So here I am trying to test my backgammon game against my 7 year old and I am glad to report that I have him on the ropes. During one of my opponents longer deliberations on checker placement I found myself thinking about how quickly this year has past. It felt like, in a moment, I was able to review my entire year from my accomplishments and achievements to my failures.

It was pretty crazy...

I kept thinking though, evaluating how the year started to how it was shaping up to end. Definitely missed the boat on more than a few things, things that are very important to me. Training, lifestyle, community, personal relationships, you name it, it was all there.

Normally I prefer to keep my foot on the gas pedal and my eyes straight ahead, but this time of year is definitely a time for taking a look backward, taking a pause and reflecting on the year as a whole.

I may not have hit my squat goals, I set out with but did I remain active?

Sure did.

Did I stay injury free?

Nope. I did take a much more proactive approach to seeking help in recovery though.

Did I run the business I planned on?

Pretty damn close. Close enough for government work at least.

Did I make positive changes to be more involved in my life with my children and wife?

Sure did...even got to help them go on an awesome summer road trip.

The only reason I was able to hit all those marks and many more was because sometime in 2014 I sat back and reviewed the year. Looked at what I wanted to improve, really identified a worthy objective. It didn't happen all in one moment but over a series of weeks. Evaluating many aspects of my life...not just my fitness, business, family, community...it is a combination of everything.

It helps so much in fact that I have already identified many of the things I want to work on in 2016...

I know without a doubt I need to make a deeper commitment, demanding the time to get the training I want.

To demand more time to focus on the food I eat.

To demand more time to really develop my version of the best gym around. I could go on forever, there are so many opportunities.

Creating the space in my day to be the best husband and father that I can be. Helping my family to thrive by participating fully in all of the great things they are all part of.

Just taking these few moments to play backgammon with my eldest son is all I need to see how far I have come. Reminding me of where I started and how far I have come.

Let me encourage all of you to take a few minutes to evaluate your year. Not just the training and the exercise, but really consider the entire range of all it is that you do, hope to do and didn't do. Knowing you all as very motivated individuals I can only image that the accomplishments are huge. We only have two weeks left before New Years resolutions come at you with full force. Your accomplishments and challenges will help shape the best year to come in 2016.

-Lift Strong and Prosper

P.S. Please remember to note the changes to schedule this week and next. Click here.

Today's Training

Fitness/Performance

GYMNASTICS SKILLS

20 Min Handstand Walk Practice/Progression

7 min AMRAP
5 Deadlifts (225/155)
25 Double Unders