Less Than 100 Days Left in 2025—What Will You Do With Them?
The calendar says there are fewer than 100 days left in the year. That might feel like a countdown clock ticking toward January, when most people decide to “finally” get serious about their health. But here’s the truth: the best time to set yourself up for a strong new year is before the new year even begins.
There is the myth of the ‘fresh start’ that is long-standing and just as prevalent as ever. We love the idea of January 1. New year, new you. But waiting for a date on the calendar is just procrastination in disguise. Momentum doesn’t magically appear when the ball drops in Times Square—it’s built through action. And the people who are thriving by mid-January are the ones who got started in the fall.
The final quarter of the year is packed with opportunities. Even with holidays and busy schedules, there’s still plenty of time—weeks, not days—to make progress. That’s enough time to:
Build a habit of showing up consistently.
Learn proper form and get comfortable in the gym.
Make nutrition changes that feel sustainable.
Get a jumpstart on goals instead of starting from zero.
Think of it like preseason. The preparation you put in now is what allows you to hit the ground running when the new year rolls in.
What We See Every Year
Every fall, I talk with people who are already looking ahead to January. They tell me what their “new routine” will look like, how they’ll be ready to go when the calendar flips. But I’ve noticed something over the years: the people who start before the new year are the ones who actually succeed.
Why? Because they’ve already worked through the early challenges. They’ve practiced showing up, even when the schedule isn’t perfect. They’ve built a foundation so that when life gets busier in January—new school schedules, work projects, or resolutions in other areas—they aren’t trying to juggle everything at once.
Meanwhile, those who wait often keep waiting. January turns into February. Then they tell themselves they’ll start “after spring break” or “once summer slows down.” Waiting has a way of multiplying.
Willing to Be Imperfect
The people who thrive aren’t waiting until they can be their “best self.” They’re willing to start imperfectly. They’re willing to learn, adjust, and keep showing up. That’s the essence of adaptability—one of the core pillars of long-term success in fitness. (If you want to dig deeper, check out our article on adaptability and the four pillars.)
The mistake most people make is waiting until January to prepare. They walk into the gym after weeks (or months) off, hoping motivation will carry them through. Instead, they feel sore, overwhelmed, and more likely to quit.
But if you use these next weeks wisely, January becomes a continuation—not a cold start. You’ll have a plan, momentum, and confidence that others are still trying to find.
A Different Kind of Resolution
So instead of waiting for January to flip the switch, start now. Your “resolution” doesn’t have to be dramatic. Commit to two workouts per week. Prep lunches three days instead of five. Go for a walk after dinner. Small steps compound—and they’ll add up faster than you think.
When January comes, you won’t be starting over. You’ll already be moving forward.