MY JOURNEY TO CONSISTENT DISCIPLINE | THE 75 HARD CHALLENGE
i decided to journal about my journey to consistent discipline…
STAY WITH ME AS THIS BLOG WILL BE UPDATED DAILY OVER THE NEXT 75 DAYS — SO BE SURE TO CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY! :)
WEEK 1
FEBRUARY 15, 2022 // day 1
YOUR MIND SURELY DOES PLAY TRICKS ON YA! I JUST KNEW THAT BEING OUTSIDE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE COLD WOULD BE A COMPLETE DISASTER. HOWEVER, I WAS FULLY AMPED UP FOR MY SPEED WALK TO THE LAKE. IT FELT SO GOOD TO RECONNECT WITH NATURE AND REMINISCE ON MY MARATHON TRAINING DAYS. MY BODY EAGERLY WANTED TO GO INTO RUNNING MODE, BUT THAT WON’T BE HAPPENING ANYTIME SOON AS I AM STILL EXPERIENCING KNEE PAIN. AS I APPROACHED THE BEACH COVERED IN ICE AND SNOW I WAS GREETED WITH THE FULL MOON — IT WAS SUCH A PLEASANT SURPRISE AND TRULY FILLED MY HEART WITH JOY [THAT WAS UNTIL I TURNED MY HEAD AND NOTICED A MAN BUTT NAKED IN 35 DEGREE WEATHER. I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT HE WAS DOING, BUT IT WAS QUITE A SURPRISE AND MADE MY FIRST WORKOUT ADVENTUROUS LOL!].
MY FIRST DAY WAS A BIT SCATTERED, BUT I MANAGED TO GET EVERYTHING DONE. I KNOW I NEED TO ADD IN MORE DAYS OF PREPARATION A CREATE SOMEWHAT OF A SCHEDULE TO HELP ME STAY FOCUSED AND PRODUCTIVE THROUGHOUT THE CHALLENGE. I TRULY HATE CRAMMING EVERYTHING IN ESPECIALLY AT THE END OF THE DAY. ON. A BRIGHTER NOTE — MY DINNER WAS AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS [BUDDAH BOWLS FOR THE WIN]!
MY GOAL IS TO WORK WITH A SCHEDULE SOMEWHAT AS FOLLOWS:
6A PRAY / MEDITATE / JOURNAL
7A FIRST WORKOUT
8A BREAKFAST / READ / WORK
10A SECOND WORKOUT
12P WORK: CREATIVE ARTS BOUTIQUE
3P 1 GALLON WATER COMPLETED
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) yoga FLOW
FEBRUARY 16, 2022 // day 2
i am still not on a great sleep schedule hence my days for this challenge are starting out around 4p [sigh]! however, during my outdoor speed walk today to the lakefront i had a flashback to the days i was going in hard even with a over demanding corporate job. i was dedicated to working out so much so that i started my day at 4a — 2 workouts completed by 7a and then i was off to my morning routine and headed into the office. well, the same thing applies now even if i am an entrepreneur — i need to create a schedule that still has some flexibility in it of course. i am getting there slowly, but surely. ps. today was a high 51 degrees — i was overdressed [even wrapped my feet in plastic for extra warmth] and sweating my butt off lol. i hear there is a snowstorm headed this way in the morning and in a weird exciting way i am so looking forward to embracing the windy city chi elements for my outdoor workout — we shall see how long this excitement lasts!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) cardio ab blast by jeanette jenkins
FEBRUARY 17, 2022 // day 3
i so meant to write my thoughts for the day, but time slipped away from me. i know that i am still struggling with going bed at a decent time #entrepreneurlife, but seriously i am determined to get on a schedule sooner than later. i so desperately want to spend mornings pouring into myself and getting all my work done + 75 hard tasks prior to my workday. a huge win today was my push to stay focus and get everything set-up for my sip+shop event the next day along with making a mad dash to trader joe’s [i was out of healthy vegan meals so this was definitely a major thing to get done. i even cooked vegan chile, more buddah bowls, and made some salad kits. this will keep me on track and focused for the next week or so [you all don’t know how proud i am for not pushing this task off for another day].
