Bill Phillip's | Transformation

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Yes, I would tell myself that because I'm so busy and have so many other important things to tend to, I just can't take the time to exercise. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Yes, that I can have junk in the house and not eat it..lol.. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? No one in the family will be worse for wear if the junk food is no longer around, if anything you'll be assisting in healthy living for them as well.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? One of the core beliefs I had before starting the transformation revolved around the thought of being “alone.” These last four years in medical school have kept me extremely busy, and have made relationships with individuals that have “lighter” work or academic schedules difficult to manage. As I went from one unsuccessful relationship after another these past couple of years, my self-esteem really took a beating. I can’t begin to express the number of uncomfortable times I would be doing an over-night/or 24hr call in the hospital, and as I would began to feel the calm of beeper-less-ringing moments, uncomfortable recurring thoughts resonated deep within….. “who in their right mind is gonna want to be with your work-a-holic self?!” Thankfully these negative thoughts have been replaced with cheerful hope, and intense redirected focus toward my loving family, good friends, and sick patients. It feels great; I can’t remember the last time I had a “wow is me” moment!! ************2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? A current belief that on occasion I find myself distracted by spawns from the thought of my upcoming first intern year of residency. The first year of any residency is known to be extremely difficult. Although I’ve found a lot more comfort in my own current medical “know-how,” the bar is definitely kicked up a lot of notches during residency. Patient load significantly increases, complicated ICU months follow (in which I have little experience in), and as the responsibility rises, so does the work hours, and study. I’ve adapted to the heaviest of workloads I can accomplish as a 4th year medical student, but have far more knowledge, experience and work hours coming my way! **********3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I grew up in a Spanish ghetto, and now I’m months away from becoming a doctor! I’ve come across numerous different types of challenging obstacles, and have made it out despite it all! I made my health…both spiritual and physical…a priority these past several months with my current tough schedule; this was a goal I set many months ago and I have now found myself bumping up against a new, and very transformed David! I’ve learned, mainly via my good friends in the community, that with my schedule I require much patience, as my “patient commitments” and working hours/environment make it far more challenging to make continued progress. However, I am also aware that my life has demonstrated, on multiple occasions, the extent of how adaptable an individual I am (so long as my “mindset” is kept along a positive track). As I made reference to earlier, I’ve made my transformation and the community an additional priority in my life, and am confident that if I continue to prioritize what’s important to my health and well being, that wonderful transformative/adaptable changes will be an unremitting factor in my life for weeks, months, and years to come.

A core belief that I held before I started this process was " I can do this, but I chose not to". I wasn't sure what was holding me back at times - was it a fear of success or was it a fear of failure. I think it was both. I was uncomfortable with the attention that success would bring, and if I didn't reach my goal, I would feel disappointed in myself. So, as the challenge went along, I decided I rather be successful than not. I had a mentor once say to me " If you're not getting out of your comfort zone, than you are not growing". I set out to take on the Transformation challenge in order to grow: emotionally and physically. I want to be a better person, therefore I am willing to get out of my comfort zone (being in front of other people and talking about my story). Projecting into my mind the end result of how I want to look, each time I start out to the gym, highly motivates me. Once at the gym, every time I lift a weight, I imagine in my minds eye doing the physical movements and envisioning the muscles building. This helps me stay focused on why I am doing what I am doing. A core belief that I say to myself now and will continue in the future is: " Is what I am doing right now, helping me to reach my goal?" If it is yes, I continue.....if it is no, I stop.

My core belief is that I was lacking confidence in myself and thought I was doing a good job hiding it. It was transitioning into being more confident than I was but still occasionally doubting myself. Now I truly feel in my core that I can do anything I set my mind to.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Before beginning round two I was already experiencing serious change and evolution of my inner language, and exterior environment. I used to believe that I was not worthy of happiness, health, or blessings. That somehow I was to be punished for my choices in life, and that being over weight and unhappy was the sentences for my crimes. That all began to change as I began to see the differences that I was making internally and externally, and my surroundings were confirming that change was occurring. People were noticing the weight loss, and the abundance of smiles and laughter emerging that had been dormant for so many years. The change continues, and it just keeps getting better. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I may not be able to obtain my mind eye of health and fitness for Kelli. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Visualizing me already in that healthy and fit body each day, and holding onto that image each moment as I work through each day.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? My core belief was that I did not believe in myself. I did not believe that I neither had the time or the ability to commit the time and effort into taking care of myself. I wanted to believe in myself, but somehow, I just did not. I wanted to be healthy, trim and and fit but was just not motivated enough to do it. Now, as the weeks progress and I am still here, I know, and most importantly, I believe that I can and will complete this Challenge. I won't give up, I can't. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? yes, I still find myself "winging it", believing that I'll get to it, then I find myself in trouble when I can't get to it,when I wind up missing a workout, or eating a bad meal. I still find myself procrastinating about planning my meals and/or my workouts. Procrastination just does not work! 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? What is it that Marty Goldman says?? If I fail to plan, I plan to fail. So I must plan, be prepared so that I can succeed and reach my goals

My core belief throughout my transformation has been to never give up, no matter what, never give up and I have help onto that. I'm still short of my goal and I haven't lost much weight, but I REFUSE to give up until I get what I want. It may take me longer than others, but when I make it, there will be NO turning back! One belief that has limited me that I am working on is the no pain approach. When things get a little hard or I get hungry when its not time to eat I eat anyway and end up overeating. I've also used sugar as a crutch and that is going to STOP!!! The Holy Spirit is my strength and comfort. When I'm craving the wrong foods or its not time to eat, I will turn to him and the bible for comfort. I WILL overcome my bad habits. My main empowering belief is to never give up. I used to give up when things got a little hard an I would not workout or even TRY to eat healthy for long periods of time. Now if I mess up, I just get right back up and eat healthy the next meal and make it to the gym.

