The first week back from my short journey to Japan was… honestly exhausting. I stayed there for two weeks, traveling and working at the same time. The moment I got into my room and saw my bed, I felt so happy. I even told myself I wasn’t going to leave this place again. But, of course, life happens, and people change their minds.

Traveling always gives me a strange perspective: the purpose isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about appreciating the life you already have. Your home, your food, your safe space — the places where your body and soul can rest. Every time I go away and come back, I feel this appreciation more deeply.

Coming back also made me feel like I need to do something with my everyday routine. That’s why I restarted my 75 Day Hard Challenge. Last year, I completed the 75 Hard Challenge, a popular Instagram challenge designed to build mental toughness and discipline. The original rules include daily exercise, following a diet, drinking plenty of water, reading, and taking progress photos. It was definitely one of the biggest highlights of 2024. This year, I’m tweaking it a bit to focus on four main rules in my life:

1. Get up at 5:30 a.m.

Getting up early has always been a goal for me. Before my Japan trip, I managed to wake up early for 45 consecutive days, spanning August and the surrounding weeks. At first, it was tough — leaving the warmth of my bed and facing the quiet of the early morning felt challenging. But gradually, I discovered that waking up early isn’t just a habit; it’s a shift in mindset. It sets the tone for the entire day.

Waking up early now feels different. I have to go to bed earlier, which naturally reduces those moody, restless nights. Some evenings are still tricky — I sometimes lie awake, unable to sleep — but overall, my sleep rhythm is improving, and I feel more energized and focused throughout the day. Seeing this progress with my own eyes is incredibly motivating. It’s proof that small, consistent actions really do lead to change.

Beyond the physical benefits, waking up early gives me time for reflection, planning, and quiet moments that I wouldn’t otherwise have. It’s a space to think, write, or simply be present before the world starts moving around me. It’s a gift I give to myself every day, and it makes me feel grounded and intentional.

If you’re curious about my full progress and experiences with the Getting Up Early Shallenge, I’ve dedicated a separate page to this journey. You can read more about it here.

2. Get outdoors

One of the key rules of 75 Day Hard Challenge is moving your body every day, no excuses. But because I’ve been exercising consistently for years, I already have that habit built. Skipping a workout makes me feel off, so I don’t need to challenge myself to move daily anymore. Instead, this year, I’m shifting the focus slightly: I want to spend more time outdoors.

Even something as simple as taking out the trash or walking around the block counts. Fresh air, sunlight, and a change of scenery have a surprisingly strong effect on my mind. Being outdoors helps me think clearer, feel happier, and reset my energy. While daily movement is already part of my routine, consciously stepping outside adds a layer of mindfulness and mental refreshment that indoor exercise alone can’t provide. This is the new “challenge” I’m embracing for myself — not because I need to build discipline, but because I want to intentionally give my mind and mood a boost every day.

3. Write at least 30 minutes daily

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Reading books, talking about my dreams, or sharing ideas with others isn’t enough — I need to actually put words on the page. The goal is simple: just sit down and write, without judgment. That’s going to be a really challenging 75 Day Hard Challenge rule for me. Thirty minutes a day may seem small, but it builds the habit of consistently expressing thoughts and ideas.

Writing isn’t about being perfect or creating something that others will love. In the past, I’ve written a lot of random thoughts, but I didn’t keep them organized or share them. Often, I questioned my ability, doubting whether I could ever be a writer at all. But I’m starting to shift my mindset. I don’t need to be a “successful writer” or achieve recognition — what matters is experiencing the process.

Even if nobody reads what I write, even if it seems messy or fails, it’s still meaningful. Life is about exploring and experiencing, and writing is a way to do that. It’s a personal challenge, a way to train focus, self-expression, and creativity. Every time I sit down to write, I feel like I’m investing in myself — in my mind, my thoughts, and my ideas.

This daily writing also connects to my next step: publishing. Sharing something each day is a separate challenge, but it complements this habit perfectly. Writing alone is practice, but publishing helps me embrace vulnerability, take risks, and celebrate the process instead of just the outcome.

Ultimately, this thirty-minute daily habit is not just about writing; it’s about showing up for myself, exploring my own thoughts, and committing to growth. Small steps like this, done consistently, are how I hope to cultivate inspiration, creativity, and confidence in my life.

4. Publish one piece of writing each day

Writing daily is one thing, but publishing what you write is another challenge entirely. In the past, I’ve written plenty of random thoughts, ideas, or reflections, but I often kept them to myself. At first, it’s natural to feel hesitant — you question your ability, doubt whether it’s good enough, and worry about judgment from others. But I’m learning to shift that mindset.

The point of publishing is not about validation or being successful. It’s about committing to the process, taking the risk, and embracing imperfection. Life is an experience, and every attempt to share what’s in my mind counts as part of that journey. Even if nobody reads it, even if it “fails” or feels silly, it doesn’t hurt — the value is in doing it.

Publishing daily also reinforces consistency and accountability. It forces me to take my writing seriously, organize my thoughts, and reflect on what I want to communicate. At the same time, it teaches me to let go of fear and perfectionism. Each post becomes a small experiment: testing ideas, expressing emotions, and practicing self-expression without judgment.

I’ve come to see this as part of a larger lesson: life is about exploration, not only success. By committing to daily publishing, I allow myself to live my dream in real-time, to experience the process fully, and to grow through practice. Even if someday friends or readers laugh at my early attempts, I won’t regret it — I’ll know I lived my dream and embraced the journey, imperfections and all.

This challenge isn’t just about writing; it’s about learning to show up for myself every day, take risks, and appreciate the process of growth. Publishing one piece each day is my way of honoring that journey, exploring creativity, and embracing life’s experiences fully.

Restarting the 75 Day Hard Challenge is not about rigid discipline. It’s about exploration, self-discovery, and inspiration. Waking up early, getting outdoors, writing, and publishing are small, intentional actions that transform the way I experience life.

Life can feel stale or repetitive, but challenges like this keep me motivated, curious, and inspired. They remind me that growth is a journey, and showing up consistently is the key. My goal is simple: to inspire myself, embrace the process, and encourage others to explore, experiment, and challenge themselves as well.

That’s my goal: to inspire myself, and perhaps, in some way, inspire others as well. Have a good week!