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) weight lifting
FEBRUARY 18, 2022 // day 4
when i tell at the drop of a dime your plans can change — this was that day! i had everything set, but received a phone call and had to quickly adjust. not to mention i had a sip+shop event later that evening and didn’t get home until 11:30p. however, i still managed to push through and get all the tasks done for 75 hard. i even had to wash my hair and take care some very important business, which kept me up to 6a. this is dedication and commitment to not leaving one crump left on the table this year.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) yoga feel good flow
FEBRUARY 19, 2022 // day 5
i woke up and instantly asked alexa what the temperature was — she replied 10 degrees! i was in that moment when i started letting my thoughts talk me out of doing what i said i was going to do. then i remembered that i wanted to succeed with this program and if i didn’t workout outside at this very moment — it just wasn’t going to get done today. so i changed my mindset — and got it done! the funny part is that it wasn’t even as bad as i psyched myself up [smh — just imagine everything that we tend to talk ourselves out of because it isn’t convenient for us at that moment]. as i approached the beautiful walk to the beach i was constantly reminded that — i am bold. — i am confident. — i am worthy. — just do it!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) power vinyasa flow yoga and a 15-minute ab blast session
FEBRUARY 20, 2022 // day 6
there never seems to be enough hours in the day, but last night i was able to catch up on some sleep — and boy did it make a world of a difference. i find myself falling in love with the outdoor workouts. i decided to do my second workout at my studio which has been a lifesaver since i have so much to do with my creative arts.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) yoga feel-good flow
FEBRUARY 21, 2022 // day 7
it is so funny how what you think you’d dislike turns out to be the one thing that you come to love. nature is my jam! i switched things up a bit and added in a fun hip+hop dance workout that i found on youtube. after doing yoga for about 25 minutes with my coach, youtube [lol], i became board, but knew i had to come up with something to complete the full 45 min workout. so i listened to my soul — she wanted to dance. i was so happy at the end of the class and now i have some new moves to bust out at the club [lmao] — totally joking!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) 25 minute power vinyasa flow yoga and a 25 minute hip-hop dance workout
WHAT DID I INDULGE IN FOR WEEK 1?
TAP THE PHOTOS BELOW FOR MORE INSIGHT, RECIPES, AND MORE!
WEEK 2
february 22, 2022 // day 8
so proud of myself — on so many levels. i knew i had to get basil to the groomer at 9a [way out in the burbs] so i made sure that i set my alarms and actually got up to get my indoor workout in. i had everything with me to complete more tasks while i waited 4 hours for him. what is really giving me a hard time during this challenge is drinking a gallon of water. i love water — so i have no issue drinking it, but the aftermath of running to the restroom every hour or less is driving me crazy especially when i am out in the streets. i can’t believe i had to go to jewel’s and mc donald’s to use the restroom. my bladder was about to burst [send help]! on another note i did my second Instagram live today on 2.22.22 and it was everything and more. i felt like i was truly in my element talking about my experience with plant medicine with my spiritual mama, shannon amos — owner of sumanah soul sanctuary and wellness travel. if you’d like to watch the full video about my journey with ayahuasca check it out here!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) weight lifting
february 23, 2022 // day 9
i failed! well — not completely. i did everything for #75hard, but i still didn’t get my 45-minute outdoor workout in until later that evening [around 8p], which is so not my jam. luckily there is a nice and safe neighborhood i can walk through to make sure i complete the task. other than that i am pleased to finally be completing the tasks super early. i am trying my best to get these things out of the way before i start my day. deep sigh to ‘procrastination’. oh, it is time to get a trainer or take some group fitness classes — after a week i become tired of trying to figure out what workouts to do and keep myself motivated. so this week i will be looking for someone that is a professional with strength training. i have a few people in mind — wish me luck!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) weight lifting
february 24, 2022 // day 10
one word — tired! what spoke to me today was ‘mind over matter’. i enjoy my walks to the lakefront, but every ounce of me did not want to do it. instead of complaining i just went ahead and got it out the way. it was starting to snow and i forgot my face shield, but the beautiful part of that was experiencing snowflakes on my eyelashes. i try my best to savor these memorable simple moments in life.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) two hip-hop dance workouts, which were so much fun btw — workout #1 + workout #2
february 25, 2022 // day 11
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february 26, 2022 // day 12
lets just say that it was a very long day. working off of 2 hours of sleep — evening event all day leaving me starting my first workout at 9:15p [deep sigh].
