Day 1: The First Spark // Burning the Excuses
“Everything you want is on the other side of consistency.” — James Clear
“Everything you want is on the other side of consistency.” — James Clear
When I opened my eyes this morning, the "Old Me" was patiently waiting with a list of reasons to stay under the covers. She reminded me that it was the holiday, and holidays are for sleeping in, not working out! My old habits whispered sweetly in my ears, reminding me that tomorrow is another day. She said, “You can start tomorrow; it’s too cold to get up so early; the bed is warm, just stay snuggled up a few more minutes”. I was so comfortable in my own skin, I wanted to quit before I even sat up.
But The Phoenix Project isn't about listening to the old version of myself—it's about burning that version away and rising anew.
The Morning Battle
I forced myself out of bed and jumped straight into my first 45-minute workout. There was no negotiating this morning, and once the blood started moving, the fog began to lift. I’m not going to lie; my workout was torture. I hadn’t worked out in an extremely long time, and my body reminded me just how long it was. 10 minutes in, I wanted to quit, “No one will know,” I told myself, but reminded myself that I would know. 20 minutes in, I checked the time, “What! I’ve only been working out for 20 minutes, this can't be real.” I can stop now; I’ve done enough, but I made a commitment, and I wasn’t going to stop now.
I reluctantly forced myself through the 45-minute workout and went straight to my bed afterwards. But guess what, the laziness was gone, I couldn’t sleep, I didn’t want to, so I got up and got my day started by doing errands and some work, things I would normally do on a Tuesday, because hey its Monday, who works or does anything on a Monday if they don’t have to. And if anyone is wondering, I showered after my workout, and as today was a massive "double-start." I officially completed my Week 1 check-in for the 1Up Nutrition Challenge, which also counts as my Day 1 photo for 75 Hard. Seeing those "before" photos is always a reality check, but it’s the last time I’ll ever look at my body and feel like I’m not in control.
The Mental Wall (and the Snow)
If the morning was a battle, the afternoon was a war. Looking out the window at the messy, slushy remains of a weekend snowstorm made me want to cry. The thought of going out into the freezing cold for 45 minutes of outdoor exercise felt impossible. I was ready to quit again as my nagging old self began her relentless taunt. “Where are you going? Are you crazy? You’re 38 now, you could slip and break a hip out there in that nasty mess?”
But I showed that bitch who is boss and showed up for myself. I laced up, stepped into the slush, and just started moving. I didn't just do the 45 minutes—my route ended up taking almost an hour. Standing in the cold, I realized that the "Phoenix" doesn't wait for the sun to come out; it creates its own heat.
The Win and the Lesson
It’s almost 9:00 PM now. I’ve read way more than the required 10 pages, and honestly, I feel more energized than I have in months. However, I must be real with you all: The water is a struggle.
I’ve hit 60 oz, and with the remaining 40 oz to reach my 100 oz goal, I’m not sure I’m going to make it tonight. And that leads me to the biggest lesson of Day 1: The Importance of the Plan and why setting goals and being extremely strategic about your days, weeks, and months is essential to your success, whether in business or your personal life.
The Strategy Moving Forward
I realized today that you cannot "wing" a transformation. If you don't have a plan for the day ahead, your old habits will make the plan for you. Moving forward, my mission is clear:
The Goal: To achieve a complete physical and mental rebirth by completing 75 consecutive days of zero-compromise discipline, resulting in a documented body and mind transformation and a fortified spiritual connection with God.
My Plan for Tomorrow:
- The 4x32 Rule: I failed the water timing today. Tomorrow, I will have 32oz finished by 10 AM, so I’m not drowning at 9 PM.
- The Morning Anchor: My scripture and my progress photo will happen before my feet hit the gym floor or bedroom mat; whichever is most convenient.
- The Weather Audit: I will check the forecast tonight and schedule my outdoor walk for the clearest window possible.
Setting a goal is the "Why," but the plan is the "How." Tomorrow, I’m going into battle with a better map.
Day 1 is in the books. The fire is lit.