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75 Hard Phase 2…DONE!
Friday was the last day of 75H Phase 2 for me. Overall it was a great experience. I’ve started adding more weights, and I’m introducing the stationary bike to my cardio regimen.
For those not familiar with Phase 2 of the 75 Hard Program, It is identical to the initial stage of 75 Hard, but instead of 75 days, you perform the tasks for 30 days. The DAILY TASKS you must complete are: two 45-minute workouts a day (one has to be outside); follow a diet; drink a gallon of water; read 10 pages of a personal development book; no alcohol; take a daily progress picture of yourself; and NO CHEATING!
This round was actually pretty easy. My mind and body have grown accustomed to the workouts and diet…so this phase was pretty much a piece of cake. The only problem I had was reminding myself to enter the completed tasks on the 75H app (which is not a requirement). There were 3-4 days when I woke up to find Andy on the app with his arms crossed making me swear I had completed the tasks (which I had) and that I wasn’t cheating myself (which I wasn’t).
I started Phase 2 wanting to read the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. It was a great choice. I believe everyone should read this book. It has so many great strategies for life! From communication tactics to continuous improvement methods. This book is a great resource for anyone wanting to make life better!
Going into Phase 2, I decided to up my calorie count. At this stage, I’m really not as focused on weight loss as I am on getting healthier. With that being said, I still lost weight…but not intentionally. I’m working on building lean muscle (as opposed to bulk). IF (when) the “zombies” attack, I want to be ready. I’m targeting more protein intake.
I am also preparing for a major mountain bike ride in July (more about that later), so I’ve been slowly adding in stationary bike workouts instead of walking for cardio. My butt hurts y’all!
Water intake was on point. I would have thought that my body would have adjusted to the amount of fluids I’m taking in…but no such luck. I’m doing the pee-pee dance all the time. My progress selfie is second nature at this point…no problems there. And I really don’t miss the alcohol. Since starting the overall “Live Hard Program” (the yearlong program that kicks off with 75 Hard), I’ve had maybe 4 adult beverages…maybe.
With reference to weight loss, after completing Phase 2, I’m down to 264.8 pounds. I started the 30-day phase at 271.2. Again, I’m not trying to lose weight…it’s simply a byproduct at this point. Overall, I’m down 185.8 pounds since starting my health journey on May 15, 2022 (10 1/2 months ago).
Bottom Line Y’all…
I’ve now got 15 days off before starting the final stage of the Live Hard Program (Phase 3). It has been challenging, HARD, difficult…but a complete blessing and the catalyst for a new healthy lifestyle. Bring on the next Phase!
Make sure to follow this blog for more on this life-changing journey. Blessings y’all!
~Mitch
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Embrace THE SUCK!
Let’s face it! Sometimes…LIFE SUCKS
We often encounter setbacks, difficulties, and disappointments. If we’re honest…on the daily! However, as challenging as these “sucky” experiences may be, they can teach us valuable lessons and strengthen our character. If we are going to rise above in our efforts to reach peak performance in whatever we do, we need to understand the lessons that embracing “the suck” teaches us, like resilience. Resilience” is a fundamental concept that can help us develop greater resilience and spiritual growth.
As I read the bible, I experience stories of people who faced adversity, yet persevered through faith and determination. One such example is Job, who endured incredible hardship and loss, but ultimately remained steadfast in his faith. In James 1:2-4, we are reminded that “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of viewing trials and hardships (the experiences of life that suck) as opportunities for growth and learning. When we face challenges, we must rely on our inner strength, perseverance…and faith, Our faith can ultimately help us develop greater resilience and maturity. As we embrace “the suck” and lean into the challenges we face, we become better equipped to handle future obstacles and challenges.
Moreover, the Bible also teaches us to trust in God’s plan and purpose for our lives, even in the face of adversity. In Romans 8:28, we are told that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even during hard times, we can find comfort and hope in the knowledge that God is working all things together for our ultimate good.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Embracing the parts of life that suck and recognizing the value of hardships is a critical component of spiritual growth and resilience. Through our faith, we are called to view trials as opportunities for growth and to trust in God’s plan for our lives. As we learn to lean into our troubles and face challenges with faith and determination, we become stronger, more resilient individuals who are better equipped to handle whatever life may throw our way.