february 27, 2022 // day 13
when will i get to sleep — like get some good good sleep?! 75 hard can consume your life if you don’t take control of everything. on the brighter side i am loving every single ounce of me. it’s so good to be able to focus and tap into
february 28, 2022 // day 14
quality rest is essential for the soul! to be successful with this program and to not run me crazy tired — i really need to get on a good schedule. of course i will allow for ‘life to life’, but a schedule would be nice. had to use today to rest and recover from a non stop weekend of festivities. learning some good lessons as i am being intentional about self-awareness. excited to dig into week 3!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (1) hip-hop dance workout by mike steele
WHAT DID I INDULGE IN FOR WEEK 2?
TAP THE PHOTOS BELOW FOR MORE INSIGHT, RECIPES, AND MORE!
WEEK 3
march 1, 2022 // day 15
one thing that struck me during my intentional speed walk today was ‘how do you want to be remembered?’. when i leave this earth i want to be remembered for giving to others in a way that helps them vibrate higher. in a way that helps them realize who they truly are and how they can live a life that speaks to the core of their soul. i know that this is my life’s purpose and it is feels so good knowing that i am walking and living in my truth while i am having this human experience.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip hop dance workout
march 2, 2022 // day 16
comfort much?! i have to admit that i am really comfortable with getting the 75 hard tasks completed for the day, but i am not focused on hitting my goal, which is creating a healthy morning routine that allows me to pour into my soul. i still struggle with an overloaded plate of things to do and also procrastination — which don’t blend well. so i am going to map out timelines of when i should complete certain tasks by a specific time. i will also start going to bed early to help me work towards waking up at 5-6a daily, which i am excited for as spring approaches and the seasons change.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip hop dance workout
march 3, 2022 // day 17
what day is it again?! all i know is that i am extremely tired [sigh]. i know the cause of it [menstruation] — so i am giving myself grace and still finding the motivation and innergy to push through this program today. today’s message is ‘give it your best!’ no matter what or how you may feel!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) weight lifting + hip hop dance workout
march 4, 2022 // day 18
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ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 5, 2022 // day 19
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ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 6, 2022 // day 20
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ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 7, 2022 // day 21
y’all i finally completed 3 weeks of this program. at this point it is all about tricking your mind into just getting the sh*t done. the week leading up to and during my menstruation i did not want to do anything. honestly, i have been really uncomfortable with being in my body — i am super super bloated [looking like i am 4-5 months pregnant] and during workouts or anything for that matter seems like a chore. i literally had to take the entire day to rest and do nothing but 75 hard of course. i needed my body to relax so i could release toxic backed up waste — and we had success. i was also sooooo tired, but i am finally regaining my innergy. i could have stopped the program, but i am not trying to start this all over — so here we are with 21 days in the books!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
WHAT DID I INDULGE IN FOR WEEK 3?
TAP THE PHOTOS BELOW FOR MORE INSIGHT, RECIPES, AND MORE!
WEEK 4
march 8, 2022 // day 22
i am still not hitting my mark for setting a routine. i am trying to understand if this is just how life will be or can i really get the schedule going that i want. i truly believe i can, but i also struggle with being thrown off schedule when my surroundings are not set up to what i am use to. dealing with several energies/schedules can definitely be a challenge. i will continue to push harder. however, i am excited that i have been cooking homemade meals the last 3 weeks — i have been pouring intentional love into my meals and enjoying indulging in every bite. i am also going to finally set-up my 2 week trial at train moment with mamakfit this week — super excited about that! …slow progress, but progress!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 9, 2022 // day 23
my energy is depleted. things are starting to annoy me!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 10, 2022 // day 24
i haven’t been able to do much of anything else lately because i am so tired — that i only have enough innergy to complete 75 hard tasks. very irritated, annoyed, and exhausted. excited to indulge in my rewards that i owe myself for completing 3 weeks thus far. i think i may go to the spa — whatever i do has to be free or under $25.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 11, 2022 // day 25
taking time off to recharge my batteries the goal of the day. is to do nothing — period [with the exception of 75 hard]!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 12, 2022 // day 26
we’re still working on our task of recharging our batteries — our goal of doing nothing continues [with the exception of 75 hard].
