@nathan2018 2023: My goal was to become consistent in the gym (4-5 days/week) and focus fully on strength training (versus previously being a sporadic fitness class attender) with the hope of improving overall strength and mobility and, tbh, I am so fucking proud of myself. Fully drank the Kool-Aid and have become a committed 5 day/week gym rat, and have seen so many positive changes both physically and mentally (and overall health wise - drinking less, better sleep schedule, better diet, etc). Aesthetic changes were really never my primary goal, but having visible abs for the first time in my life at 32 was definitely not on my bingo card for 2023.
2024: If 2023 was about building consistency, I would say the focus of 2024 will be upping the ante and going deeper. I have started liiiiightly doing barbell work in the last couple of months, and would like to really focus on compound lifts for this upcoming. Also still chasing the elusive pull-up (I'm soooooo freaking close).
Final note, I am so thankful to this positive and supportive community. I truly lurk the threads every day and I'm personally invested in all of y'all even if I don't always comment. About a year ago I made a post here at the very start of my fitness journey about my apprehension working out/strength training as someone with a "nonstandard" body/underlying back issues, and the outpouring of support, insight and shared experiences were a really huge part of empowering me to jump in with both feet and not get hung up on "perfect" form and presentation. I have been BLOWN AWAY with what I have been able to accomplish this year, so if anyone else is on the fence - you got this! Love ya, xxfitness!