More Thrive...Less Strive in 2025

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I had a very Merry Christmas this year. I hope you did, too!

My week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is usually filled with year-in-review and next-year-planning exercises. For the last 10 years, these review and planning exercises have included my plans for improving my health and fitness. I thought readers of the LenDentonThrive Letter might find it helpful if I shared my honest assessment of my health and fitness in 2024.  So, here goes.

2024 In Review

The Positives - here’s my quick assessment of the things that went right for my health and fitness in 2024:

• I maintained my weight at or below my goal weight

• I met my daily average step goal challenge (12,000 steps a day)

• I followed my Eating Smarter plan effectively throughout the year, which was a major contributor to being able to maintain my weight

• I completed quarterly blood tests to keep track of my blood chemistry

• Most importantly, I reacted effectively when I sensed that I was experiencing a cardiac problem in late March. (More on that in a minute.)

The Negatives - here are the things that didn’t go as well for my health and fitness in 2024

• I did not reach my goal of averaging 7 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is very important to brain health as we age, and this was my #1 fitness goal for 2024. I did make improvements, such as adopting a night-time ritual and beginning to track my sleep regularly. However, I still have some work to do to reach my goal of 7 hours per night.

• I didn’t do as much strength training as I wanted to in 2024. I improved over my 2023 performance, which is a plus. But, I fell short of my goal of lifting 3 times per week as planned. It was more like 2 times a week. Lot’s of room for improvement here.

• I experienced a severe blockage of a major artery while working out in March. Because I was aware of my risk factors (due to a wicked family history of heart disease, and my Medical Early Warning System), I was able to detect the problem and get to the doctor quickly. I received a stent and I’m now back to my full exercise program. (I wrote about that experience here if you’re interested in learning more about it.)

Overall, I feel like 2024 was a very good year for me from a health and fitness perspective. I’m happy with the outcome. I’d score my 2024 as an A-minus! But, as usual, there’s room for improvement. So, next I’ll share my plans for 2025. 

My 2025 Plan

My plan is to maintain my ThriveLife lifestyle of healthy eating and smart movement. Here are my four focus areas for improvement in 2025:

• Average 7 hours of quality sleep per night

• Reduce my body fat from 22% to 18% or less

• Increase my strength training to 3 times per week

• Reduce my LDL cholesterol to 100 or less (to keep my new cardiologist and my wife happy)

Systems Over Goals

Setting goals can be a good thing… it’s just not enough! 

After years of failure, I no longer believe in New Year’s resolutions. I’ve found that systems are far better than goals. As  Atomic Habits author James Clear says:

“If you want better results, forget about setting goals. Focus on your systems instead.”

And: 

“We don’t rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.”

The ThriveLife is my system for achieving and maintaining new levels of health and fitness. Ten years ago, my ThriveLife helped me lose 70 pounds and become fitter at age 56 than I’d been at age 35. Now, ten years later, I’m still at my goal weight and I’m stronger and fitter than ever. 

So, to turn my 2025 focus areas into new realities, I’ll make small changes and enhancements to my current ThriveLife daily practices. 

My overall goal for the upcoming year will be: More Thrive…Less Strive in 2025. 

Are you looking for a proven method to transform your overall health and fitness without resorting to crazy diets and grueling workouts?

Why don’t you join me? 

Let’s work together to make 2025 your year of transformation!

Here’s to a happy, and transformative, 2025!

When you’re ready for a true and sustainable fitness transformation, here are three ways I can help you:

#1 - Sign up for this newsletter. Every week, you’ll receive tested, actionable tips and strategies to help you build your own customized version of the ThriveLife that fits your needs, preferences, and personal style. And, it’s free!

#2 - For a Do-It-Yourself approach to the ThriveLife, download your free copy of my new ebook: 6 Smart Moves To Your ThriveLife. Just click the button below.

#3 - When you’re ready to join a community of other busy 50+ Guys building their ThriveLives together, check out my new ThriveLife Transformation course. The ThriveLife Transformation guides you through a 30-day transformation process which includes online video training and daily support and assistance through our online community. Join alone or bring your friends. To learn more about the ThriveLife Transformation, click the button below.

Do You Know Somebody?

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(Or, give them a free copy of my 6 Smart Moves ebook!)

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