Rethinking Progress: Why Personal Growth Matters More Than Medals
In today's blog, we want to take a moment to shine a light on something that often gets overlooked during these challenges: your personal progression. Specifically, we want to talk about why improving from where you are right now is just as valuable - if not more so - than what's reflected in our medal system.
What's the Medal System All About?
If you've been part of our community for a while, you've probably seen (or even earned!) medals on our PB board inside the gym. These medals have been an amazing source of motivation, helping clients push their strength and fitness to new levels challenge after challenge.
Whether it's moving from bronze to silver to gold, or collecting medals across a range of movements, the progress we've witnessed has been incredible.
We've got medals for:
- Bodyweight strength - like chin-ups and push-ups
- Max strength - such as squats and bench presses
- Aerobic fitness - to track endurance and conditioning
- Power and sprint capacity - for those explosive efforts
It's been a powerful system - but, like anything, it comes with a few downsides.
When Medals Become the Only Measure
Over time, we've noticed that some clients start feeling demotivated if they don't earn new medals or upgrade from bronze to silver or gold.
And we get it. When there's a shiny target in sight, it's easy to feel like you're falling short if you don't hit it. But here's the thing: progress isn't always about the medals.
A 1kg or 5kg increase in strength, an extra rep or two, improved technique or range of motion, or simply feeling stronger and more resilient - these are huge wins. They might not earn a new medal, but they absolutely deserve celebration.
Progress Is Personal
When you measure your success only by the medal system, it can be easy to overlook the quiet but meaningful improvements happening in your training. Sometimes, the next medal isn't within reach - and that's perfectly okay.
Because success doesn't look the same for everyone.
As we head into our next Personal Challenge Week, we want to shift the focus back to you - your growth, your effort, and your version of progress. Whether it's lifting a little heavier, moving a little better, or simply showing up with more consistency, that's something to be proud of.
So this December, let's celebrate progress in all its forms - medals or not.
