Physically I’m noticing a more vascular appearance, particularly in my biceps. Definition is slowly returning. My cardiovascular health is rising quickly, which is a relief considering how thoroughly I’ve neglected it over the last 5-6 years. A long way to go until I feel I’ve arrived at adequacy, but I’m happy with my progress thus far. Mentally, I’m experiencing an odd combination of awareness with my shortcomings, and giving myself grace for having them, accompanied by a quiet determination to improve. Giving myself grace increases the likelihood that I will continue to permanently integrate positive changes- the negative self perceptions, even if fleeting, have a way subtly draining resolve overall ime. I perceive this as part of a spiritual development as well. This week I fell short last Tuesday, when I did not finish my reading until just after midnight. My relationship with time has long been problematic. I used to solve it by simply working through the night, for days at a time. I’m still finding it a challenge to reconcile my understanding of time as an illusion with the conditions of my reality making inattention to time unsustainable. And ultimately, I will have to abide by the external constraints of time if I am to build the reality I wish to experience. For some this is likely a simple realization, but for myself I have thus far built a reality where I can largely pick and choose when, where and how I abide to time constraints, and I’m coming to accept that that habit has been to my detriment. Holding myself accountable and facing such aspects of where I am right now is going above and beyond- precepts are perhaps most meaningful when no one is watching. I’ll likely continue to cold shower and maintain more attention to my cardio. Long cardio as opposed to hiit alone will bring me the most long-term satisfaction physically. While I do not yet have specific athletic goals in mind beyond gaining muscle and lowering bf %, I believe I’m moving closer to being ready for those goals when I decide to set them. I’ll also likely keep and continue to add to the base nutrition protocol I’m developing, which should aid in long term macro regulation.

The biggest change I'm seeing is how I eat. I always thought I was dialed in with my nutrition, but tracking has really shown me now many extra calories and carbs are stacking up with small snacks here and there. I'm now passing on little treats solely because I don't want to look up the macros. I'm down 10 pounds in 10 days. All thats left are these pesky love handles! I fell short twice this week with reading. I missed out on quality pre-sleep time with Liv because I had to hammer out ten pages which easily could have been done earlier in the day. Both times I was under a little influence and not getting the most from the reading. Above and Beyond is the steps. I've added the weighted vest to most of my walks. I will continue to eat better after this challenge. I've done a handful of different challenges and I always carry on the easiest aspects. But this time I'm going to carry on the hard one. It helps that it's the one showing me the most benefits. One more note, no social media has been much easier than I thought! I'm also hugely feeling less anxious. However, I am still craving that cheap dopamine. Without social media and snacking I've found myself obsessing with upgrades to my truck. While more productive than scrolling, I need to alchemize this into something that is more productive in moving the needle forward. I constantly find myself asking if this is distraction or aligned action, and sadly it's still too often a distraction. Awareness is the first step! I'm in for 75 Hard with Mike after this challenge. It'll be my third round, but I'm ready 💪

10 days in, and I’m feeling good, not great. This challenge has shown me that I’m ready for more difficulty in my life. This year, with the tools I’ve learned from all of you, I’ve been able to greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate, the made-up difficulty that existed in the six inches between my ears. I’m ready for 75 Hard after this. What changes have I seen in myself?- This challenge has kicked me into four-wheel drive. I’m no longer just going through the motions on autopilot. Every movement and action feels intentional, which has helped me become more present. I’m not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. That doesn’t mean I’m so tunnel-visioned that I ignore what’s ahead; it means I trust myself. If something goes off the rails and I need to call an audible, I’ll shift my defense from zone to man coverage, sorry to the sports-illiterate guys, adjust, and be just fine. Physically, I’ve also noticed the alcohol bloat is finally gone. I’m starting to see a body I recognize as the real me, and I’m excited to get this Bugatti back to race-ready. Spiritually- Ole’ Patches @Patrick Antrobus literally fucked up my brain this week. I love that he is so disciplined that he obviously only checks his phone on occasion. He was a few days behind all of us addicts on commenting on last weeks check in. His message, that I will repost for reference, was the first time I have honestly ever felt 100% seen and appreciated. I needed that to give myself permission to recognize there is good in me. I took a screenshot of it and have it in my favorites so anytime I doubt myself, I can read someone’s real words to fight Bully Mike that lives in my head. Thank you so much for that gift, Patches. Means the world to me. Where did I fall short this week?- No strikes, so as far as the personal challenge goes, I don’t feel like I fell short. However, my partner picked up his second strike. I own part of that. I wasn’t the brother I needed to be. I didn’t recognize what he needed from me, whether it was encouragement or just a smart-ass comment to keep him accountable.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3kewrkkkf9NHYj8nvivVgq?si=o3iwXXgFQmyGE9iE2rCP6Q&utm_source=copy-link

Gents, we are 10 days into this challenge and find ourselves at the second Friday check in! The brotherhood of this challenge has been awe inspiring. I love the banter, the group check in's, individual check ins, progress updates, transparency around challenges, and so much more. And we're just getting started! Prompts for this week's check in: In the first ten days of this challenge, what changes have you seen within yourself? These can be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Where did you fall short this week? Where did you go above and beyond? What parts of this challenge do you see yourself continuing with once finished? Don't forget to share if you have any strikes and photos of tracking. Feel free to check in at any point today, no need to wait until the end. I fuckin love you dudes! AHO! #MarkMinusSix