1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I was beginning to develop a core belief that perhaps my body was no longer capable of being lean and muscular now that I’m in my late 30’s – that my body holds weight and that it was virtually impossible to shed bodyfat. I lost 40 lbs of bodyfat in 12 weeks. Obviously, my body can lose weight just fine. It’s my mind that was holding onto the weight and holding me back. 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Limiting belief - I probably could never have the ripped body and 6-pack abs of a Bill Phillips or Chris Winters. 3. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? If I can lose 40 lbs of bodyfat in 12 weeks, why couldn’t I do the same in another 12 or even 18 weeks. In fact, I probably only need to lose another 30 lbs of fat to reach that level of bodyfat. I can do that!

A core belief that I started the transformation with was being too old and not having enough time. I'd say that I shattered the first one of being to old after looking through the different age catagories and seeing the remarkable transformations that people have made here. As I wrote in exercise 12b (great exercise by the way) I have a few deep rooted beliefs that are nagging at me a bit. Words & feelings like overwhelm especially come to mind. Running a business, caring for patients and taking care of myself seem to get all jumbled up. This is definetly something that will limit my future progress and an empowering belief that I need to take on is "I am balanced". To achieve this, I need to take a few action steps. 1. Time management. 2. Delegating tasks to people that are capable of handeling them. 3. Cleaning up tolerations 1 by 1. I have been working on this since beginning the transformation challenge and it starting to become a habit. Love, Dean

Hi Bill! I wrote a 2 part blog answering the question about my past limiting beliefs as well as my present belief that could stall my transformation. When I started this challenge I was under the belief that I, being almost 51, would not be able to become fit. I felt that my time had passed. I no longer believe this at all as I AM truly becoming fit. One belief I still hold is that the fall/winter months can only be endured and survived. I have a difficult time especially in November and December. So, you can imagine my relief to read that we will be having a holiday challenge during these months! Now, I plan on learning to THRIVE and not just survive! Thank, Bill -- for everything. ~Elizabeth~

In Assignment #14 I was asked to reflect on the beliefs systems that have begun to transform through my work as well as those that continue to run some of my habitual actions. This was an interesting and introspective exercise for me because in the past 10 months I have processed through a great many limiting beliefs and it seems as if the more I process and "Knock Down" the more keep popping up. I don't know how I have gotten here with so many garbage programs running my life, but I'm here. Question 1 asked me to talk about a particular belief that has begun to transform as a result of my commitment to doing the work necessary for life transformation. This was difficult for me to pin point, so while I boiled my sweet potatoes (mashed sweet potatoes...yummyyummmy!) I began to think long and hard about my transformation. It came to me that a belief that has begun to transform within me is that "I'm not worthy." For so long I used to live out of integrity because I was scared to be me. I sacrificed my uniqueness to follow the crowd and became a victim of "Status Quo" living. Living out of integrity is a dangerous place, because between who we truly are and how we are showing up grows an abyss that we try to bridge with all sorts of things from alcohol, drugs, stuff, food, people, & religion. All things that are outside of ourselves which only in turn makes the abyss deeper and wider. We end up in this vicious circle chasing our own tail recycling events, people & places never really getting the message: To Go Within! I have begun to transform this belief and regain confidence in my uniqueness and what I have come into this world to do. I offer myself as a vessel and can only seek to become a "Ben-Official" presence in this world. Question #2 asked me to identify one belief which I hold now that may limit my future progress. This one was easy because it's continuously in my consciousness and I constantly am reaffirming it: "There is not Enough". This scarcity mentality "B.S." (Belief System) that I carry around on my shoulders daily has weighed me down, at times making me feel like Atlas with the world on my shoulders. This stuff has got to go! ASAHP (As Soon As Humanly Possible). I am living in a time in my life where I have pretty much put it all on the line for living authentically. I left a steady and lucrative job as a marketing director for a chain of night clubs a little over a year ago. I have been labeled "Insane" and "Out of my mind" by a lot of people that know me. In my heart I know I am following my heart and living "In Genius", but still I face the inner voices that tell me "I won't be good enough to make something of myself" and "I don't have anything to offer". I constantly have to stop myself and observe what is going on in my head, and begin to do so "Re-Affirmative Action" on my thought process. I have learned that not only does it take courage and clarity to live authentically, but it also takes awareness. I don't bash myself for thinking these thoughts, but I do recognize them before they can take root and effect my emotions, which inevitably determines my actions and results. Question #3 asked me to identify an empowering new belief to replace the "There isn't enough" B.S. Easy. "Absolute Universal Abundance" I read once about a wise man that contemplated abundance, he told a student this: "If you do not believe there is enough to go around and that we do not live in a world of Universal Abundance, then attempt to count every single leaf on a tree. If you can accomplish that, then try the forrest." Wow! I look into the eyes of abundance everyday, it is my choice to either recognize it or focus on that which "I don't have". Funny thing is that the things I do have really could be the things someone else doesn't have so where does that leave me? Living abundantly. Knowing that what I focus on expands and that when my attitude towards the world changes the world that I see will begin to change, I choose to see abundance and live in exuberance right now. And So It Is (Asi Sera).

