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Taking on the 75 Hard Challenge is no small feat. For those unfamiliar, it's a rigorous mental toughness program developed by Andy Frisella. The challenge consists of following these daily rules for 75 consecutive days: 
 
1. Follow a diet (no cheat meals or alcohol). 
2. Drink a gallon of water. 
3. Complete two 45-minute workouts (one must be outdoors). 
4. Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book. 
5. Take a progress photo. 
 
Here’s what I learned from embarking on this transformative journey:

Discipline and Consistency

The cornerstone of 75 Hard is consistency. The challenge taught me the power of small, disciplined actions compounded over time. Whether it was sticking to my diet, reading every day, or getting those workouts in, consistency was key! Missing even one task meant starting over, which was a strong motivator to stay on track. This discipline spilled over into other areas of my life, making me more reliable and productive.

While the 75 Hard schedule is strict, I still made time for my family. Both David and Elliana had birthdays during my challenge and I knew how important it was to make time for them. My family is my world and there is always time for both the workout and them!

Always remember the importance of our mental health as well as physical health and above all else family...

Mental Resilience

75 Hard is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. There were days when I didn’t feel like working out or wanted to skip a reading session. On the 4th of July, I had to sneak off during fireworks to get my reading done! Pushing through those moments built mental toughness. I learned how to overcome excuses and push past discomfort. This mental fortitude is something I now carry with me in challenging situations, both personally and professionally.

Time Management

Juggling the tasks required for 75 Hard along with my daily responsibilities was a lesson in time management. It forced me to prioritize and plan my days meticulously. This improved my ability to manage my time effectively, ensuring that I could fit everything in without compromising other important aspects of my life. These 75 days (about 2 and a half months) proved to be the most productive days I’ve experienced. Currently I am trying to find a balance of how to take this skill into the future.

The Power of Reading

Reading 10 pages of a non-fiction book daily might seem insignificant, but it added up to a wealth of knowledge. It reignited my love for reading and learning, helping me gain new perspectives and insights. In total, I read 4 books and listened to 8...that’s 12 books in 75 days.

This habit has continued beyond the challenge, and I now make time for reading every day.

Dr. Gina's Top Books!

My favorite author during the 75 Hard Challenge is Abby Jimenez!

Abby Jimenez is a New York Times bestselling author and Food Network champion living in Minnesota! Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

  1. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

  2. The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

  3.  Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

  4. Learning Love by Thais Gibson and Sjorland Gibson

  5. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

  6. Happy Place by Emily Henry

  7. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

  8. The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

  9. Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez

  10. The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

  11. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

  12. The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Power by Brendon Burchard

Accountability 

Taking a progress photo daily and adhering to the rules instilled a strong sense of accountability. I am not the girl in front of the mirror taking selfies, but I did highlight the journey of navigating date night, celebrating family birthdays, hanging out with friends while sticking to 75 Hard. Knowing that I had to report to myself each day kept me honest and dedicated. This accountability helped me stay focused and committed, not just to the challenge but to my broader goals.

Biggest realization…if I couldn’t keep a promise to myself, how could I with others!

Physical Benefits

 Of course, the physical changes were undeniable. Regular exercise and a clean diet resulted in improved fitness, more energy, and better overall health. The physical transformation was a great byproduct, but it was the mental and emotional growth that stood out the most. I did lose 7 lbs while gaining muscle achieving 18.5% body fat. I can see the body transformation but that was never a motivating factor or my WHY of completing the 75 Hard challenge.

Overcoming Perfectionism

One surprising lesson was overcoming perfectionism. There were days when my workouts weren’t perfect or my meals were simple, but I learned to accept that progress and effort matter more than perfection. This mindset shift has been liberating and has reduced a lot of unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

Completing the 75 Hard Challenge was a transformative experience that went beyond physical fitness. It reshaped my mindset, improved my discipline, and taught me invaluable lessons about consistency, mental toughness, and time management. Previous failed attempts lacked my full commitment, were filled with excuses, and lacked support and accountability from others. It’s amazing what having accountability partners will do. Thank you to my family, friends, and staff that supported my journey. I could not have done it without you all. If you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself and grow in multiple areas of your life, I highly recommend giving 75 Hard or 75 Soft a try. The journey is tough, but the rewards are worth it. 

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