~Mitch
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Do The Freaking Thing!!!
As Christians, we are called to a life of purpose, service, and action. We are instructed to love our neighbors, to care for the vulnerable, and to seek justice for the oppressed. Yet, all too often, we find ourselves putting things off and making excuses for why we can’t do the things we know we should be doing.
In this post, we’re going to explore the importance of taking action and doing the freaking thing, from a Christian perspective.
Stop Making Excuses
Excuses are easy to make. We convince ourselves that we don’t have the time, the resources, or the ability to do the things we know we should be doing. We tell ourselves that we’ll start tomorrow, or next week, or next month. But tomorrow never comes, and our good intentions remain just that – intentions.
As Christians, we know that we are not called to a life of excuses. We are called to a life of action. In James 1:22, we are instructed to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. We are called to put our faith into action, to love and serve others, and to use our gifts and talents to make a difference in the world.
Stop Putting Things Off
Procrastination is another trap that we often fall into. We tell ourselves that we’ll do something later, when we have more time or when we feel more motivated. But the reality is that putting things off only leads to more stress, more anxiety, and more missed opportunities.
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of our time and our resources. We are reminded in Ephesians 5:16 to make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. We are called to seize the day, to live with purpose and intention, and to use our time wisely.
Do The Freaking Thing
So, how do we break free from the cycle of excuses and procrastination? We do the freaking thing. We take action, even when we don’t feel like it. We make a plan, set goals, and take small steps towards our objectives. We trust in God’s guidance and strength to help us overcome our fears and doubts, and we rely on our faith to give us the courage to step out in faith.
In Philippians 4:13, we are reminded that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. With God’s help, we can overcome our tendencies towards excuses and procrastination, and we can live a life of purpose, service, and action.
Bottom Line Y’all…
As Christians, we are called to be doers of the word, not just hearers. We are called to make the most of every opportunity, to live with purpose and intention, and to use our time and resources wisely. So, let’s stop making excuses, stop putting things off, and start doing the freaking thing. Let’s trust in God’s guidance and strength, and let’s live a life that honors Him and serves others.
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Yummy Veggies And meats And Wine And More On This Weekend’s Farmers Market Trip!
Saturdays are for exploring and discovering new things, and we hit the jackpot at the Round Rock Farmers Market and the Wolf Ranch Farmers Market! As always, we were blown away by the amazing produce, meats, wines, and coffee that we found, and we just had to share our experience with you.
First up, the produce. We couldn’t get enough of the fresh, colorful, and flavorful fruits and vegetables that were on display. From juicy strawberries to crisp cucumbers, there was something for every taste and preference.
Next, the meats. We’re talking about pasture-raised beef, pork, chicken, and more, all sourced from local farms. The quality and flavor are unmatched, and we stocked up on enough meat to last us for weeks! Thank you to @edamieranch and @bigblueskyfarm Y’all always bless us with amazing beef, pork, and chicken.
And let’s not forget about the wine. We were pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the wines available at the markets, and we even got to chat with some of the winemakers and learn about their production methods. Shout out to @texasexitswine
Of course, no farmers market experience is complete without a good cup of coffee, and we were thrilled to discover some amazing local roasters serving up some seriously delicious brews.
Last but not least, we have to give a shoutout to the incredible vendors we met along the way. From passionate farmers and ranchers to talented artisans and bakers, these folks put their heart and soul into their craft, and it shows in the quality of their products.
All in all, we had an unforgettable weekend exploring the @farmergeorge.market (Round Rock Farmers Market) and the @WolfRanchFarmersMarket. We highly recommend checking them out if you’re in the area – your taste buds will thank you! 🍓🥩🍷☕️👨🌾👩🍳
farmersmarketlove #localproduce #pastureraisedmeat #winetasting #coffeetime #supportlocalbusinesses
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Produce Stand Haul (3-25-23): Tomatoes, Dog Treats, and Squash Oh My!
