The 75 Challenge: Hard, Medium, and Soft Versions
If you’ve been on social media recently, chances are you’ve heard about the 75 Hard Challenge. It’s gained a lot of popularity and with good reason. But if you’re feeling unsure about diving headfirst into it, you’re not alone. This post will break down what it is, why it’s such a big deal for transforming your mind, body, and soul, and how you can modify it to suit your personal journey.
Whether you’re ready for the full-blown hard version or prefer something more sustainable, I got you!
What Is the 75 Hard Challenge?
Created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella, the 75 Hard Challenge is not just your typical fitness program. It’s marketed as a mental toughness challenge designed to push you out of your comfort zone in every way. It’s as much about strengthening your mindset as it is about shaping your body. The idea is simple: complete a list of daily tasks for 75 days without slipping up. And if you miss a day? Well, you’ve got to start all over again. (Yup, all the way back to day one.)
Rules for 75 Hard
Two 45-minute workouts
(One must be outdoors, no matter the weather).
Read 10 pages of a non-fiction/self-development book
Drink a gallon of water every day
Follow a diet
(Any diet of your choice, but no cheat meals and no alcohol).
Take a daily progress photo
Why Is It a Mind, Body, and Soul Challenge?
Let’s be real: At first glance, this challenge might just seem like another fitness trend. But the 75 Hard Challenge is actually a full-blown lifestyle shift. It’s all about self-discipline, and trust me—your mind, body, and soul are going to go through some major transformations if you stick with it.
Here’s why:
- Mind: The challenge forces you to commit to a routine without compromise. That means you’re going to strengthen your mental resilience. When you complete the tasks daily, you’re training your mind to push through discomfort and excuses. You’re also feeding your brain with knowledge and insights from the 10 pages of reading daily, which helps build that growth mindset we all love.
- Body: The physical aspect speaks for itself. Two workouts a day for 75 days straight? Your body is going to change. But more importantly, this consistency helps you build respect for your body. You’re choosing to fuel it with healthy food, move it daily, and hydrate it properly. Your body becomes stronger not just because of the workouts but because you’re learning to care for it on a deeper level.
- Soul: The soul transformation comes in when you begin to realize that you are in control of your own growth. There’s a shift that happens when you start holding yourself accountable. You start to build trust with yourself, and that’s one of the most powerful changes you can make. Plus, the forced outdoor workouts connect you with nature, which we all know is like a little soul cleanse every day.
What If 75 Hard Feels… Too Hard?
Look, 75 Hard is intense. It’s not designed to be easy. But here’s the deal: Personal development isn’t one-size-fits-all. Maybe you want to transform, but the rigidity of 75 Hard feels like a lot right now. That’s okay! Let’s talk about some softer approaches.
75 Medium: The Balanced Approach
Maybe you’re ready for a challenge but not quite the military-style discipline. Enter: 75 Medium. This version allows you to still push yourself but with more flexibility.
Rules for 75 Medium
Two 30-minute workouts
(One must be outdoors, no matter the weather).
Read 10 pages of a non-fiction or fiction book
Drink ¾ gallon of water every day
(That’s about 96 oz)
Follow a balanced diet
1-2 flexible meals per week
Take a weekly progress pic
This version keeps the spirit of the challenge while allowing a bit more breathing room. You’ll still experience a major mindset shift, but you won’t feel quite as rigidly locked into the routine.
75 Soft: Gentle Growth
Okay, let’s be real: life happens. Maybe you’ve got a lot on your plate, or you’re in a season of needing gentleness with yourself. That’s where 75 Soft comes in—a way to honor the intention of self-discipline and growth without burning yourself out.
Rules for 75 Soft
One 30-minute workout
Outdoor not required, just move your body daily.
Read 5 pages of a non-fiction or fiction book
Drink 1/2 gallon of water every day
Eat intuitively
Make healthy choices, but allow for treats and comfort meals when needed.
Progress pics are optional
75 Soft focuses on building habits without the all-or-nothing mindset. You can still experience growth and transformation, but you’re doing it on your terms, and at your pace.
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no wrong answer here, babe. It all depends on where you are in your journey. If you’re feeling ready for a massive transformation and want to push yourself, go for 75 Hard. If you’re looking for more balance but still want that growth mindset, try 75 Medium. And if you’re just easing into self-discipline or need a more nurturing approach, 75 Soft is perfect for you.
Remember, any version of this challenge will help you grow—because it’s not about following someone else’s rules perfectly, but about showing up for yourself daily.
No matter which path you choose, know this: You are fully capable of creating lasting change in your life. It’s all about taking that first step. 🦋
I recommend checking out the original podcast on this challenge. You can find it here. Disclaimer, I haven’t listened to and, therefore, can’t vouch for the rest of the podcast; however, I wanted to link and credit the originator.
Stay committed, stay kind to yourself, and above all, stay the course. Transformation is waiting on the other side.
Let me know if you’re jumping into one of these versions! I’m cheering you on every step of the way.