Do you remember that classic Cremora commercial from the eighties? A man searching the fridge for Cremora, only to be told by his partner that’s it’s not inside but on top. His exaggerated, drawn-out response, “It’s not insiiiiiiide…it’s onnnnnnnn top!” became a beloved catchphrase across the country…
…When we searched for ideas for our photoshoot last December, Michelle suggested we try the tricky “in-the-box” photo to use for our Winter Challenge promotion. Initially I thought: “Yes!” This would be a stunning theme for Winter – motivating our members to think out of the box! As always, Adele, our legendary photographer, was a genius! Her vision and technical artistry brought our in-the-box photo to life.
Then it was Mari’s turn – she designed the most extraordinary Winter Challenge poster, but, on the same day I emailed her the photo, she also sent me a picture of a large LEGO box set that they recently purchased for their girls. On the box was this slogan: “Think inside the box…”
I was intrigued! Instead of looking elsewhere, LEGO challenges users to unlock their creativity, using ONLY the pieces inside the LEGO set. It highlights how limitations can fuel imagination, and that every brick has potential. You don’t need more to create more – the magic is in how you combine the pieces.
And just like that, we had a fresh, innovative Challenge theme: THINK INSIDE THE BOX. It made perfect sense, refreshed my mindset, and fired up my thinking!
From day one we encouraged our Challenge members to see the 13-week Challenge as the box. It’s not a restriction. It’s a gift. It’s their training ground, their safe space, their personal container of growth. For 13 weeks, this Challenge offers them workouts that will move them, stretch, and shape them. There are Mini-Challenges that will push them gently out of their comfort zones, but deeper into their confidence, a team of trainers who lead the way, a community of fellow participants who get it, and a version of themselves waiting to emerge stronger on the other side.
Yes, 48 workouts might sound like a lot during the cold season. But it’s 48 chances to show up for yourself. And the Mini-Challenges? They’re not tests. They’re invitations. To laugh, to try something new, and to surprise yourself.
You don’t need to find yourself. You need to remember who you’ve always been…
And this goes for everyone, not just those who are part of a Fitness Challenge. You don’t have to be anyone else. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to feel ready. You just have to begin. And then keep going. You’ve done hard things before. You’ve survived every season. And just like LEGO, you have the ability to turn limitations into opportunities.
Phil Keoghan, the longtime host of “The Amazing Race” on CBS recently said: “Think inside the box. You have to know what’s inside, before you can move beyond it.” He emphasizes knowing your tools, limitations, and resources before reaching outward.
We all know that entrepreneurs and managers frequently tell their employees: “We have to think out of the box!” Almost as if there seems to be some magical place outside, where great inspiration can be found. Of course, it’s great to have wild and special ideas. We all thrive on that! But, the past few days, I have listened to a few TED-talks from successful entrepreneurs, and they all express strongly how “inside the box” thinking can also help businesses identify opportunities for innovation, right within their existing companies.
Let’s make this a bit practical: If I were to ask you to think about your personal vision, you might be lost. So many options, so many ideas. But if I were to ask you to write down your vision in six words or less, you have a box, a limitation, and a place to start! (If you are a Challenge member, please send your personal vision for this Winter Challenge to me in a WhatsApp in six words or less, before Wednesday the 29th of May at 20.00)
The famous American author, Jim Rohn, once said: “There are only three colours, ten digits, and seven notes; it’s what we do with them that’s important.”
This resonates so well with the “in the box” philosophy! Three primary colours create every painting, ten digits build all numbers and equations, and seven musical notes form all symphonies and songs.
Rohn implies that greatness doesn’t come from an infinite palette, but from what we do with finite options. Likewise, “in the box” thinking champions resourcefulness, not escape…
Don’t wait for better tools – use the three colours. Meaning: Stop waiting for the perfect program, setup, or equipment. Use what you have. Don’t seek a new environment – play the seven notes. Meaning: You don’t need to change your world – change your perspective. Master the melody of your current season, and don’t wait for a different tune. Don’t dream of more time – work with the ten digits. Meaning: use the time and energy you have – even in small pockets, because ten minutes, ten times a week, also makes a difference.
You don’t need more – you need to use what you’ve got. You don’ need a new version of you – you need to wake up to the one that’s already there.
That strength you showed, when life knocked you down. That fire that got you out of bed when your body ached, and your heart has felt heavy. That quiet strength that inspires you to keep showing up, even when no one’s cheering…
That’s yours. It’s real. And it’s powerful. And I think that is exactly what the American high-performance coach, Brendon Burchard, refers to when he says: “To rise higher, go deeper.” Going deeper means understanding your fears, healing old wounds, and building inner strength.
Stop waiting for permission, perfection, or the stars to align. Start where you are. Use what you have. Trust who you are. Trust your body to grow stronger. Trust your heart to heal. Trust your mind to learn. Trust your spirit to rise. You were created with strength, courage, and resilience in your bones.
You Are the Tool, the Canvas, and the Artist. You don’t need more confidence – you need more action. You don’t need more time – you need more trust. You don’t need a new life – you just need to show up for the one you have.
And every time you move, choose well, speak kindly to yourself, or fight through one more workout – you prove it: You are proof of how much can happen when you stay committed, grounded, and here.
You already have everything you need inside of you.
“It’s not onnnnnnnn top!” It’s insiiiiiiide!
Yours in fitness
Mirna
082 779 0507