🍅🌽🥜 Fresh produce alert! We stopped by Eli’s Roadside Produce and picked up some amazing goodies, including juicy tomatoes, crispy squash, and delicious in-shell peanuts. If you’re looking for top-quality, locally-grown produce, Eli’s is definitely the place to go! Plus, Eli and Joel…and charming atmosphere…make the shopping experience even more enjoyable. Don’t miss out on the chance to support a local business and stock up on the freshest produce around.
5230 US-79 Round Rock, TX 78664#Eli’sRoadsideProduce #FreshProduce #LocalBusiness #SupportLocal #Tomatoes #Squash #InShellPeanuts #HealthyEating #FarmFresh
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Unlocking Your Full Potential: The Best You Is Yet To Come
Unlocking Your Full Potential: The Best You Is Yet To Come
Are you feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your life? Are you looking to make positive changes but unsure where to start? The good news is that the best version of yourself is still waiting to be unleashed. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of self-improvement and how you can unlock your full potential to become the best version of yourself.
Embrace Change
One of the biggest obstacles to unlocking your full potential is being afraid of change. However, change is essential for growth and self-improvement. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a new challenge, or letting go of old habits, embracing change can open up a world of opportunities for you. Embracing change can be challenging, but it’s a crucial first step to unlocking your full potential.
Set Goals/Milestones
Setting goals is an essential part of unlocking your full potential. Without a clear sense of direction, it’s easy to get sidetracked and lose focus. By setting specific, achievable goals, you can create a roadmap for success and stay motivated along the way. Your goals should be aligned with your values and aspirations, and you should break them down into smaller, achievable steps to make them less overwhelming.
Believe In Yourself
Believing in yourself is one of the most critical aspects of unlocking your full potential. Self-doubt and negative self-talk can be major roadblocks on the path to success. By cultivating a positive mindset and embracing your strengths, you can overcome any obstacle. Remember, you are capable of achieving great things, and your belief in yourself can take you far.
Create a Plan of Action
Once you’ve embraced change, set goals, and believe in yourself, it’s time to create a plan of action. This means taking consistent action towards your goals, no matter how small the steps may seem. It’s also important to stay accountable and track your progress to keep yourself motivated and on track. Celebrate your successes along the way, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go according to plan.
Bottom Line Y’all
Unlocking your full potential and becoming the best version of yourself is a journey, not a destination. By embracing change, setting goals, believing in yourself, and taking consistent action towards your goals, you can unlock your full potential and achieve the success you’ve always dreamed of. Remember, the best version of yourself is yet to come, and it’s up to you to make it happen. Start today by taking the first step towards your goals and unlocking your full potential.
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God Is In The Refining Business…Let Him Do His Work!
It’s real easy to get into the headspace of, “Why does God hate me? Why am I going through this (these) hardship(s)?”
I call that “Stinkin’ Thinkin’”.
God doesn’t hate you! He loves you! He would not have sent His son to die for you if he had even the smallest inkling of hate for you (and me). He wants to have a relationship with you and He wants to see you succeed. It’s not comprehensible for anyone to sacrifice so much for someone they “hate”. So go ahead and let the “God hates me” thoughts exit stage left!!!
But God “hated” Esau (Malachi 1:2 and 3) and Jesus tells us that we must “hate” our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children if we are to come to God as disciples (Luke 14:26). WHAT?
To be clear, I believe God is saying that he preferred Jacob over Esau (hate is used as a hyperbole). Jacob brought joy to God and Esau didn’t…so He blessed Jacob…not Esau. Why? That’s between God and Esau. That’s above my pay grade. Talk to your pastor about that…it’s probably deserves a more in depth dive than I have time for here in this post.
And Jesus, In Luke 14, is saying that all else must take a back seat to our love for, and honor to, God! He’s not using “hate” in the since of, “I hate your GUTS!!!”, but hate…as in place our ultimate adoration on God…not others.
God does not make mistakes…and God made you (and me). THUS…we are not mistakes that He “hates”.
“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. ~Isaiah 54:10
In those times when it feels like the whole world is against us, that is when we are being “refined”. Like precious metal in the furnace. After the furnace, all of the impurities are taken away and what is left is a precious and complete beautiful precious work of art. That’s you and me!
