The CrossFit Journey and Employee Benefits Strategy: Progress Takes Time

As I reflect on the last two years of my CrossFit journey, I’m struck by how transformative the experience has been. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have believed the person I’ve become today—healthier, stronger, and more resilient both physically and mentally. This transformation didn’t happen overnight; it took commitment, hard work, and patience. And as I think about my professional life in the employee benefits space, I realize how closely these lessons apply to what we do every day.

The Long Game: CrossFit and Benefits Strategies

When I first started CrossFit, I couldn’t see the long-term results; I just focused on showing up and giving my best in every workout. The same is true for implementing cost-containment strategies in employee benefits. Employers often want immediate results, but true impact takes time.

Much like fitness, where consistency and gradual progress lead to personal records and milestones, achieving cost savings in benefits requires:

• Planning: Identifying the right plan design or strategy for the organization’s needs.
• Execution: Implementing changes like self-funding, direct contracting, or alternative funding arrangements.
• Patience: Allowing these strategies to mature, which often takes years to see substantial results.

Overcoming Setbacks

In CrossFit, not every workout is a win. There are days when the weights feel heavier or when I struggle with a new skill. In the benefits world, the same applies. A new plan design might face resistance from employees, or initial cost savings might be offset by unexpected claims. However, setbacks are part of the process.

The key is staying focused on the long-term goal and continuously improving, whether it’s fine-tuning a benefits strategy or perfecting a lift. Growth comes from perseverance and learning from challenges.

Building Strength Through Support

Another lesson from CrossFit is the power of community. My coaches and fellow athletes at CrossFit Gris Gris have been instrumental in my progress. Their support keeps me motivated and accountable. Similarly, in benefits, it’s crucial to have the right partners—brokers, TPAs, and other stakeholders—who understand your goals and work collaboratively to achieve them.

The Reward

Two years into CrossFit, I’ve accomplished goals I didn’t think were possible, like competing in events and hitting personal records. Similarly, when an employer sees the fruits of their benefits strategy—lower costs, healthier employees, and improved retention—the effort and patience pay off.

The Takeaway

Whether it’s in fitness or employee benefits, progress takes time. It’s about making small, consistent changes, staying committed, and trusting the process. Two years ago, I started my journey to becoming a better version of myself. In benefits, every step we take is an opportunity to build a better, more sustainable strategy for the future.