You’ve committed to the 75 Hard Challenge, or maybe you’re still hovering on the edge of starting. Either way, you know this is more than just a physical transformation. Created by Andy Frisella, 75 Hard is a mental toughness program that pushes you to complete five daily tasks for 75 days straight (two workouts, a gallon of water, 10 pages of non-fiction reading, a clean diet and no alcohol or cheat meals). No compromises, no skipping, no shortcuts. It’s that simple … and that hard!
If you’re going to show up every single day, why not fill those 10 pages with books that fuel your fire? Whether you’re deep into the challenge or thinking about starting, these nine non-fiction reads are designed to push your mindset, expand your grit and keep your discipline razor-sharp.
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
This one’s become a classic for a reason. Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete, doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. His brutal childhood and no-excuses rise to physical and mental dominance will make your hardest day on 75 Hard feel manageable. More than just an autobiography, Can’t Hurt Me includes practical “evolution challenges” at the end of each chapter that mirror the resilience and self-discipline demanded by 75 Hard. Goggins dares you to face your own limits and punch through them. You won’t walk away unchanged.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
If 75 Hard is about stacking wins through daily actions, this book is your blueprint. James Clear breaks down how tiny changes lead to massive results. You’ll learn how to build good habits that stick, break the bad ones and set your environment up for success. Whether it’s locking in your workouts or choosing water over wine, Atomic Habits helps you make every choice count.
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
Waking up early for a sunrise workout? You’re not alone. Sharma makes a compelling case for why 5 AM could be your magic hour for greatness. This book is written like a fable, but don’t let the format fool you. It’s packed with tools on productivity, focus and personal growth that tie perfectly into the 75 Hard mindset. If you’ve ever struggled with finding time, this book will help you own your morning, so the rest of the day doesn’t own you.
Do Hard Things by Steve Magness
Mental toughness isn’t about grinding until you break. Magness, a performance scientist and coach, flips the usual “push harder” narrative by showing how real resilience comes from confidence, adaptability and emotional regulation. You’ll find yourself rethinking what it means to be tough and applying his techniques directly to those moments in 75 Hard when quitting feels easier than continuing. This one’s a sharp, science-backed read that builds smarter strength.
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Based on the Stoic principles of Marcus Aurelius and other ancient thinkers, Holiday’s book teaches one thing: adversity is your advantage. It’s a fast, focused read that will change how you see problems, plateaus and pain — three things you’ll definitely meet during 75 Hard. Instead of avoiding discomfort, you’ll learn to lean in, pivot and grow stronger because of it. It’s a mindset shift that sticks well beyond the challenge.
Relentless by Tim S. Grover
Grover trained legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. He knows what it takes to be unstoppable — and he doesn’t care if you’re offended by his intensity. Relentless isn’t about balance or moderation, it’s about choosing greatness every day. If you’re feeling soft or slipping during the challenge, this book will snap you right back into beast mode. Warning: it’s not gentle, but neither is 75 Hard.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Want to turn your sharpened discipline into focused output? Newport’s Deep Work teaches you how to eliminate distractions and enter a state of flow that most people rarely touch. Whether you’re writing, building a side hustle, or just trying to stop doom-scrolling, this book offers systems for concentration and deep productivity. The same focus you use to crush your second workout can be used here to build a career or life worth showing up for.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Part memoir, part philosophical ramble, Greenlights is weirdly perfect for those moments in 75 Hard when you want perspective without preaching. McConaughey’s life lessons — from odd jobs to Oscar wins — are told with humor, swagger and surprising insight. You’ll find yourself highlighting quotes that feel like little boosts of mental energy. It’s a softer edge but still hits hard.
Read the original article here