The trials and tribulations we are experiencing are making us stronger, wiser, and a more equipped person. Once through the storm, we are more powerful and experienced…which make us more productive to God…and the people He brings onto our path.
Bottom Line Y’all…
I encourage you to pay attention to the “hard times” when you are in the midst of adversity! That’s when God is doing some awesome work! Know that once He is finished, we will be prepared to help others who are going through the same problems. We’ll be able to look back and be encouraged when we find ourselves in the midst of other trials because we’ve witnessed God’s awesome refining process…and we know we’ll be better for the experience!
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ~James 1:2-4
God doesn’t hate you! He loves you! Let Him do His work in you! You’ll be a much stronger person when He’s done!
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We Must Stop Waiting For The Stars To Align And Start Making Life Happen! Stop Waiting For Your Ship To Come In And Swim Out To It!
How often have we told ourselves, “Once ________ happens, I’m going to _______!”
That is “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” right there!
Sadly, that was my thought process for roughly 25 years of my life! Especially as it related to health and wellness.
I’d tell myself, “Once I save enough money to buy a weight set (or get my budget under control so I can join a gym), I’m going to start working out!” OR, “Once I’ve researched enough information and discovered the perfect diet, I’m gonna start losing weight!” AND MY ALL-TIME GO TO… “Once January 1st gets here, I’m gonna start rebuilding my life!”
My intentions were sincere, but at the end of the day, I knew there would be a “waiting game” element to my strategy, and that I’d be able to “do life as I always had” until whatever motivator finally came to fruition! That was a horrible strategy.
9 times out of 10 I would get tired of waiting for the stars to align, give up on my plans, and continue leading the unhealthy lifestyle I was accustomed to!
Sound familiar?
Unfortunately a large number of Americans (dare I say, a majority of Americans) utilize this exact strategy on the daily! We’re so sure that at some point all of the beneficial conditions we so desperately need will magically fall into place, and we’ll finally be able to start getting our life on track.
Reality Check: The parameters that have to fall into place so that we can begin to change our lives for the better RARELY FALL INTO PLACE ON THEIR OWN!
We’ve got to stop waiting for our ship(s) to come in. It hardly ever (IF EVER) makes it to Port. Those “perfect conditions” that we’ve convinced ourselves we need to improve may take weeks, months, years, even decades to come. That’s weeks, months, years, and decades of us doing nothing to improve our current situation(s).
Here’s an idea! INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR OUR SHIP TO COME IN…SWIM OUT TO IT!!!
In other words, with your own hands, mind, and soul, CREATE the conditions that are needed to improve ourselves!
I don’t need a weight set or a gym membership…I can do pushups on the floor, pullups on the porch with a tree limb, and I can do cardio (walking or running) ALL. DAY. LONG. Waiting for a weight set or a gym membership is simply an excuse we give ourselves when we don’t want to put in the work!
And researching the “perfect diet”…really! I can’t tell you how many fad diets I’ve done over the course of the past 25(ish) years in an effort to lose weight. All the while the “perfect” diet was in front of me the whole time. Heck…it was taught to us from the day we entered first grade until we graduated high school. Our football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, and P.E. coaches (as well as health teachers…AND PARENTS) tried to tell us…but we just wouldn’t listen.
What did they say time and time again? Eat Healthy AND Exercise!!! Boom! There’s your “magic pill”. You want to improve your health? 1) Eat Healthy; and 2) Exercise. That’s it! Nothing Else! That is how you start improving your lifestyle and pivoting from a life that is leading to an early grave.
The same holds true for our finances. Stop waiting for the big promotion or the advanced degree pursuit to come to an end that will magically add monthly revenue to your bank account. Go get a second job…or better yet, start a side business that might have the potential to become an amazing full-time business. We can also learn how to better manage the money we currently have. Swim out to that ship!
We can also apply this to relationships. It’s sad to say, but sometimes…on rare occasion…we find ourselves in a toxic relationship. Someone takes advantage of us…and they continue doing so. We tell ourselves, “Someday he/she will seek counseling or break their addiction and things will turn around for the better. Then he/she will be more enjoyable to be around.” But sometimes “someday” takes longer than expected to happen (if it ever does). We have to come to the realization that “that ship” may never come in. We may need to be motivator that encourage them to seek the help they need. Swim out to that ship!
