Can you believe it? It’s a new year! 2025 is the 15th anniversary of the 5% Challenge! We are also in our 4th year on MFP! What a milestone year for us! Over those years, we’ve lost thousands of pounds. Yes, some of us have gained a few, too. One thing is certain: We are like family! We care about YOU!

The 2025 Winter 5% Challenge Theme is “ Visions of a Bright, Shiny New YOU!”

Is your vision of your “Self” the same thing as your self-image?

Self-vision is so much more than what you see in the mirror.

One definition of vision from Dictionary.com is:
The act or power of anticipating what will or may come to be. The New Year is a time for a new beginning and a new vision. It’s time to shake off past illusions and catch a “Vision of a Bright, Shiny New YOU!”

A Google Search of Vision of Self vs. Self-Image gives us this explanation:
A "vision of self" refers to your aspirational self, essentially the person you want to be or the ideal version of yourself, while "self-image" is how you perceive yourself at the moment, including your strengths, weaknesses, and characteristics as you see them; essentially, your current mental picture of who you are.

As we approach the start of the New Year and the Winter Challenge, think about the above definitions and the differences in how you currently perceive yourself and how you aspire to be. This can be applied to your total self, not just weight loss.

Some examples might be:
Negativity vs. Positivity - Attitude
Sad vs Happy - Emotions
Impulsive vs. Cautious - Actions
Conformist vs. Independent - Character
Anxious vs. Calm - Demeanor

Is your self-vision the same as your goals?

We hope you will use the Pre-Challenge Activities, which Heidi will be posting soon, and the information in this post to create a plan to help you set and achieve your goals for the 2025 Winter 5% challenge.

This is an oldie but goodie from Spark People and is a great resource for goal planning.

Some members may be interested in creating a vision board. Several websites have free templates you can use, or you may want to simply write down your vision and a plan to reach the goals you set.

Here is a printable planner sheet for December through February.

I used Canva to create this vision board.


Best wishes from your Overall Challenge leaders, Ceri @Ceriusly1, Barb @ladyluk1, Diane @Dianedoessmiles1, and Heidi @hicim705. Have a "Bright, Shiny New YOU Challenge!