Don't Be Afraid to Hit "Reset"

I've started and fallen short of completing 75 Hard more times than I can count. Each time, I'd use various justifications to soften the sting of not making it past day three, attempting to protect myself from feeling like a "failure" for not completing something inherently challenging.

But here's the thing: failure is a construct of our own making. It could be stumbling on day one or throwing in the towel altogether.

In the past, my notion of success was black and white. Well, truth be told, I'm still wrestling with it. Yet, I've come to realize that these notions were imposed upon me by my surroundings, and I internalized them, creating an ideal of perfection that has taken a toll on my mental well-being.

However, I've learned that actual "failure," if we can even call it that, is abandoning something I deeply desire. It's not the 20 attempts at starting new; it's recognizing my dreams and deciding not to pursue them because I'm ashamed to admit I'm back at square one while on the journey.

Truly, completing 75 Hard holds more significance for me than the challenge itself or any accolades that may follow. I could potentially achieve my goals through various other avenues, and should I bump into them, I may consider pivoting. Until then, day 1 (well, actually, day 2…)

But persisting and trying again isn't failure; it's an exercise in resilience. Perhaps my approach isn't hindering my progress; maybe it's a flawed mindset or the hurdles created by my environment. Many factors could get in my way, but my heart isn't one of them.

Before committing to my first bodybuilding competition, the idea simmered daily. I made several attempts to kickstart the journey, only to fall flat. It wasn't until one morning that I woke up and said, "Today is the day," and dove headfirst. It was far from easy, and I stumbled countless times along the way, but I remained firm in reaching the finish line. Those on the sidelines were oblivious to the false starts and setbacks. They didn't witness the countless days I contemplated the challenge, doubting my ability to find the discipline needed. They definitely weren't privy to the slip-ups scattered throughout my preparation process. All they saw was the result and a polished highlight reel, leading them to assume it was effortless—I just "had it."

My success story is not a clean, linear path from start to finish, and my only definition of failure is giving in to regret because I didn't dare to try.

So, to anyone who resonates with my story, don't beat yourself up for starting your weight loss journey for the umpteenth time or feeling like you're back at square one in your goals of social media influencing. Each attempt, every stride forward, represents a milestone reached simply by daring to try.

Keep going, and don't shy away from hitting the reset button.

Till next time,

Kristine