Despite the new year fast approaching, most people will put off brainstorming their 2024 resolutions until Dec. 31 of this year. When considering what one wants to improve in the coming year, they are often guided by external pressures to meet societal expectations. A Christmas ad from 2020 gaining popularity again suggests the opposite — it’s not about measuring up but rather being ready for the life in front of you.
Created by the Dutch pharmacy company Doc Morris, the Christmas commercial depicts an elderly gentleman struggling to pick up a simple kettlebell. After a quick glance at a gallery wall in his home, he finds motivation in a single photograph.
Day after day, he continues his simple workout, initially dropping the kettlebell in frustration but progressing as the montage continues. Despite looks of surprise and worry from family and friends, he persists in regaining his lost strength — always with the framed photo before him as inspiration.
The big reveal at Christmas
On Christmas, the gentleman dresses up in a suit and tie to spend the day with his daughter’s family. After hugging his granddaughter, he gives her a specially wrapped gift containing a golden star to top the family Christmas tree.
With joy in his granddaughter’s eyes, he carefully lifts the young girl so she can place the star on the tree. This moment is what he had been working toward.
The ad concludes saying, “So you can take care of what matters in life.”
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Jordan K. Carpenter shared the ad with this caption: “A man maintains Fitness for reasons outside of himself.”
“A High Impact Man doesn’t exercise to get good at exercising,” he continued. “His goal is Preparedness, a far broader & deeper objective than just feeling strong & looking good on the beach.”
The same can be said of any personal goal. We strive for virtue not only for our own wellness and sanctity but to better show up for those we love.
