What 75 Days of Intentional Living Gave Me – Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally
Apr 22, 2025
What 75 Days of Intentional Living Gave Me – Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally
75 days ago, I started the 75 Days Soft Challenge. Without much of a set plan, but with curiosity and a desire to challenge myself. Honestly, I had never heard of it before, but the concept immediately appealed to me: no strict rules, no performance pressure—just consciously choosing daily actions that contribute to a healthier, more balanced life.
I activated my goals in the Fixie app and went for it. Not with the idea of drastically changing my life, but to discover what it would do to me if I consciously made time for myself for 75 days.
My Daily Goals:
Drink 2 liters of water
Eat 2 pieces of fruit
No alcohol
1 hour of physical activity
Learn Spanish with the Duolingo app
Read at least 20 pages per day
None of these goals were extreme. On the contrary: they were all things I knew would benefit me, but to which I rarely gave consistent attention amid the busyness of daily life.
What I Learned Along the Way
I quickly discovered that the impact was greater than expected:
Bad weather? No excuse. A raincoat or a book on the exercise bike—and I still got moving.
Strength training suits me more than I thought. I always believed it wasn’t for me. Turns out, I was wrong.
Drinking water becomes a habit fast. What first felt like a task quickly turned into a natural habit.
Fruit is delicious. I discovered new combinations and flavors.
Alcohol-free alternatives are surprisingly tasty. Especially in Spain, I found fantastic “zero-zero” beers, and great mocktails are everywhere now.
Reading became a fixed ritual again. And what a sense of peace it brings.
Engaging with language daily works. My Spanish has clearly improved, and that’s motivating.
It Wasn’t Always Easy
Of course, there were also moments of doubt:
That glass of wine on Friday night remained tempting.
Exercising for an hour on a busy or exhausting day sometimes felt like a chore.
And reading in bed? Lovely... if I could keep my eyes open.
75 days is a long time. Around day 50, I briefly considered giving up. Luckily, I discovered that small exceptions—like a rest day or a drink on a special occasion—still fit within the challenge. That gave me breathing space.
What It Brought Me
I’ve become physically stronger, with visibly more muscle and energy. Notably: I wasn’t sick all winter, and I didn’t have any headaches. But above all, I feel a mental difference. Less stress, more focus, and more peace of mind.
The daily walks gave me inspiration. The books I read—often historical novels or history books—enriched my knowledge and relaxed me at the same time. And I notice the difference now that I speak Spanish with more ease and confidence.
Maybe the most valuable thing: I rediscovered my own discipline and resilience. I knew I could persevere, but staying consistent for 75 days truly made me proud.
What I’ll Take With Me
Many of the habits are now anchored in my daily routine. I can’t imagine a day without water, fruit, exercise, reading, and practicing Spanish. They are no longer tasks—they’ve become habits.
Only alcohol is back, but with more mindfulness. Not on every occasion, and with greater awareness of how much and when.
And Fixie’s Role?
Could I have done it without the Fixie app? Maybe. But honestly, I don’t think so.
Fixie gave me structure, reminders, and the little push I sometimes needed. Being able to check off my goals each day was motivating. And my digital journal—full of photos of activities, recipes, mocktails, and walks—is now a valuable keepsake. The stats provided extra insight and encouragement.
Fixie was my ally during this journey. And it will stay with me, even now that the 75 days are over.
Considering a Challenge Like This Too?
Then I say: do it.
Not to be perfect, but to give attention to yourself. Small actions, repeated daily, can make a big difference over time.
And maybe, like me, you’ll discover along the way:
You already have everything in you to stick with it—you just need to activate it.
Written by Veronique Verbeke, proud Fixie user