Our rules for our soft version of the 75 Hard 🫶🏼

Okay, so everyone talks about 75 Hard, but let's be real – for many of us, especially in college or with busy lives, it's just not sustainable. That's exactly why my boyfriend and I decided to create our own '75 Soft Challenge' for 2025! We wanted the benefits of discipline and self-improvement without the extreme rigidity that can lead to burnout. It's all about finding that balance that truly works for *you*. Our core philosophy was to adapt the principles of 75 Hard to fit our busy student schedules and social lives, rather than letting the challenge dictate everything. We focused on making small, consistent changes that would build healthier habits over time. For example, our '75 SOFT college edition' rules weren't about cutting things out entirely, but setting realistic limits. When it came to nutrition, instead of a strict diet, we opted for limits on things like excessive drinking, soda, and eating out. We still enjoyed social gatherings, but with mindful choices. This meant maybe one or two drinks instead of several, choosing water over soda, and aiming for home-cooked meals most days, reserving eating out for special occasions. It was a game-changer for our energy levels and our wallets! For workouts, we committed to daily movement, but it didn't have to be an intense gym session. Sometimes it was a long walk, a yoga flow, or even just stretching. The key was consistency. And beyond physical health, we prioritized mental stimulation, requiring daily reading or learning something new, which was great for our studies. Sleep was another non-negotiable – aiming for 7-8 hours, even on busy nights. Hydration, of course, was paramount, with a daily water goal. We also added elements that brought more purpose and order to our lives. Volunteering once a week helped us give back and connect with our community, while daily cleanliness tasks kept our shared space tidy and reduced stress. These might seem small, but collectively, they transformed our daily routines. If you're thinking about starting your own 75 Soft Challenge, my biggest advice is to truly personalize it. Don't just copy someone else's rules. Sit down and assess your current lifestyle: What areas do you want to improve? Where are you struggling with consistency? Then, set realistic, measurable goals. Maybe for you, it's cutting back on screen time, or dedicating 30 minutes to a hobby each day. The beauty of 'soft' is its flexibility. Don't be afraid to adjust your rules if something isn't working – it's a journey of self-discovery, not a punishment. Having a partner, like my boyfriend, made a huge difference for accountability and motivation. We cheered each other on and reminded each other of our goals. Even if you're doing it solo, tracking your progress and celebrating small wins can keep you going. Ultimately, the 75 Soft Challenge isn't just about those 75 days; it's about building sustainable habits that stick long after the challenge ends. We learned so much about ourselves and how to prioritize our well-being in a way that feels achievable and empowering. Go for it – you've got this!