Every few years, 75Hard crawls back out of the algorithm like a bad horror movie remake. The marketing is always the same: discipline, toughness, transformation. And once again, people jump in. I’ve even seen respected coaches promote it, sometimes paired with intermittent fasting, as if that’s a normal add-on.
Here’s the problem:
It’s not discipline. It’s punishment.
It’s not toughness. It’s rigidity.
It’s not transformation. It’s unsustainable.
But let’s be real — some of you are going to do it anyway. And if you are, I’d rather see you approach it in a way that sets you up for growth, not just another crash-and-burn cycle.
Why People Say Yes to 75Hard
If you’re tempted, you’re not alone. Athletes crave routine, accountability, and a sense of accomplishment. The most common reasons sound like this:
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“I need structure and accountability.” A checklist feels safer than trusting yourself.
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“I need a reset.” After slipping off track, extremes feel like the fastest way back.
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“I want to challenge myself.” The badge of honor is appealing.
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“I need to lose weight fast.” Restriction looks like a shortcut.
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“It worked for my friend/coach/influencer.” Stories trump stats.
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“I can do anything for 75 days.” The long-term consequences get ignored.
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“Moderation doesn’t work for me.” Rigidity feels easier than practicing flexibility.
These aren’t bad reasons. They’re human. But they reveal blind spots that deserve attention.
The Hidden Blind Spots Nobody Talks About
What’s dangerous about 75Hard isn’t just what’s on the checklist — it’s what’s missing.
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Mistaking hard for effective. Extreme ≠ sustainable.
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Chasing validation instead of results. “Day 32 of 75Hard” looks good online, but does it serve your goals?
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Ignoring individuality. What worked for your buddy at 30 might break you at 45.
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Forgetting recovery. Two workouts a day + restricted fuel = a debt you can’t outrun.
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Misaligned with real goals. Does this actually help you run faster, get stronger, feel better?
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Confusing discipline with deprivation. Showing up consistently matters more than grinding yourself down.
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Believing in the “afterward illusion”. Without a plan, most people rebound hard on day 76.
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Overlooking the privilege baked in. Most people don’t have the time or resources for ~2.5 hrs/day of training.
How to Do 75Hard Without Letting It Do You
If you’re going to take it on, here’s how to make it work in your favor.
1. Choose Workouts That Support Recovery
Don’t crush yourself twice a day. Make one session active recovery: walking, yoga, mobility, or easy cycling. Growth comes from balancing effort with recovery.
2. Fuel Like an Athlete, Not a Dieter
Doubling your output means doubling down on fueling. Skip the intermittent fasting. Eat balanced meals with carbs, protein, and fats. Under-fueling is sabotage, not discipline.
3. Hydrate With Purpose
Yes, water matters. But if you’re sweating daily, electrolytes are just as important. Don’t guzzle plain water and call it good.
4. Read Books That Actually Change Your Thinking
One requirement is 10 pages a day. Use it wisely. Instead of hype, choose books that challenge your views on discipline, recovery, and sustainability....
On Discipline & Habits (without the self-punishment)
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Atomic Habits – James Clear
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Do Hard Things – Steve Magness
On Recovery & Resilience
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Good to Go – Christie Aschwanden
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Peak Performance – Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness
On Body Awareness & Compassion
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The Practice of Groundedness – Brad Stulberg
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When the Body Says No – Gabor Mate, MD
On Sustainable Motivation
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Endure – Alex Hutchinson
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Burnout – Emily & Amelia Nagoski
As you read, ask yourself:
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What belief about discipline is being challenged?
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What am I learning about rest or recovery?
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How can I carry this forward after the 75 days?
5. Reflect Daily, Not Just Check Boxes
Use the journaling/photo piece to capture how you actually feel — tired, proud, resentful, energized. Awareness is more powerful than a streak.
6. Define Your “After”
Don’t wait until day 76 to decide what’s next. Plan how you’ll carry forward the useful pieces and leave the extremes behind.
If you’re going to do 75Hard, let it be a bridge — not a trap. Use it to explore what discipline really means, to rethink how you recover, and to practice habits that last longer than a hashtag.
Because the real flex isn’t 75 days of rigidity.
It’s years of consistent training, fueled well, recovered smart, and lived fully.
And, if 75Hard feels too rigid but you’re craving structure, accountability, and real progress, there’s a better way. My #95toThrive Program is built to help you rebuild your mindset and habits without shame, punishment, or all-or-nothing rules.
Instead of surviving 75 days, you’ll learn how to thrive through 95 days of:
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Flexible structure you can actually live with
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Tools to reframe your mindset around consistency and compassion
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Sustainable habits that stick — even when life throws curveballs
This isn’t about proving how tough you are for a short streak. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and a training mindset that lasts long after the program ends.
👉 Check out #95toThrive here and start moving toward the kind of discipline that doesn’t burn you out — it builds you up.