Bottom Line Y’all…
It’s important to have patience, sure. Patience is a skill we all need…but patience doesn’t mean we sit around doing nothing. We’ve covered this in a previous post. Always work toward your milestones. Be still and listen to hear what God is telling you…and work!
This truth hold true to our walk with Christ too. Instead of waiting (hoping) for a chance to share the good news of Jesus Christ, we should make the most of every moment. Talk about Christ. Blog about Christ. Profess Christ to any and everyone who will listen. We live in evil times…and folks need Jesus. Tell them about Him NOW! Don’t wait for that opportunity to present itself…create the opportunity! Swim out to that ship!
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” ~Ephesians 5:15-16
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Stop Blaming And Start Claiming! Claim The Awesomeness Within And Rise Above!
We see it every day. Folks blaming their current situation on genetics, a rough childhood, or natural disasters. As a teacher, I see it more than most as that particular character trait is passed on to the younger generation. Let’s face it, there are things we experience on the daily that we have no control over. We can’t “fix” the atrocities past generations did. We can’t “reverse” the heinous things that happened to us as a child. We can’t “negate” the damage last month’s earthquake had on the men, women, and children of Turkey. Each of those things might have horrible consequences and should be analyzed for future reference…but we can’t change them. So what do we do? WE RISE ABOVE THEM!
We are all going to go through trials and tribulations throughout our life. It’s biblical…and it’s natural. But why are there some people who seem to be able to let the bad stuff “roll off there back”? What makes successful people seem as if they are immune to such circumstances? If you’re saying, “Yeah! That’s not fair!” then that is part of the problem. Things that happen that are beyond our control have nothing to do with “fairness”. They just happen. The quicker we learn that and come to terms with it, the quicker we can begin to rise above our situation.
We currently live in a time in history like no other. It today’s society, we have people (the number is actually very small…but they’re loud so they get news coverage) who would rather pin the blame for their current circumstances on anybody…but themselves. BUT WAIT! IF these things that happen are out of their control, how they blame themselves? BECASUE, when things happen that are beyond our control AND we sit and wallow around in pity and “woe is me” mentality, we are doing nobody any good…especially ourselves. We’re only compounding the problem. We must stop doing this. Unfortunately, it’s easier to blame other people or circumstances than address and rise above the problem.
What our grandparents, great grandparents, or great-great-grandparents did has nothing to do with us. Their mistakes yesterday don’t define us today! Likewise, being raised in an abusive household has a child, although horrible, does not keep us from being successful members of society who help others going through the same situation(s). At the end of the day, as hard a pill as this is to swallow…those are excuses. We have to stop making excuses for our unhealthy habits, financial woes, and mental anxiety.
“But you’ve never had any really bad experiences!” Screw you! If we’re honest, we all have had experiences that are horrible in some form or fashion. The loss of a loved one. Being fired from our dream job. Making a bad investment that wipes out our family’s financial security. We’ve been there! The difference is where some people seek attention and spotlight their predicament, others quietly bust their @$$ to make their life better and rise above the situation.
How can we begin the process of “rising above”?
First, we need to stop pondering the bad and start realizing the good! We lost our job, but we still have our health, our family, and our friends. We had a heart attack but we made it through with some residual effects…you’re still alive to tell the tale. The flood took our house, but insurance will replace most of what we lost…and our family is safe!
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
Second, we need to start identifying others who have been in similar circumstances and research how they made it through. There are countless stories, blog posts, and news articles of people who have lost much and still have a smile on their face. Use their story to create a strategy that we can attempt in our own life.
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. ~ Proverbs 3:13
Third, we need to start creating new habits. A big part of the reason we continue to find ourselves focusing on the negative aspects of our situation and getting angry, anxious, and worrisome is that we’ve made “focusing on the situation” a daily ritual. We need to replace old harmful habits with positive productive habits!
