The “Stronger You” Year-End Reflection: What You’ve Built, What Comes Next
As the year winds down and we find ourselves in the middle of the holiday season, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect. Just like stepping back from the squat rack to admire the plates you’ve stacked, this is the perfect moment to take stock of the ways you’ve gotten stronger—not just in the gym but in life.
1. Reflecting on What You’ve Built
Physical strength is measured by the productive application of force on an external object…but there are other ways to measure success in the world of fitness. It’s about the moments when you showed up, even when the couch and a holiday movie marathon were calling your name. Or when you didn’t allow that holiday movie marathon to spill over into the next week. It’s the small, consistent efforts that added up, even when progress felt slower than a reindeer in a snowstorm.
Whether you smashed personal records or simply stayed consistent, take a moment to recognize the work you’ve put in. Strength isn’t always flashy—sometimes it shows up in the quiet, steady moments of persistence when no one else is watching.
Here are a few ways to reflect on what you’ve built this year:
- Audit your habits using the Sleep-Eat-Move-Manage framework. Ask yourself: How are you sleeping? Is your nutrition supporting your goals? Are you moving regularly? How well are you managing stress?
- Measure your consistency. Look back at how often you showed up, whether for workouts, meal prep, or other healthy habits. Celebrate the days you showed up, even when it was hard.
- Run a “progress check” exercise. Think about where you were at the beginning of the year. What’s easier now? What challenges have you overcome? Write it down—it’s easy to forget just how far you’ve come.
2. Strength Beyond the Gym
True strength is about resilience in the face of challenges, the discipline to keep showing up, and the mindset to embrace discomfort for the sake of growth. Maybe this year, your biggest win wasn’t in the gym but in handling life’s inevitable curveballs with a little more grace—or maybe just a little more grit.
As the days grow shorter and we look ahead to the new year, consider this: What does strength mean to you? Is it about lifting heavier? Moving better? Feeling more confident in your body? Or simply being able to enjoy life on your own terms for as long as possible?
Here’s how to build on your strength beyond the gym:
- Write down your definition of strength. What does it mean to you, in your life? How would you know you’re living with strength?
- List your “wins” outside the gym. Think of a time when you overcame a challenge, stayed disciplined, or made a tough choice for your long-term benefit.
- Identify your “growth edge.” Where do you want to challenge yourself next? This could be learning a new skill, improving mobility, or finding more balance in life.
3. Looking Ahead to What Comes Next
The end of the year is often about resolutions and fresh starts, but strength isn’t built in a single moment of inspiration. It’s built over time, one small effort at a time. As you think about your goals for the new year, don’t focus on perfection—focus on progress.
The Strong Classic on December 21st is a great way to celebrate the work you’ve put in this year and set the tone for what’s to come. It’s not just about testing your lifts; it’s about testing your limits, sharing the experience with a supportive community, and finishing the year on a strong note. It’s also a chance to benchmark the strength you’ve gained—or to find out where you are currently—so you can build upon it and test again next year. Think of it as your annual reflection and celebration of progress, much like the CrossFit Open serves as a measure of fitness over time.
For more info on the CFN Strong Classic, click here.
Here’s how to take action for the year ahead:
- Sign up for the Strong Classic. Celebrate your year of strength and set a powerful tone for 2025! [Sign-up using the Google Form here.]
- Set a small, measurable goal for January. It could be as simple as committing to three workouts per week or focusing on a specific skill.
- Find your “why” for the new year. What’s driving you to show up? Write it down where you’ll see it often—on your fridge, your phone, or even your gym bag.