Any warrior will tell you that repeated use over time is the one and only ticket to real strength. Yes, it's boring. No, you don't get buff in an hour. But we're here to craft a better life, and that's not a one-off.
The upside to this approach is that you don't have to over think it: find whatever method is likely to get you to do it (kettlebell, free weight, machines, toddler-lifts) and then do that, again and again and again. If you find yourself still bored after 50 reps, increase the weight a little - no engineering degree required, no act of heroics necessary - until that eighth rep is difficult. Then do that on a regular basis until you're still bored after 50 reps.
The gains are more at the foundation level, but will be undeniably evident in your physique. You'll look good and be able to lift groceries and toddlers with ease; you'll be able to walk longer and farther than before; you might even be able to move a bookcase or a couch by yourself.
No one is going to write ballads about your grocery-carrying prowess, I'm sad to say. But we here at NF know the dedication and life force that are crafted and honed. We will cheer you on and remind you that even when you feel like a wimp when you're only doing [whatever] at the gym, that you're still knocking it out of the park by being there.
Just do it.
You'll be amazed at where you are in a year.