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ~ Philippians 4:8
It’s time we stop blaming and start claiming! Claiming the good and ignoring the bad. Claiming our strengths and denying our weaknesses. Claiming the precious life God wants us to have and kicking Satan in the balls when he tries to convince us otherwise! We gotta start finding the beauty in the ugly. Stop playing the blame game. And take control (and responsibility) for the outcome of our life. Our life (and the lives of our loved ones) depends on it.
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. ~ Habakkuk 3:17-19
~Mitch
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Live Hard Phase 2 Starts Today! AND… What Is This Whole 75 Hard / Live Hard Thang You Keep Talking About?
Today (March 2nd, 2023) is the first day of 75 Hard: Phase 2 for me! I’m excited. I love this program and the whole philosophy of thought that went into the whole experience. If you’re not familiar with 75 Hard OR the Live Hard Program, I encourage you to check it out, and it’s creator (Andy Frisella), HERE.
First off, I want can’t stress this enough…THIS PROGRAM IS ABSOLUTELY FREE! It costs you ZERO…ZILCH…NADA! Sure, you can purchase Andy’s book, 75 Hard: The Tactical Guide To Winning The War With Yourself, but…you don’t have to. You can also purchase the 75 Hard App for your phone (which helps you track you progress while on the program), but you don’t have to. You can do and learn everything about this program by simply reading Andy’s website OR any number of blog posts, social media posts, or articles on the subject. Just Google “75 Hard”. You can also listen to, and follow, Andy’s “Real AF” podcast. Great information over there as well. (*Note: If you have sensitive ears…be aware…Andy’s language is…well…colorful!)
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS THE LIVE HARD PROGRAM?
Glad you asked. The Live Hard Program was designed by Andy Frisella to help people cultivate the best version of themselves. The overall program is broken down into 4 parts: 75 Hard, Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3.
75 HARD:
The first part of the Live Hard Program is 75 Hard. During 75 Hard, participants must: 1) Follow a diet; 2) Do two 45-minute workouts (one must be outside); 3) Take a progress picture; 4) Read 10 pages of a self-help book; 5) Drink a gallon of water; AND 6) NO CHEAT MEALS OR ALCOHOL! All 6 of these tasks must be done EVERY DAY FOR 75 DAYS!
By following a diet, you begin to condition yourself to live a nutritionally healthy lifestyle. I’ve chosen to count calories. It’s been amazing. My family and I have also agreed that we want to get rid of as many processed foods and preservatives as possible, so we’ve been doing the majority of our grocery shopping at local Farmers Markets and Produce Stands. Our overall diet has changed drastically, and the improvements to health from these changes have been phenomenal.
The workouts you do can be any workout (cardio, strength, yoga, etc.) you want. The only stipulation is that you must perform one of the workouts OUTSIDE! Andy is big on getting outside. We live in a society that does too much INSIDE! Another reason for the outside workout is so that we will get accustomed to working through change. I’ve learned to workout in 110 degree temperatures and in 17 degree snowing weather. We can’t let things outside of our control keep us from doing our best…or getting better!
The progress picture does just that…it helps you to better document your health progress. I didn’t realize how beneficial this task was. It’s one thing to see the physical changes on a scale, but it brings a whole new dimension to the process when you can see the changes day by day. (*Note…I take both a front pic (which is expected) AND a side picture. Seeing the body transformation from the side is huge!*)
Reading 10 pages of a self help or non-fiction book has been the hardest part of the whole process…but it’s been the most rewarding. As a person with dyslexia, reading is one of my LEAST FAVORITE things in the world to do. BUT…I’ve learned to overcome my dislike for reading because of the amount of knowledge I’ve gained over the past 9 months. I actually look forward to reading now. I still struggle (when my brain corrects the mistakes it makes as it reads I get tired…fast), but I push through because I love the acquired knowledge I gain as I read. I read mostly Christian themed books, so my relationship with Christ has grown at a rapid rate. I also read quite a few self development books, and they help my overall performance and interaction with others. The reason for this task is to help the person taking part in the Live Hard Program (or 75 Hard) to grow their knowledge base. As we gain wisdom, we gain confidence. As we gain confidence, we begin to hold ourselves to a higher standard. As we hold ourselves to a higher standard, success (in whatever we do) comes easier because we can better think on our feet and adjust our strategies as needed to meet and exceed the tasks at hand.
