“Every human should do something really hard at least once a year.”
The Real Reason We Train
At some point, we all get tired of coasting. Of feeling stuck. Of looking in the mirror and wondering, “Is this all there is?”
At CFN, we don’t just train for abs or PRs. We train to grow. Because growth is the natural order of a life well lived.
We believe the good stuff—the meaningful stuff—doesn’t happen when things are easy. It happens when we lean in to challenge. When we stretch ourselves. When we choose growth over comfort.
We’re not interested in comfort zones. We’re here to expand them.
Change Is the Price of Being Alive
Life is change. Our bodies change. Our energy changes. Our responsibilities shift.
Trying to stay the same isn’t just hard—it’s impossible. We live in time. That means we’re always moving. Always evolving.
The only question is: Will I grow with it? Or will I resist and fall behind?
That’s why we train. Not just for today. But for the life we want to live 10, 20, 50 years from now.
Do Hard Things on Purpose
Every year, our CFN team hikes a mountain. A real one. Over 14,000 feet.
We train for it. We get our gear. We suffer a little. And somewhere along the way, we meet ourselves.
That’s why we do it. Not for the summit selfie. But for the clarity that only comes when you’re out of breath and out of excuses.
This idea—doing hard things on purpose—is a core part of our philosophy.
Your “hard thing” might not be a mountain. It might be:
- Walking into the gym for the first time in years
- Signing up for your first 5K
- Having a tough conversation
- Committing to your first 90 days of consistency
It’s different for everyone. But the principle is the same:
Hard things teach us who we are.
The Misogi Challenge: One Hard Thing a Year
Jason reminded me of a Japanese tradition called Misogi. The idea? Once a year, do something so difficult and uncertain that there’s only a 50% chance you’ll succeed.
It should scare you. It should stretch you. It should be meaningful for you — not social media.
The Misogi might involve some risk. Maybe physical, maybe emotional. It’s not about recklessness. It’s about depth.
The goal isn’t just to finish. The goal is to find something out about yourself.
We think everyone should have their own Misogi. It doesn’t have to be epic. It just has to be honest.
From Muscle to Mindset to Meaning
Physical strength matters. But it’s not the endgame. It’s a doorway.
What we’re really building is:
- Psychological strength
- Emotional resilience
- Ownership of our lives
Your body is your training ground. The weight you lift is real. But so is the courage you build. The trust in yourself. The sense that you can handle whatever life throws your way.
We’re not just building bodies. We’re building humans.
Start Your Own Growth Practice
You don’t have to start with a mountain. You can start with a moment.
Ask yourself:
- What’s something I’m avoiding because it scares me?
- What would I feel proud of just for trying?
- What’s one thing I can do this week to grow?
Write it down. Share it with someone. Or don’t. But do it.
Growth is waiting. Comfort won’t get you there.
This Is What We Stand For
CrossFit Northland is for people who are ready to grow.
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing.
If you’re ready to choose growth over comfort, we’ll be right beside you.
Cheering for you. Challenging you. And occasionally handing you a sandbag.