.

Lessons Learned

During 75 Hard, I discovered my triggers—sugar being the biggest one. It’s like an addiction, and one piece leads to a binge. I learned to be mindful when I was full and to stop overeating, even during the holiday season.

The challenge taught me that achieving results requires 100% commitment, not just effort from Monday to Friday. I avoided most social gatherings to stay on track, only attending a few where I stuck to water while others indulged.

My Goals

I aimed to lose 20 pounds and prepare for the PMP exam. I started at 179 pounds and ended at 160, eventually reaching 155. For the PMP, I passed my practice exams and scheduled my test for the day after Christmas, balancing my prep with the challenge.

The No-Alcohol Revelation

Not drinking was a game-changer. I realized how productive weekends could be without hangovers. Initially, it was tough, but eventually, I adapted and appreciated the clarity and control it gave me. The calories I saved were significant, and I no longer crave alcohol.

Tips for Crushing 75 Hard

• Diet: I followed the Trifecta (40% off referral link: http://rwrd.io/cii6ujp) clean meal plan, allowing fruits and vegetables as needed.
• Workouts: I balanced my workouts between walking, strength training, and Peloton classes, avoiding anything too intense to prevent injury. @Faith_FueledFitness https://www.instagram.com/faith_fueledfitness/
• Reading: I read PMP-related materials each morning, which helped me stay on track.
• Water: Using a half-gallon jug helped me pace my intake throughout the day.

As the challenge ended, I felt anxiety about losing the structure it provided. 75 Hard had brought undeniable structure and productivity to my life. I even saw improvements in my blood work, with my cholesterol dropping from around 215 to 166.

What’s Next?

Now, I’m focused on maintaining my progress and pushing further. I’m considering training for a bikini competition and setting new fitness goals. My journey continues with reading and meditation, replacing old habits with healthier ones.

75 Hard changed my life in the best way. If you’re on the fence, I say go for it. Set your goals and start crushing them.