I Finished 75 Hard—Here's What I Learned
75 days. No excuses. No shortcuts. Just discipline, consistency, and a whole lot of self-discovery.
If you've ever heard of 75 Hard, you know it's not just a fitness challenge—it's a mental toughness test. It demands two workouts a day (one outdoors), a strict diet with no cheat meals, a gallon of water daily, 10 pages of reading, daily progress photos, and absolutely no compromises. If you mess up even one thing, you start over from Day 1. Sounds intense, right? Well, it was. But now that I've crossed the finish line, I can confidently say that it was life-changing.
Why I Started 75 Hard
I wanted transformation—not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and in my approach to life and business. I wanted to become someone who could do what was needed to have the life I desired. I wanted to prove that discipline wasn't just something I admired in others but something I could harness in my own life. Also, I craved a challenge that would push me beyond my limits and force me to show up for myself every day.
The Hardest Parts (And How I Got Through Them)
Let's be honest—this challenge was no walk in the park. Some days, I wanted to quit. Some days, I questioned why I even started. Here were the toughest moments:
Time Management: Fitting in two workouts daily, alongside work and life responsibilities, was initially overwhelming. But I learned that when something truly matters, you make time—not excuses. I wouldn't let myself go to bed until I accomplished everything on my task list. There were days I woke up at 5 a.m. to carve extra time in my day. I can draw on these skills whenever I need them in the future.
No Cheat Meals: There were moments when I stared longingly at desserts or drooled at the smell of deep-fried fish filling the house Sunday after church. But sticking to my commitment reminded me that self-control is a muscle, and the more you flex it, the stronger it gets. I also told myself I could enjoy these foods after the challenge.
Pushing Through Fatigue: Some workouts felt impossible, especially when my energy was low. One conditioning class, in particular, had us do 160 squats in 8 minutes. My legs were sore the rest of the week. But I kept showing up, knowing that my discipline mattered more than my feelings at the moment. Yet, I also listened to my body. Sometimes, showing up meant two 45-minute walks rather than an outdoor walk and HIIT class.
What 75 Hard Taught Me
Looking back, I'm blown away by how quickly time flew by. It feels like I still have more days to go. I am also shocked by how this challenge changed me. Here are my biggest takeaways:
Discipline over Motivation: Motivation is fleeting. It comes and goes, but discipline keeps you moving forward when motivation fades. Now, I want to build the habit of sticking to the plan I set instead of my feelings.
You're More Capable Than You Think: I pushed myself past limits I didn't even know I had. That's a lesson I'll carry into every aspect of my life. Before writing something off as difficult or impossible, it's worth making an attempt first. If I had never endeavored to do the 75 Hard, I would have never gained this valuable experience.
Consistency Is Key to Success: The results didn't come overnight, but they did come—one disciplined day at a time. I woke up one day and saw a leaner Jemima and was shocked. The same principle applies to business, fitness, personal growth—everything.
Mental Strength Bleeds Into Every Area of Life: The best thing I gained from this challenge is increased confidence and resilience. I have 75 days' worth of evidence that I can complete what I set out to do. Completing the 75 Hard is irrevocable proof that I can use against doubt, uncertainty, laziness, and insecurity, which is a gift to my future self.
What's Next?
Finishing 75 Hard isn't the end—it's just the beginning. Now that I've proven what's possible, I'm taking this momentum into every area of my life.
Next, I'll move on to Phase 1 of the Live Hard Program by Andy Frisella. 75 Hard is just the first part of a four-phase program, and Phase 1 adds even more challenges. Over 30 days, I'll continue all the same tasks from 75 Hard but with three additional requirements:
- A 5-minute cold shower daily ❄️
- Three critical power tasks 💪
- 10 minutes of visualization 🧠
Before jumping into Phase 1, though, I'm taking two weeks off to rest, recover, and focus on my book. It's important to reflect on this journey before diving into the next challenge, and I want to be fully ready to take it to the next level.
If you're curious about my thoughts after completing 75 Hard, check out my Day 76 Reflection Video below. I share my raw, unfiltered thoughts on this experience and what's next! 🎥👇
Have you ever tried 75 Hard or a similar challenge? I'd love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below, and let's talk. 💬✨
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