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 13, 2022 // day 27
slowly easing my way back into a workflow. i am well rested and enjoyed my walk throughout the neighborhood. thank god for a little warm weather and daylight savings time. i love long days filled with light! oan: people are hilarious — it would do everyone good if we actually paid attention to things and read for understanding. if in doubt, ask questions to the person in charge!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 14, 2022 // day 28
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ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk ??? + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
WHAT DID I INDULGE IN FOR WEEK 4?
TAP THE PHOTOS BELOW FOR MORE INSIGHT, RECIPES, AND MORE!
WEEK 5
march 15, 2022 // day 29
tbd
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 16, 2022 // day 30
tbd
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 17, 2022 // day 31
tbd
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 18, 2022 // day 32
taking time off to recharge my batteries the goal of the day. is to do nothing — period [with the exception of 75 hard]!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 19, 2022 // day 33
we’re still working on our task of recharging our batteries — our goal of doing nothing continues [with the exception of 75 hard].
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 20, 2022 // day 34
slowly easing my way back into a workflow. i am well rested and enjoyed my walk throughout the neighborhood. thank god for a little warm weather and daylight savings time. i love long days filled with light! oan: people are hilarious — it would do everyone good if we actually paid attention to things and read for understanding. if in doubt, ask questions to the person in charge!
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 21, 2022 // day 35
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ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk ??? + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
WHAT DID I INDULGE IN FOR WEEK 5?
TAP THE PHOTOS BELOW FOR MORE INSIGHT, RECIPES, AND MORE!
WEEK 6
march 22, 2022 // day 36
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ps. my workout for the day included (1) tbd
march 23, 2022 // day 37
first day ever during this program that i have completed everything by 10p. i am beyond proud of myself. even was able to go to bed by 2am.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) gym fitness + (2) brisk walk around the neighborhood
march 24, 2022 // day 38
started my first workout even earlier today at 9:30a — making progress, but somehow the normal daily activities took over so i ended up going to to bed late again.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) gym fitness + (2) brisk walk around the neighborhood
march 25, 2022 // day 39
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ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 26, 2022 // day 40
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ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk to the lakefront + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 27, 2022 // day 41
i finally made time to pour into myself. date day fully loaded and the sun is shining bright. i treated myself to the untamed orchid show at the chicago botanic garden. i almost backed out so i could work all day, but i am so glad i didn’t. i need to reconnect with nature. the orchids had my heart racing — i was floored at the presentation of everything. i literally could not stop saying ‘oh my gosh’. the colors and patterns that they wear so naturally gave me a burst of creative inspiration. the greenhouse exhibits put me in a tropical place mentally. sun beaming on my facing and i just felt right at home. there was one section that would be the perfect backdrop for tying the knot. it was in that moment where i was reassured that my love will soon come. i saw it all so clearly — wedding in bali loading :)
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk around the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
march 28, 2022 // day 42
can’t believe i am wrapping up week 6. i am struggling today though. procrastination on high and i have so much work to get done for the black girl art show that will be held on Sunday, april 3rd. i am over all of it. tired of running to pee every hour. tired of the bloating from the water intake and being backed up because i just hate using public restrooms. tired of building my daily schedule around the tasks that need to be completed for 75 hard. just tired, but i know these feelings are only temporary — so i will feel them and allow them to breathe and then move forward because we have come too far to just give up.
ps. my workout for the day included (1) brisk speed walk the neighborhood + (2) hip+hop dance workout by mike peele
WHAT DID I INDULGE IN FOR WEEK 6?
TAP THE PHOTOS BELOW FOR MORE INSIGHT, RECIPES, AND MORE!
// remember \\
