In the ever-evolving landscape of social media-driven wellness challenges, the recent resurgence of the “75 Hard” regime has sparked a renewed interest in self-improvement. However, one journalist, Emma Beddington, has decided to take a different approach, proposing a more gentle and enjoyable alternative.
Beddington, a columnist for The Guardian, acknowledges her “masochistic interest in catchily named social media self-improvement challenges.” While the “75 Hard” challenge, popularised by podcaster Andy Frisella, has gained attention for its demanding regimen of eight pints of water, two 45-minute workouts, clean eating, and reading 10 pages of non-fiction daily, Beddington has decided to chart her own course.
Rather than succumbing to the rigours of “75 Hard,” Beddington has set her sights on creating a kinder, more lucrative self-improvement challenge. Her proposed alternative, dubbed “75 Gentle,” takes a radically different approach, focusing on simple pleasures and small acts of self-care.
In Beddington’s version, participants would be required to engage in activities such as stroking an animal, enjoying a childhood favourite food, taking a nap, sharing an uplifting meme with a friend, and indulging in their preferred hot beverage. The emphasis is on squeezing joy from the remaining winter months, rather than punishing oneself.
Beddington’s rationale for this shift is rooted in her desire to provide a more accessible and enjoyable path to self-improvement. As she notes, “I enjoy telling people what to do, and goodness knows, I could use another revenue stream.” However, her approach aims to be more inclusive and less daunting than the intensity of “75 Hard.”
The journalist’s creative thinking extends beyond just the challenge itself. She also explores the potential for a “75 Gentle” branded “pre-nap” biscuit, recognising the commercial opportunities that could arise from her self-improvement regime.
Beddington’s proposal serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the proliferation of demanding wellness challenges. By prioritising kindness, self-care, and small moments of joy, she offers a more sustainable and accessible path to personal growth – one that may resonate with a wider audience seeking a gentler approach to self-improvement.