Ian Somerhalder is feeling stronger than ever – and he's making sure his fans know it. The actor, 47, took to Instagram to share a striking shirtless photo that showed off his toned physique, revealing he's focused on getting "strong again" after what he described as a tough and transformative year. Alongside the image, Ian posted a lengthy, passionate message reflecting on the lessons of 2025 and outlining his bold plans for the year ahead.
"Get strong again," he wrote. "Be prepared, physically, mentally, emotionally for every twist turn in 26'. I'm up at 4:30 AM. Working. Happy Holidays people!"
Clearly in a reflective mood, The Vampire Diaries star thanked 2025 for its "tough lessons" before launching into a detailed vision for 2026 – one that blends personal discipline with world-changing ambition.
Among his goals? Learning to fly. Ian revealed plans to order flight lessons, secure a plane and log hundreds of hours in the air while continuing to build his companies and travel to meet farmers across the US. His mission, he explained, is to help farmers transition to regenerative agriculture and build more sustainable, prosperous livelihoods.
This 2026 vision is a family affair; Ian and wife Nikki Reed have spent the last year expanding their sustainable empire, proving that their 'retirement' from acting was really just a promotion to full-time changemakers.
Farming and regenerative agriculture have become central to Ian’s life away from the screen. Through his work with regenerative farmers, he has been outspoken about restoring soil health, reducing reliance on chemical inputs and creating systems that benefit both the environment and rural communities. Ian has frequently shared visits to farms across the US, using his platform to amplify the voices of growers transitioning to more sustainable practices.
The actor also shared plans to build out a content studio and "digitize" his life, allowing him to connect with fans more directly while giving his body a break from constant travel. "Streaming to you instead of grinding it out on the road," he wrote, hinting at a new chapter in how he shares his work and ideas.
Ian didn't shy away from thinking big. He spoke about building "billion dollar companies," making regenerative agriculture the norm in the US, and putting "hundreds of billions of dollars" back into the global economy – all while inspiring people to believe meaningful change is possible.
Reflecting on his documentary work, including Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, Ian said watching the emotional response from audiences reminded him of the power of the movement. He also teased a third film, Groundswell, which he described as "powerful, global and enriching lives."
He ended the post by revealing his two guiding words for 2026: "Dream" and "Purpose."
"They guide like beacons in the night," he wrote. "Make your dreams come true… You have so much power and you don't even know it."
Judging by both his sculpted physique and his fired-up mindset, Ian Somerhalder is heading into the new year with strength – in every sense of the word.