It’s Groundhog Day: Are You Stepping into the Light or Hiding in the Shadows?

Today, we "determine" if spring will come early or if winter will linger a bit longer. Did the groundhog see his shadow, get scared, and hide? Or did he come out, embrace the world, and join society? It’s not exactly how it works, but you get the point.

Thinking about shadows got me reflecting on how often we let ourselves stay hidden—in our own shadow, or perhaps in someone else’s. Maybe it’s in your career, personal life, social settings, or even physical goals. Sometimes, we feel like we’re not good enough, so we hide. We don’t speak up, show up, or give ourselves permission to step forward.

That’s fear.

Just like the groundhog, we can become afraid of our own shadow and retreat. But what if, instead of stepping back, we stood tall? What if we stayed there, faced the light, and moved to the front?

Are You Capable of More?

• Do you want that career opportunity but feel someone else is more qualified? (Hint: That’s imposter syndrome, and it’s real—but you’re not alone in feeling it.)
• Do you feel like your dream body or healthy lifestyle is unattainable?
• Are you stuck thinking, I’m too tired, stressed, and busy to dedicate the time needed to achieve my goals?

Stop hiding in the shadows of your excuses.

Life is different for everyone. Some have kids, some don’t. Some have long work hours, others don’t. But the saying holds true: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

It doesn’t have to look like someone else’s path. You can carve your own way forward.

How to Step into the Light

Small, consistent steps can make a world of difference. Here’s a quick plan to get started. Just 15 minutes, 6 times a week, can boost your energy, transform your mindset, and help you feel stronger and more capable:

Day 1

• Focus on one big move. Example: Squats. Spend 15 minutes building up to a moderate or heavy set of 5. Done!

Day 2

• A 15-minute full-body accessory circuit.
• Circuit 1: 7-minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible):

1. DB Rows – 6 reps per side
2. Single-Leg RDLs – 6 reps per leg

• Circuit 2: 7-minute AMRAP:

1. Overhead DB Press – 10 reps
2. Hamstring Curls – 10 reps

Day 3

• 15 minutes of Zone 2 Cardio (steady, moderate effort). Pick your favorite: bike, treadmill, elliptical, or even a brisk walk. Done!

Day 4:

• A 15-minute super set:

1. Bench Press – Sets of 3-6 reps
2. Deadlift – Sets of 3-6 reps

• Alternate between the two for the entire 15 minutes. Done!

Day 5:

• A 15-minute accessory circuit (giant set):

1. Step-Ups – 8 reps per leg
2. Lateral Shoulder Raises – 8 reps
3. Triceps Extensions – 8 reps
4. Leg Extensions – 8 reps

• Complete as many rounds as possible in 15 minutes. Done!

Day 6:

• Two 6-minute EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) conditioning circuits:
• Circuit 1:

1. 10 KB Swings
2. 5 Pushups

• Circuit 2:

1. 5 Med Ball Slams
2. 8 Side Bends per side

• Complete each EMOM for 6 minutes. Done!

These short, focused efforts build momentum. You don’t need hours in the gym or an elaborate schedule—just consistency and a commitment to step out of the shadows.

The Challenge

This Groundhog Day, ask yourself:

• What are you hiding from?
• What’s one thing you can do today to step forward?

Let’s move away from fear and excuses. Stand in the light, take control, and build the life, career, and health you deserve.

You’ve got this!

Stay Strong,

Dan & Tasha

PLUS: When you are ready, here are three ways that you can work with me:

 1. Ideal Strength Training App - Use the code "STRONGER" for 10% off of your first month.

 2. Personal Training Inside the Wolf-Den Gym - Local to Bellevue, WA and interested in working with me? Respond to this email with a simple "TRAINING" and let's connect and set up a call.

3. Online Customized Coaching - Interested in online customized coaching? Shoot us an email with a simple "COACHING" and we will send over our intake form to get started.