Core Focus DPT

When I first set a goal to blog once a week after finishing daily updates for 75 Hard, I should have known it wasn’t going to happen—not without an intentional plan. Writing every day was ingrained. It became automatic. But when I gave myself permission to shift to weekly updates, I didn’t take the time to plan for it, schedule it, or make it a priority. So, naturally, it didn’t happen.

This made me think a lot about how habits work. If something isn’t built into the rhythm of my day, it won’t just happen on its own. Discipline isn’t just about willpower—it’s about setting up systems that make success inevitable.

I’ve been journaling almost daily, mostly writing down my favorite lines from The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma. It wasn’t the book I expected. Some days, the extra fluff and narrative were enjoyable; other days, it felt like I was sifting through bizarre billionaire antics just to find the useful parts. But the deeper I got, the more I realized that the real value wasn’t in the storyline—it was in the scattered insights about structure, discipline, and the power of intentional habits.

One line in particular stuck with me: “The old you must die so the new you can be reborn.”

I don’t connect with the characters in the book, but I do connect with that concept. Change requires letting go of the old version of ourselves—the one who procrastinates, who makes excuses, who takes the easy way out. That’s the part that has to die so we can step into the version of ourselves that is more intentional, more disciplined, and more aligned with our goals.

The Hard Truth About Habit Formation

I’ve been practicing early rising for years. It’s not new to me. As a kid, I was naturally an early riser, partially out of necessity—I had responsibilities and felt the weight of making sure things got done. Maybe that’s why I managed high school, college, and grad school with strong habits in place. I’ve technically been in the “5AM Club” for decades.

But the reality is, waking up early isn’t enough. Success doesn’t come just from getting up before everyone else; it comes from how that time is used. The 5AM Club suggests that the first hour of the day should be structured intentionally—with movement, reflection, and learning. That makes sense. The first choices of the day set the tone for the rest of it.

What I’m realizing is that habit formation isn’t just about doing something for 66 days (or 75, in my case). It’s about having a system that ensures the habit sticks—especially when motivation fades.

Reviewing, Refining, and Recommitting

One concept in The 5AM Club that I do agree with is the importance of reflection. At the end of each day, we should take time to evaluate:

• What worked?
• What didn’t?
• What needs to change?

Without this, we risk repeating the same mistakes, living reactively instead of proactively. But finding time for this review process can be tough. I have kids, responsibilities, and a million things competing for my attention. Some seasons of life simply don’t allow for it—when you’re caring for an infant, an elderly parent, or anyone who depends on you, the priority isn’t self-optimization, it’s survival.

But right now, I’m in a season where I can take time to reflect. And I see how important it is to make it a habit. Reflection doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be journaling, meditating, praying, or simply talking through the day with a friend. The key is to be intentional.

Because when we don’t stop to evaluate, we don’t improve.

The Fruits of Discipline

I used to think of discipline as rigid and restrictive—like something that takes away freedom. But I’m learning that real discipline actually gives freedom.

Discipline creates structure, and structure removes decision fatigue. When the hard things become automatic, I don’t have to think about them—I just do them. That’s the goal.

When I’m disciplined with my morning routine, my day runs smoother.
When I’m disciplined with my workouts, my energy levels are better.
When I’m disciplined with my time, I feel less overwhelmed.

And most importantly, when I’m disciplined with my mindset, I make choices that align with who I want to become.

Discipline isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. It’s about doing the hard things even when I don’t feel like it.

The Hard Road is the One Worth Taking

There’s a reason why so many people start strong but never finish. The middle part—the part where motivation disappears and the real work begins—is where most people quit.

But that’s where the magic happens. That’s where transformation takes place.

I’ve made it to Day 47 of 75 Hard. According to The 5AM Club, it takes 66 days to solidify a habit. But at this point, I’m not just thinking about hitting 75 days—I’m thinking beyond that. I’m thinking about what happens next.

The truth is, there’s never a finish line when it comes to growth. The goal isn’t to “arrive”—it’s to keep improving, keep refining, and keep showing up.

Every day is an opportunity to choose discipline over ease, structure over chaos, and intention over passivity. The old version of me—the one who avoids the hard things—has to go. Because I know that the real rewards come on the other side of discomfort.

So I’ll keep waking up early. I’ll keep reflecting. I’ll keep doing the hard things.

Because, in the end, the hard road is always the one worth taking.

Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences as we navigate this journey together.

Disclosures & Disclaimers

Hey there! Just a heads-up. When you click on my links and make a purchase, I might get a tiny commission. It doesn’t affect my honest reviews and comparisons one bit! I’m all about recommending stuff I’ve personally tried, genuinely love, thoroughly researched, and wholeheartedly endorse.

** The views and opinions expressed on this site belong to Vigeo Ergo Consulting LLC. Any advice or suggestions offered herein are not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or other healthcare professional. My blogs are for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.