Each month, we embark on an optional challenge designed to push us beyond our comfort zones. These challenges, often physical in nature, have spanned a diverse range of activities, as detailed in issue #062. I encourage you to explore these challenges and perhaps select one or two to try, ideally with friends.

The Power of Naming Our Challenges

An early endeavor was the “Bring Sally Up” push-up challenge, a formidable test of endurance even for the likes of David Goggins. This challenge, focusing on time under tension, can significantly improve your push-up prowess. Achieving more than 24 reps places you in an elite category (the goal is to complete 30 push-ups over the duration of the song).

We found that naming our physical challenges, like the “Wanda” Wall Sit, “Patti” Plank, and “Brenda” Burpee, infused them with personality and made them more engaging. Yelling at these personified challenges during tough moments provided a quirky but effective source of motivation.

Boozy Brenda: A Unique Blend of Fitness and Sobriety

This month, we revisited the Brenda challenge, aiming for a daily target of 16 burpees, escalating to 20 on the month's final day. Completing this means performing 500 burpees in a month, a feat sure to put you on good terms with Brenda. This was in addition to our regular training regimen.

However, we decided to add a twist: Dry January. This meant no alcohol for 31 days while maintaining the burpee routine. Thus, "Boozy Brenda" was born.

Participants who complete this challenge will be rewarded with a specially designed t-shirt (suggestions for the design are welcome).

Personal Reflections and the 100% Principle

Confession time: I faltered on January 4th by forgetting to complete the final 6 burpees for the day. I’ll make up the reps and I’m on track to exceed 500 burpees this month.

But this setback led to an important realization. I remain 100% alcohol-free, and surprisingly, this has been easier than keeping up with the burpees.

Why is this?

Clayton Christensen’s principle that "100% of a principle is easier to uphold than 98%" holds true here.

Christensen, former Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, has solid reasoning behind this psychological and practical principle:

1. Elimination of Decision Fatigue: Committing to a rule completely removes the need for constant decision-making about whether to follow the rule each time. This reduces the mental burden and streamlines your actions.

2. Clear Boundaries: A 100% commitment offers no gray area. It's a straightforward, black-and-white guideline that simplifies adherence and understanding.

3. Consistency and Habit Formation: Adhering fully to a rule leads to habitual behavior. Once a habit is established, it demands less cognitive effort and becomes second nature.

4. Moral and Ethical Clarity: Full commitment to a principle avoids the slippery slope of making exceptions, which can weaken moral or ethical standards over time. In this case, it’s the personal integrity of keeping a commitment I made to myself.

5. Trust and Reputation: In business and personal life, consistency in upholding principles builds trust and a strong reputation, as others know what to expect from you.

The Future Post-Challenge and the Art of Letting Go

Will I maintain a dry lifestyle after this challenge? No, but these experiments serve a greater purpose. Previous dry months have led to reduced alcohol consumption, improved sleep, greater awareness of potentially harmful choices and a reinforced belief in my ability to tackle challenging tasks.

While going alcohol-free is sustainable, as evidenced by many in our group, the broader message transcends alcohol.

It's about demonstrating our ability to relinquish something we hold dear, even if just for a month. Whether it’s desserts, smartphones, fast food or alcohol, the challenge lies in showing that we control these desires, not the other way around.

By successfully abstaining from alcohol in January, I've proven to myself that I'm not beholden to these habits.

It's a powerful reminder that true ownership isn't just about having something; it's about having the strength to let it go and knowing it doesn’t define or control us. This principle can be applied to many aspects of life, leading to a healthier, more balanced existence.

The Argent Alpha Manifesto was created to share our core beliefs and inspire Men over 50 to take action and be the best version of themselves. It’s also a code of conduct on how we live our lives.

I’ll share the full Manifesto in a future issue of Harder To Kill. Until then, below is a summary of the key principles.

The next Argent Alpha Live! event will be held in Phoenix, AZ on March 23 & 24, 2024. This event is only available to Argent Alpha members and will challenge, teach, motivate, stretch and inspire all of the Men over 50 who attend. Attendance is capped at 30 members.

Our last event was September 30th in Minneapolis and was a huge hit with our members. You can watch a video recap of that day here.

Ready to change the trend-line of your life? Apply now.