My 100 Day Challenge Is Officially Over — Here’s Everything I Learned

I can’t believe I’m typing this… my 100 Day “We Are Raise” challenge is officially OVER. In some ways, the past 100 days flew by — little flashes of routine, discipline, habits, and growth that blended together so quickly. But in other ways, this challenge felt long, intentional, and deeply transformative. It stretched me, tested me, and ultimately gave me the reset I desperately needed before heading into the 2026 new year.

And honestly? I’m walking into this next chapter feeling so grounded, proud, and ready.

No Sweets for 100 Days — My Hardest, Strongest Win

I’ll start with the biggest one: no sweets for 100 days. Shockingly… I really did this. Like really.

I only had sweets twice during the entire challenge:

• Three bites of a pastry dessert one evening in Seaside, Florida (and it wasn’t even that amazing — I regret those bites!)

• One small slice of homemade pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving — and THAT was worth it, absolutely delicious.

But that’s it. For someone who loves dessert, Christmas cookies, and anything sugary during the holidays, I’m genuinely proud of myself. I skipped every party cookie, every festive treat, every little temptation. December was honestly torture — it was killing me not having Christmas cookies!

So yesterday, on Christmas Day, my first official day off the challenge… I indulged. Fully. Happily. Completely. I made my peanut butter blossoms on Christmas Eve so I’d be prepared (because I was not missing out again!), and let’s just say I made up for those missed treats all month long.

And I have zero shame about it.

The No-Spending Rule — A Reality Check I Didn’t Know I Needed

Besides sweets, I challenged myself with no non-essential spending for 100 days. And honestly? This one was eye-opening.

I slipped up a few times on things for Seaside and Christmas, but otherwise, I did really well. It made me realize how much of my spending is impulsive, emotional, or simply out of habit. Those silly little “I want this right now” desires fade so fast when you just wait it out. I loved this challenge — it showed me how much I truly don’t need.

Reading Every Day — My Favorite Part of the Whole Challenge

If I had to pick just one habit that changed me the most, it’s this one: reading every single day.

I didn’t miss a single day — not one. This goal became my little sanctuary. My permission slip to slow down. I read so many amazing books and now I’m obsessed. I’ve got a stack from the library checked out, a whole list on hold, and a growing TBR that excites me.

Setting aside a few minutes a day to read has become one of my most peaceful self-care rituals. And it’s absolutely coming with me into 2026.

Walking 4 Miles a Day — A Lesson in Discipline and Grace

The first two months of walking 4 miles a day were easy. Beautiful. Restorative. I missed a few days here and there, but always made them up. I loved the alone time, the routine, the sun on my face, the nature, the rhythm of movement.

Then…December arrived. And so did freezing, below-30° mornings.

Some days I pushed through — bundled up like a little marshmallow, determined. Other days were harder. There were definitely a few days I missed and didn’t make up, and yes, I beat myself up over it.

But this challenge taught me something incredibly valuable:

One missed day doesn’t define you. It’s what you do the next day that counts.

Routine is fragile, but resilience is powerful.

Posting on IG + LTK Every Day — And It’s Paying Off

Another huge part of the challenge was posting every single day on Instagram and Like to Know It. And honestly? I nailed this one. Maybe one or two missed days, max.

Showing up consistently — even on the days I felt uninspired — pushed me creatively and helped me grow my platforms. My engagement is up, my following is growing, and it feels good knowing the consistency is paying off.

This habit is absolutely coming with me into the new year.

Working Out 20 Minutes a Day — My Toughest Struggle

Full transparency: This is the habit I struggled with the most.

By mid-November, especially during our Seaside trip, workouts slid off my priority list and I didn’t jump back in immediately when we got home. I fell out of my routine, and it spiraled into a whole month of inconsistency.

BUT — on December 11th, I chose to finish strong. I picked my workouts back up, and it reminded me that restarting is often just as powerful as staying consistent.

This challenge wasn’t about perfection. It was about commitment. And recommitment. And recommitment again.

And I’m proud of how I ended.

The “We Are Raise” Challenge — And What It Gave Me

This 100 day challenge wasn’t just a checklist — it was a full reset emotionally, physically, mentally, and creatively.

It taught me:

• Discipline is a muscle.

• You’re capable of so much more than your excuses.

• Small habits compound.

• Missing a day doesn’t mean you failed.

• Consistency creates confidence.

• Structure leads to clarity.

• And routine creates peace.

I feel healthier, more in control, more aware of my habits, and so much more aligned with the person I want to be walking into 2026.

A Head Start on My 2026 Goals

As this challenge wraps up, I feel like I’m already living in my New Year version of myself. I’m starting 2026 with:

• A clearer mind

• A lighter body

• A stronger sense of discipline

• Better financial awareness

• A deep love for reading

• A healthier relationship with movement

• Momentum

  
  

This challenge gave me a head start. A reset. A foundation. And now… I’m excited. Excited for the goals ahead. Excited for the habits I’ll continue. Excited to elevate my routines and step into the highest version of myself.

Here’s to 2026 — a year of intention, balance, self-discipline, joy, and growth. And here’s to the girl who made it through 100 days of showing up for herself. I’m proud. So proud. And ready for what’s next.