READY FOR A CHALLENGE?
You know those days when life just clicks? When you’re in the flow, things feel easy, and you’re getting stuff done like a boss? Yeah, those days are the best. But then there are those other days—the ones where nothing seems to go right, and no matter how hard you try, everything feels like a struggle. And if I’m being real, that’s when I start questioning myself. I get stuck in my head, wondering if I’m good enough, or if I’m just spinning my wheels.
As a real estate broker, I meet new people and face fresh challenges every day. The new client in front of me today doesn’t know the fantastic thing I did for another client yesterday. That’s why it’s so important for me to show up as my best, most confident, positive self, EVERY DAY no matter how drained or low-energy I feel.
At our last company meeting, one of the partners shared this Babe Ruth quote that really struck a chord with me: “Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s game.” Wow. What a reminder that no matter what we’ve achieved in the past, each day is a new chance to show up and play at our best.
And here’s a truth for me: I don’t just want to be great at work. I want to be a supportive teammate, a present and loving mom, and someone who’s there when my sister calls or when a friend invites me to happy hour. I want to be able to say “yes” to those things too, instead of always being too tired and crashing on the couch at the end of the day.
I bet you know this as well as I do: we can’t wake up and hope to feel “in the zone”. Sometimes energy flows naturally, and sometimes it doesn't. The question is—are we okay with only showing up when it’s easy? For me, the answer is a big fat NO.
Here’s the thing…..
We all know that movement, laughter, eating well, and being present are good for us. We know that nourishing our bodies and our minds makes life better. Yet somehow, we still manage to fall into that gap between what we know we should do and what we actually do to keep our energy up.
Here’s something that happened recently: My kids got Apple Watches, and honestly, I love it. As a mom raising kids in New York City, it gives me peace of mind knowing where they are and that I can reach them any time I want. But here’s the unexpected bonus—they’ve gotten into these fun activity challenges with their friends, tracking their steps and closing their rings every day. I’m all for it because it’s helping them build healthy habits and stay active.
One day, after I wrapped up a jog around the reservoir, I got the cutest alert from my son: “YOU’RE ON FIRE!” It absolutely made my day, and it got me thinking… Maybe it’s time for me to take on a challenge of my own.
A few women in my circle have been doing this thing called 75 Hard. It’s not just a fitness challenge—it’s a mental toughness program that pushes you to grow stronger and more disciplined. The rules are straightforward: work out every day, drink your water, read 10 pages of a good book, follow a diet that works for you, and… no alcohol. Yep, 75 days of commitment to yourself.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit—I’m a fairly disciplined person. And if you’re reading this, I bet you are too. I’ve been using a planner since the 6th grade, I strive to keep my inbox at zero, and I do my best to eat well. I even wake up before my kids to get my head in the right place before the chaos of the day begins. And, yes, I mostly manage to resist the Levain cookies that our amazing office manager, Alec, surprises us with every so often.
But taking on a challenge like 75 Hard? That’s a whole new level of commitment. It’s about saying, “I’m all in,” not just on a fitness plan, but on myself. It’s about prioritizing my health, my energy, and my mindset. And here’s the kicker—if you miss any part of the challenge, you start over. No excuses, no shortcuts. You either do it, or you don’t.
Now, I know this kind of challenge isn’t for everyone. But here’s my question for you: do you feel like you’re showing up as your best self? Are you generating your own energy by taking care of yourself the way you know you can, or are you letting things slide and watching your potential drift away? This isn’t just about looking good or getting fit. It’s about building habits that guarantee more of those “in the zone” days—days where you feel strong, confident, and in control. It’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things and feeling the power that comes with that.
So here’s the question: what can you commit to that will help you feel more alive, more often? What small steps can you take to feel more energized, more confident, and more like the person you know you’re meant to be?
If you want some encouragement or accountability on your journey toward feeling your most alive, energetic self—or if you’re taking on a challenge and need a cheerleader—let’s connect! I’ll be sharing my own experience, and you can find me on Instagram @courtneyhoppernyc. Let’s do this together.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about waiting until we feel like it. It’s about showing up for ourselves and the people that are important to us every single day, no matter what. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment—you can create it. I believe in you. Let’s make it happen.