Welcome to Day 2 of my 740 Challenge journey! Today, I’m reflecting on the importance of mastering the basics—something I learned the hard way through my experiences with music and something I’m recommitting to in my health and fitness journey.
When I was young, music was my world. I’d belt out tunes from my favorite bands at the top of my lungs, probably making my mom’s ears bleed in the process (sorry, Mom!). Somewhere along the way, I discovered I had a knack for singing. In my sophomore year of high school, I joined the choir and threw myself into learning how to sing properly. It was exhilarating, and I worked hard at it. By my junior year, I’d earned a spot in the All-State Choir, and I was convinced I was unstoppable. Senior year rolled around, and I was riding high on my “talent.” I thought I was the real deal. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t.
The trouble started when I began relying solely on my natural ability instead of putting in the work. I got cocky, stopped practicing, and assumed I could coast. When I started college on a full music scholarship, reality hit hard. I wasn’t progressing. Others, who I’d arrogantly thought I was better than, were surpassing me. Frustrated, I blamed the school and transferred, thinking a fresh start would fix everything. But the problem followed me. Why? Because I’d abandoned the basics. I wasn’t practicing, refining my skills, or putting in the effort. I was winging it, and it showed—to everyone but me.
It took time to realize that talent alone doesn’t cut it. The best singers, athletes, and professionals in any field aren’t just “gifted”—they’ve put in years of disciplined practice. Even the pros, the ones making big money, still drill the fundamentals. I’d lost sight of that, and it stalled my progress.
Now, as I tackle the 740 Challenge, I see parallels in my health and fitness journey. The basics—like drinking enough water and keeping my nutrition on track—are foundational to success. Over the years, I haven’t been terrible about these habits, but I haven’t made them a consistent priority either. Then, when the scale creeps up, I have the nerve to wonder why. Sound familiar?
Whether it’s singing, fitness, or any other area of life, sustained progress comes from doing the foundational things consistently and well. The 740 Challenge is my chance to recommit to those basics—to build a strong foundation that will carry me forward, not just for 740 days but for a lifetime.
Here’s to Day 2 and getting back to the basics. Let’s keep building, one disciplined step at a time!
Stay tuned for more updates on my 740 Challenge journey! What basics are you focusing on in your own life? Let me know in the comments below!
The 740 Challenge 