Test day alert!

A test day is a day that challenges you more than your typical day. It’s a day when it seems like the universe is almost trying to fuck with you. You look around for the hidden cameras, as if you’re being punk’d. This can’t be actually happening, you’ll sometimes think to yourself. Today was definitely one of those days.

Yesterday, my day ended at 1am, as I had picked up an overtime shift. Just over two hours later, my day started today at 3:45 am, when I was jarred awake by my phone ringing. We had received another call for service and I was on call. I managed to wrap up the call by 5:30 am and I headed back home for an hour and a half of sleep, prior to the start of my shift today at 8:00 am.

On 3.5 hours of sleep, I skipped my morning walk and settled in with a cup of coffee and my book, Unreasonable Hospitality.

I arrived at work running on less than 4 hours of sleep and a ton of caffeine coursing through my body. I knew that today would be the ultimate test to see if I could complete the tasks of 75 Hard, not to mention the stress of work and other obligations. In my mind, though, there was never any doubt. I was going to win the day, regardless of how shitty I felt and how tired I was.

That’s exactly what I did. I have reached a point where regardless of external factors, how I feel or what’s going on, I vow to win the day. I will complete the things I said I was going to do. I refuse to break the promises I made to myself.

I worked out for 48 minutes in the gym. After work, I was running on fumes. I arrived home, picked up my dog Otto and we went for a 51 minute outdoor walk. He practically dragged me, but I got it done.

I came home, had supper with my family and then went to my room to work on my novel for 45 minutes. I played guitar, did my mobility work and am now sitting down to write this blog. I am mentally and physically exhausted. But I got my shit done. I completed the tasks of 75 Hard and I completed my Daily Mission.

This isn’t about bragging or grandstanding. It’s not about ego. I’m not saying that you should forego sleep to accomplish your goals. It’s not about any of that. It’s about showing you what’s possible. Life tried to tell me “no” today. But I said, “yes”. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to, as long as your mindset is right. I’m just a regular dude. But I refuse to be ordinary. I refuse to give up. I will win the day. It matters even more on days like today.

Test days. You learn to embrace them when they arrive. It’s about turning the shittiest of days into the best days. The hours are going to pass just the same. You might as well make the best of it.