Summer Bodies
Are built in the winter
(Watch the Podcast Episode Here)
As the holiday season kicks in, we’re all bombarded with treats, gatherings, and those tempting comfort foods that make this time of year so special—and challenging. When the cold weather hits, and days get shorter, it’s easy to settle into a cozy routine that leaves our goals on hold until January rolls around. But here’s the secret: if you want to walk into spring and summer feeling strong, energized, and ready to take on anything, the time to start is now.
Building your summer body in winter isn’t just about fitness. It’s about preparing your whole self—body, mind, and spirit—for the goals you want to achieve. You might be thinking, "It’s hard enough to stay on track with so many distractions." And yes, it can be, but with the right mindset, this season can be a launchpad for next year’s best version of you.
Here’s how you can make this winter your ultimate growth season.
1. Set a Vision and Make it Real
What does your ideal version of yourself look like by the time spring rolls around? Think beyond the physical. Imagine how you want to feel: clear-headed, confident, or maybe simply proud of yourself for staying disciplined. Visualizing this outcome is more than wishful thinking—it’s your North Star.
Need help clarifying this vision? Try the Core Values Exercise to identify the values that matter most to you. These values can guide you as you set specific goals for the winter, whether it’s a fitness milestone, a personal project, or building a healthy habit. When your goals are aligned with your core values, you’re more motivated to follow through, even when it gets tough.
2. Accountability Partners & Community Support
Goals are great, but they’re easier to stick to with support. Find a partner or a community that shares your drive. Whether it's a friend, family member, or an online group, being part of a community that values consistency will help you stay committed. Having accountability partners means you’re not going at it alone. You have others pushing you, challenging you, and, when necessary, pulling you back up.
If you’re looking for a supportive community, consider joining our Mastermind Group. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your goals provides a powerful foundation. This group will not only hold you accountable but will also give you fresh perspectives and tips to stay consistent. Together, we’ll push through those challenging winter months and start spring stronger than ever.
3. Prepare Mentally for the Winter Grind
We know winter’s temptations: cozy couches, holiday treats, and a general sense of hibernation. That’s why preparation is critical. Commit to a mindset of delayed gratification. It’s easy to reach for immediate comforts, but delaying that gratification fuels greater rewards. If you can hold off on the cookie or get up for that workout now, imagine the payoff in just a few months. As the saying goes, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
Prepping mentally can be as simple as setting yourself up with small, manageable goals. Instead of going all-in immediately, aim for incremental growth, like aiming to improve by just 0.01% every day. The trick? Showing up, even when it’s tough. It’s not about perfection; it’s about steady progress. Read our blog post about Incremental Gains here.
4. Create a Game Plan for Temptations
Temptations are inevitable, especially around the holidays. Rather than pretending they don’t exist, plan for them. When you’re at a family gathering or a holiday party, decide in advance what you’ll indulge in and what you’ll pass on. Have a “fallback” option for those tempting moments—healthy snacks, a go-to routine, or even just a glass of water. Anticipating the tough moments makes them far easier to handle.
The goal isn’t deprivation; it’s balance. Plan your treats, enjoy them without guilt, and then get right back to the habits that keep you strong.
5. Focus on Consistency Over Intensity
If you’re aiming for big changes, remember that consistency is the real secret. Small actions done daily will get you farther than a massive effort every once in a while. Don’t try to overhaul your life overnight. Focus on one or two small things, like adding a five-minute workout to your day or switching one meal to something healthier.
These consistent, small actions add up. In a few months, you’ll be surprised at how much they compound. This approach works in every area—fitness, personal growth, and even relationships.
6. Remember the Long-Term Gains Over Short-Term Pleasures
Winter is a season of comfort, but comfort doesn’t always serve our best interests. While instant gratification is easy, real growth happens when we choose the long-term benefits over the immediate highs. Think of it like investing in yourself; every small choice is a deposit in your future.
Make your health, mind, and future self a priority. Every time you choose growth over comfort, you reinforce that vision you set in the beginning.
Embrace the Power of Small, Consistent Wins
Winter might feel long, but it’s a season full of opportunities to celebrate small wins. Did you make a healthy choice today? Celebrate that. Did you follow through on your commitment? Acknowledge it. These small victories are what build the foundation for bigger transformations.
By celebrating these small steps, you’ll keep your motivation high and your focus strong. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.
7. Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Outcome
The journey to becoming your best self doesn’t require perfection or grand gestures; it requires action—right now. Don’t wait for a “perfect moment” that may never come. Every day offers a chance to take a small step forward.
Whether it’s 0.01% progress in a skill, mindset, or fitness level, each day compounds into the person you want to become. So, lace up those shoes, put pen to paper, and take one small step. The life you’ve imagined starts with the actions you choose today.
Final Thoughts: Building Your “Summer Body” is an Investment
The work you put in this winter is an investment that pays off for months, even years to come. It’s about building resilience, discipline, and strength that lasts. When spring rolls around, you’ll be grateful you started this season.
So let’s make this winter count. Remember, the best time to start was yesterday, but the next best time is today. Take that first step, and keep moving forward with your vision, values, and a powerful support system in place.
You don’t have to do it alone; share your journey and get support from others just like you. Join our LU+L mastermind group for the support and accountability you need to create a business that works for you.
👇TUNE INTO OUR LEVEL UP AND LIVE PODCAST EPISODE ALL about How To Build your Summer Body in Winter!
Get ready to take on winter with purpose! As we approach the season of celebrations, food, and family gatherings, it's easy to let health goals slide. But here's the truth: Summer bodies are built in the winter.
Now is the time to focus on nutrition, fitness, and mindset, so you can start the new year energized, clear-headed, and strong. In this episode, we dive into practical steps for thriving during winter, setting a “North Star” goal, and harnessing accountability to stay consistent.
Don’t just wait for January resolutions—commit now to a transformative season and come out on the other side as your best self.
You'll learn:
→The power of setting a North Star goal to stay accountable through the season
→How to delay gratification to fuel long-term success and resilience
→Strategies to build mental fortitude and break habits that sabotage progress