I did the Fiat90 challenge; here’s what happened and why you should do it

It takes 90 days to create a new habit. But what if you used those days to cultivate 21 new habits while shedding 21 old ones? Enter Fiat90.

How it works

Fiat90 focuses on denying ourselves and praising God through our body, mind, and soul. Each one of these pillars has corresponding fasts (21 all together). For example, “Lord, I will praise you in my body” includes: working out three to five times per week, eating one meal a day Wednesdays and Fridays, waking up at the same time each day, and setting a consistent bedtime. I’ve attached the Fiat90 booklet I followed here for a full list.

This series of fasts begins January 1 of the New Year and ends Easter Sunday. Daily Mass, the 54-day Rosary Novena, and a 33-day Marian Consecration of your choosing are prayed throughout the 90 days in addition to 30-60 minutes spent in daily prayer. 

There were some challenges I had to modify. Deleting all socials and consuming only Christian media isn’t an option for me since I work with social media for my job. Simply put, it’s okay to modify, especially if fasting from food could potentially be harmful for you. Discernment is key.

Here’s what happened

I quickly learned that I am a spiritual midget addicted to sugar. To summarize my experience, there wasn’t a week when I actually completed any of the challenges correctly. Talk about an original sin reality check. The only challenge I completed in full was the Marian Consecration. To entrust oneself to Mary is the lazy girl’s, ahem, fast track to Heaven and favor with God. 

Two years ago I did Fiat40, the abridged Lenten version of this challenge. Both of the Fiat challenges continually demonstrate the reality of my innate need for a Savior and the importance of Easter. Every Sunday is a little feast day where Jesus resurrects again. Actually indulging and breaking your fast each Sunday isn’t cheating, it’s a reminder of the goodness of God the Father and His plans. Refusing to celebrate a feast day? That’s not strong will power, that’s pride. A seminarian once told me that Lent isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about your relationship with God and humbly starting over even if you fail. 

During Fiat90, a homily at my parish changed my Lent entirely. We were told to imagine a beautiful valley with mountains, hills, and greenery. Paradise lies beyond and you’d do anything to get there. Taking your first step, you practically trip. Your feet are shackled with heavy weights on each leg. The journey to paradise was tough because of the distance, but now, it just got a whole lot harder. 

God gives us Lent to free us from the shackles of our unhealthy attachments and bad habits that distance us from Him. Anytime we sin, we try to fill the void or numb out instead of relying on God. When I broke my fasts, I felt sad or angry and sought to alleviate those feelings myself. I also noticed that Fiat90’s challenges outlined good habits I ought to have as a well-rounded Christian and successful person. God doesn’t give the season of Lent as a punishment. It’s an opportunity to live better lives, break free from sin, and have a fighting chance to get to Heaven.

Why you should do it 

The introduction of the Fiat90 guide explains that for the majority of us today, lukewarm is our natural state. This post sums it up, but many of us Catholic women have gone soft. Being gentle and receptive doesn’t excuse us from responsibility and doing the hard thing. We all need a beautiful combination of both if we are to become saints.

I’d recommend Fiat90 if you are looking to grow in your faith and seeking to develop humility while recommitting yourself to God through consistent prayer. Even if you plan on modifying the fasts to fit your state in life, Fiat will give you plenty of ideas to spice up your Lenten penance. You should do Fiat to help you embrace Lent as a gift God offers for us to grow closer to Him.