Small Wins for the New Year
January has a unique vibe. Some people feel energized, others feel overwhelmed, and many fall somewhere in between—excited for what’s ahead but unsure where to start. If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company. At Coeur Climbing, we see a range: young adults craving a reset, families searching for new routines, and folks looking to feel grounded again after a chaotic holiday season.
This year, instead of aiming for massive change, we’re inviting you to try something different—small wins. Not the dramatic kind that require a life overhaul. We’re talking about tiny steps that build confidence, spark joy, and give you that “I can do this” feeling again.
Think of it as your first step up the wall, literally or figuratively. Once you take that first reach, the next one becomes easier. Before you know it, momentum builds, confidence grows, and you’re climbing into a year that feels aligned and exciting.
And because we LOVE giving you fun reasons to stay motivated, we also want you to know this:
In February, we’re launching a community-wide Bingo Challenge, where you can complete activities, climb, connect, and earn chances to win prizes, all month long! More on that later.
But for now, let’s talk about small wins: why they matter, how they help, and how climbing can be a surprisingly powerful place to start your year.
Why Small Wins Matter (More Than Big Goals)
Big goals can be inspiring, but they can also feel heavy. When your plate is already full, it’s hard to suddenly commit to massive change.
Small wins create momentum without pressure. They help you build trust with yourself. And they remind you that progress is about consistency.
For our community, those small wins often look like:
Finishing a climb you weren’t sure you could do
Bringing the kids to an activity that gets them moving and smiling
Meeting one new person who feels like “your people”
Trying a class even when you feel nervous
Simply walking through the door on a day you’d rather stay home
They’re tiny, but they count!
Small Wins That Set the Tone for Your Best Year Yet
1. Show Up Once a Week (Even If You Don’t “Feel Ready”)
A once-a-week visit might not sound like much, but it’s one of the most powerful habits you can build. Climbing offers a mental reset, a full-body workout, face-to-face community time, and a chance to learn something new. For kids, teens, and adults alike, showing up weekly is often the “win” that turns into real transformation by spring.
Pro tip: Weekday evenings are great for beginners, since staff are more readily available to guide you, and the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed.
If you’re brand new, try an Intro to Climbing class to get comfortable with the basics while meeting other beginners.
2. Celebrate the Try, not just the Top
This is one of our favorite community values. In climbing, effort counts. Every reach, every foot placement, every moment you choose to stick with it, that’s progress.
This mindset is especially empowering for:
Parents modeling resilience
Teens building confidence
Adults starting a new hobby later in life
Anyone resetting after burnout
One of the most important small wins you can give yourself in January? Show up with the goal of trying, not “performing.” You’ll be amazed how freeing it feels.
3. Pick One Climb That’s Just a Bit Above Your Comfort Zone
Not WAY above. Just slightly above your usual level. That gentle push builds confidence, focus, problem-solving skills, and awareness of your growing strength.
It’s the same idea we apply to life outside the gym: a gentle stretch of what feels possible.
Each time you complete a slightly challenging climb, it’s a reminder that you’re capable of more than you thought, physically and mentally.
4. Add a Mind-Body Win to Your Week
Our community loves combining climbing with mind-body practices. The rhythm, flow, and balance you gain from yoga or movement classes transfers directly to the wall.
Check out our Yoga & Fitness classes to see what’s happening this month.
A single weekly class can be a grounding win for stress relief, flexibility, mobility, mental clarity, and recovery. Plus, it feels amazing to slow down and unwind after the holiday season.
5. Start a “Confidence Tracker” for Yourself or Your Family
January is a great time to notice the little things that build you up. Whether you’re climbing solo, climbing with friends, or climbing as a family, try listing small wins like:
“Tried a new grade today.”
“Made it halfway up—felt proud.”
“Watched my kid solve a movement puzzle all on their own.”
“Met someone new!”
Our staff see these tiny milestones all the time, and we LOVE celebrating them. If you want encouragement, just tell us what you’re working on. We’re in your corner.
6. Try a Social Win: Introduce Yourself to One Person
Many climbers tell us they started coming for the fitness …but kept coming for the friendships. And it really does start with something small, like asking someone about the problem they’re trying, or cheering for someone on a tricky move.
Our gym is full of welcoming, down-to-earth people—parents, teens, young adults, and long-time locals. One small conversation can spark the connection your winter brain has been craving.
7. Bring the Kids in for a Movement Win
For families, climbing is a powerhouse activity. It gets kids off screens, builds courage, strength, and body awareness, and is a great way to spend family together time.
If your kids want a more structured experience, look into:
But feel free to just stop by for open climbing. Kids love seeing their progress from week to week.
8. Choose One Skill to Practice for the Month
Instead of “getting better at climbing” (too big, too vague), choose a micro-skill, like:
Foot placement
Breathing properly
Climbing slowly
Using your legs more
Finding rest positions
When you focus on something small and specific, you can see the improvement, and that visibility builds confidence fast.
This also works beautifully for teens who want clear goals and bite-sized achievements.
9. Make January Your “Try Something New” Month
Each week, pick one small new thing. Some ideas:
Try bouldering if you usually top-rope (or vice versa)
Try a new wall section
Try a new grade
Try climbing with a friend
Try a yoga class
Try climbing during a different time of day
The goal isn’t mastery; it’s variety. Newness keeps your brain engaged and prevents the winter slump from pulling you inward.
10. Give Yourself Permission to Have Fun
It sounds simple, but a lot of people forget this one, especially adults. Your fitness doesn’t have to feel like work. Movement can feel playful, energizing, and restorative.
What Small Wins Give You
If you start with these manageable steps now, by February you’ll feel more capable. Maybe you’ll feel less stressed during the week, maybe you’ll have met people who inspire you, maybe you’ll feel excited to keep climbing. The magic of small wins is that they sneak up on you!
BONUS: Get Ready for Our February Bingo Challenge!
Because your small wins deserve celebration, we’re kicking off February with something fun and community-powered.
Coeur Climbing Bingo: Coming Soon!
Complete squares like:
Take a yoga class
Bring a friend to climb
Ask a staff member about Adult League
Visit the gym 5 times
…and more! Each completed line = entries for prizes. We’ll cap the month off with a Winter Party, including a climbing competition and plenty of fun!
Stay tuned—details drop soon!
Ready to Take Your First Step Up the Wall?
Whether you’re starting fresh, returning after a break, or bringing the whole family, we’d love to help you build confidence one small win at a time.
Here are a few great ways to get started:
Try a first visit with our limited time $15 Day Pass, including rentals: Perfect for dipping your toes in.
Make weekly movement easier with a membership: Unlimited climbing + perks = tons of opportunities for small wins. Plus, visit more than 3 times a month and membership is the best deal.
Add a mind-body practice with yoga: Gentle classes for mobility, strength, and stress relief. Remember - yoga classes are FREE with membership!
Get guidance with a climbing class or league: New skills, new friends, new confidence. Ask about member savings.
This January, take your first step up the wall—whether that’s literally climbing or simply choosing one small win that makes you feel proud. We’ll be right here cheering you on, every step of the way.
