The Cultural Reflection of 75Hard

What intrigues me more about 75Hard is what it reveals about our society. Its rise in popularity highlights a growing disconnection many of us feel within ourselves. During the pandemic, many of us found ourselves questioning our identities, leading to a sedentary lifestyle and feelings of helplessness.

As we drift further from our sense of purpose, physical well-being, and community, programs like 75Hard seem to offer a solution.

The Role of Community in Physical Activities

Casper ter Kuile, in his book The Power of Ritual, emphasizes that collective physical activities serve as a significant means of community-building, especially in the absence of traditional religious structures. Examples abound, from SoulCycle to CrossFit.

These exercise-based rituals often stem from a desire for emotional connection. When we become estranged from our bodies and communities, our capacity to feel diminishes.

I propose that the allure of extreme exercise regimens is, in part, a response to our desensitization; we may feel compelled to engage in excessive activities to elicit even a modicum of emotion. The pervasive influence of technology often leaves us in a mental realm, filled with superficial connections and transient trends, further deepening our emotional void. As we become increasingly detached from our physical selves and social circles, we are more inclined to swing to extremes in our efforts to correct course.

Reassessing Purpose and Toughness

The pandemic has also prompted many of us to reevaluate our lives, often leading to a loss of previously held purposes. This disconnection makes us susceptible to pervasive cultural narratives that emphasize the need to hustle, to be resilient, and that we are insufficient as we are.

Over time, these messages can become increasingly enticing. Coupled with the monotony that characterized the pandemic, it's easy to internalize these beliefs.

What happens when we succumb to these narratives, particularly when they originate from promotional campaigns by individuals in the supplement industry? Some individuals may achieve success, only to discover that meaningful change often requires excessive effort. Others may fail and internalize the belief that they are inadequate. Ultimately, we all bear the cost of this cycle.

Defining Mental Toughness

Determining the essence of mental toughness is a deeply personal journey, as what constitutes a challenge for one person may not hold the same weight for another. While I cannot define mental toughness for you, I can clarify what it is not. It is not merely about maintaining a habit streak, nor can it be bestowed upon you by anyone, including myself.

75Hard may claim to enhance your control over your life, but the reality is that life is inherently unpredictable. I often reflect on this profound observation:

"The way practice works is that we build up our practice, then it falls apart. And then we build it up again, and then it falls apart again. This is the way it goes."

• Anonymous Japanese Zen Teacher

In my ideal world, mental toughness would not be the ultimate trait people strive for. Instead, I envision a life where we connect more deeply with our bodies, nurture our relationships, and foster community (to borrow a phrase from Angie Thurston), while engaging in activities that bring us joy.

Embracing Vulnerability

However, these pursuits can be daunting—perhaps even more so than the trials intended to cultivate mental toughness—because they require us to relinquish control and embrace the uncertainties of life.

Thus, as we navigate this landscape dominated by notions of mental toughness, it's essential to recognize that true resilience is not found in merely checking off day 75 on a list. It's discovered in the value of the actions we take, in giving our all, and in the willingness to fail, only to rise and try again.

Repeatedly checking off "day one" is often far more challenging than ticking off "day 75" or "day 700" in an online competition. Life consists of a series of day ones and the choice to persevere. Perhaps one day, we'll stumble enough to realize that what we truly need is not just control, but also the capacity to surrender.

Hi, I'm Sebastian. I aim to support you in leading a mindful and creative life. My writing draws on my experiences as an improviser, Tai Chi practitioner, and applied mathematician, providing insights on mobility and optimization while playfully critiquing the pitfalls of productivity.