It’s been a fairly tough first week of 75 Hard. Mostly because I’ve doubled my workouts and I’ve been sick all week. But I’m starting to feel better, which makes everything a little bit more manageable. I have zero doubt that I will complete the 75 days, after getting through the first seven days. I want this bad enough and will make sure I get my tasks done every single day. We’ll see what life has in store for me. There’s always another test around the corner. Bring it on.

I am a creature of habit and my habits are slowly changing to match the program. As mentioned before, I already do most of what the program is asking of me. The program is just asking that I be 100% consistent with those habits.

As for the alcohol side of things, I haven’t had a single craving for a drink. Now that I’m locked into the program, I know it’s off limits and I don’t spend much time thinking about it. I’ve also been sick, which may play a factor in this.

My 12 year old son had friends over for a birthday party sleepover last night. They had pizza and cake, while my wife and I cooked a healthy dinner for ourselves. After cutting the cake and dishing out the slices to everyone, my immediate instincts was to lick the icing off of the knife I used to cut the cake. I resisted the urge. While cutting the cake, I got some icing on my hand as well and went to lick it off. I caught myself before doing so. It’s weird what kind of habits we have. My brain was trying to will me to just take one bite, even without knowing it. Luckily, I passed the test. I’m not going to ruin 7 days of hard work for one bite of icing.

After 7-10 days, the “extreme cold warning” is finally coming to an end, which will make the outdoor workouts a bit easier. I actually liked the feeling of working out outside, in the freezing temperatures, while sick. It’s a very strong feeling to know that you are the only one out there putting in the work, while everyone else is likely still in the warm comfort of their own bed. It builds character. It builds self-confidence.

Excuses are a dime a dozen. It’s cold. I’m sick. It’s early. My back hurts. I have a lot planned for today. Whatever. I still showed up and got it done. That is how you build mental toughness and self-confidence. It’s not about breaking promises to yourself. It’s about showing up, even when you have every excuse not to. That is the main lesson I learned this week. Onward to week 2.

Oh, and I launched a book yesterday. If reading is your thing, I’d be honoured if you checked it out.