OK…I lied. The drinking of the gallon of water is the hardest part. Y’all…if you choose to do 75 Hard (and then Live Hard), you’re gonna pee A LOT!!! But, it keeps your hydration levels up, it curbs your appetite, and it improves the health of your skin. ‘Nuff Said!
The “No Cheating” is a “No Brainer”! If you cheat on any part of the program, you’ll let yourself down. Even if you never tell anyone you cheated and you let them think you did the entire program correctly…you’ll know…and you’ll hate yourself for it. The “No Alcohol” aspect has actually not been hard at all. Living clean has been a blessing.
Phases 1, 2, and 3 must be completed within one year of starting 75 Hard. It has been my observation that most people who complete 75 Hard do not go on to do the entire Live Hard Program. The benefits of 75 Hard alone are amazing and extremely beneficial to anyone who completes the program. It’s worth noting here, 75 Hard and the Live Hard Program ARE NOT A WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM!!! What it does is challenges you to begin to think differently. As you progress through the 75 days, you will start noticing a mindset shift. You begin to better understand your limits…and how to put habits and strategies in place to push through those limits. It is a physical and mental fitness program. For my 10 pages of reading, I focus on Christian teachings, so for me, 75 Hard (and the Live Hard Program) has been a physical, mental, AND SPIRITUAL fitness program. It’s been amazing!
PHASE 1:
In Phase 1, participants of the Live Hard Program perform the exact same tasks as we did in 75 Hard, BUT we add A) A 5 minute cold shower each day; B) 10 minutes of self visualization; and C) 3 Daily Tasks! This is done for 30 days (not 75). The reason for the 5 minute cold shower is to make yourself uncomfortable. Life throws us into uncomfortable situations all the time. Most of us get discouraged, anxious, angry, or fearful when we enter a situations that is uncomfortable and we generally quit whatever task we are pursuing. The cold shower helps us to better understand that we can handle discomfort. The 10 minutes of self visualization help us to better plan for our future. For me, it allows me to create a roadmap to success. As I visualize, I begin to see how I will accomplish certain tasks that will help me conquer and crush my milestones. This is a lifelong skill as my milestones are always being crushed and new ones (more beneficial ones) take there place. And the 3 daily tasks are created to help us begin to establish good habits that will help us be more successful in all we do.
PHASE 2:
Phase 2 has the exact same tasks as 75 Hard. No extra tasks…only the original 6 tasks. The only stipulation is that it MUST be done 30 days AFTER Phase 1. The purpose for this is so that you practice patience and build the skill of waiting. What happens in that 30 days between Phase 1 and Phase 2 is up to you…but I’d suggest maintaining the habits you acquired in Phase 1 and 75 Hard. Maybe you don’t workout twice a day every day…but you need to workout on a regular basis. Phase 2 only lasts 30 days. As of the writing of this post…I started Phase 2 today!
PHASE 3:
Phase 3 MUST start 30 days before the one year anniversary of you starting 75 Hard. In other words, the last day of Phase 3 will be exactly a year from the time you started 75 Hard. Live Hard is a year long process. Phase 3 includes all of the tasks that happen in Phase 1 PLUS you have to have a complete conversation (not “Hi! How are you?”) with a random stranger (someone you’ve never met before) AND you must perform a random act of kindness (that must be journaled). This gets you used to stepping outside your comfort zone… and it allows you to work on your interpersonal skills.
So there is, in a very brief nutshell, what I’ve been doing for the better part of a year. I can’t wait to see the overall results on May 15th of this year when I complete the Live Hard Program. I’m not just talking about the weight loss, which is a welcome benefit, but more importantly the new man the program has helped me to become. The mindset shift, the fitness regimen, the overall lifestyle reset, and most importantly…the greater focus on all things Jesus! I can’t wait to see what God does through the new Mitch in the coming months…years…decades! Blessings.
~Mitch
Pivot Then Live It: The Blog
Mitch Fairchild 
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