A core belief I held before: I need to eat certain foods to make me feel full, feel better, and make me happy when I am sad. NOW: I eat to fuel my body and give me more protein.. instead of living in denial as a vegetarian who doesn’t really love all veges. One belief which I hold now that is limiting: I don’t have time to exercise because I have to take care of everything else in my life. An empowering new belief to replace the limiting one: I will make time each day to do something for myself. To exercise my body, not just feed it properly. I know it isn’t right and that if I don’t put myself first I won’t be able to take care of my family.. but am taking baby steps to do it daily. I conquered my food, now I have to conquer myself. Letting go of things, not sweating the little stuff, and just trying to live each day instead of worrying about tomorrow.

The main core belief that I held onto that has since changed is that now I AM A RUNNER! When I signed up for the Denver event, I told everyone that the only reason I am doing this is for the Make A Wish children. I don’t run, never have, never will, end of story. But I am healthy now and need to do something for these kids, because I can. I held onto that belief for about 6 weeks. I would run my long distanced only on Saturdays starting with running for 40 minutes and then adding 10 minutes every week. Well now I can run for over 100 minutes and I am ready for Denver and I am a runner. I posted a blog about this earlier. I can’t believe I am saying this. But yes- I AM A RUNNER!!! There is a core belief I have that is holding me back, and that has to deal with seeing my abs fully. I am starting to see some muscle definition but have been at the same weight for the last 6 weeks. I kind of plateaued and haven’t lost any weight recently. My workouts are hard and I feel strong but I am not getting where I need to be. What I have to believe is that if I focus hard enough and commit myself enough, like I did with running, I will see the results I want. I just have to take enough action to make that occur. Belief and massive action equals results. I know I can make the changes necessary for the result I want to achieve.

1. Before I began this transformation…I believed that getting in shape took too much time to plan and organize. I was overwhelmed with the process. I now know that it is very simple you just have to be intentional about it. 2. What beliefs do I hold now that may limit my progress? It is not so much my weight loss progress that will be limited by this belief but rather my happiness and satisfaction. I believe that in order to be passionate and excited about something…you have to be young. And because I am 47 almost 48 I struggle with thinking that I will never find a career which I am passionate about again. 3. What is my replacement thought? It is never too late and you are never to old to discover the true purpose of your life. God created each and every one of us with a plan for our futures. Then society set us up to fail at the plan that God created for us. If I seek God’s guidance he will lead me to my passion.

1.) I came into this challenge with the belief that a switch would flip and I would reert back to my old, lazy self. I knew that I could physically transform, but i didn't think that was possible for me, and I thought that I would honestly fail. 2.) There is nothing that will limit me or my future progress. My health is the most important thing in the world. i only have one body, and I have learned that the only thing that can inhibit me is myself. I have trained myself to step out of the way and just let the success come in. 3.) I can not just place one empowering belief to replace my old beliefs. Several beliefs race to my mind when I think of this. "Be the change. Progress, not perfection." I believe in so much positive now. So much in fact that I don't just replace things that I let go of. I start over and relearn what should be in there, deep in my soul.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed that God is watching for me and He wants good for me. I feel now that i am grasping that more than ever and because of Him better things are happening for me. I knew i was spiritual, but i didnt realize how spiritual until i started this transformation. I havent changed drastically physcially. But emotionally and spiritually i have changed a lot! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I dont actually believe that i cant do this. I know that i can get healthy, i know i can reach my goal weight. I know ill be able to walk into a store and not worry about if they have plus size or not. However the "thought" of not reaching my goals does come to mind and its often enough i know its not helping. I have to work on this so that thought NEVER comes to my mind. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I know that i can stick to a program and before it was so hard to stick to anything. I know that i am doing something that works and i dont feel like im being punished.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I thought for sure that there was no way I could make it an entire day being completely happy with myself. That's not to say that I don't presently have goals, but I can be at peace with myself while I am striving....... 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I still wonder if I am worthy of professionally getting to where I would like to be. I feel limited in my career now and sometimes worry that this is all there could be for me.......3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? My potential is unlimited. I have made vast inner progress with my Transformation and as long as I am still working toward my goal, I will achieve it.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? That I really can get back into shape. Just 10 years ago I was running marathons and triathlons. I was an athlete. For the longest time I have told myself because of my age I can't get back there. I am beginning to believe that is possible. That I CAN be physically fit again.********************** 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I still hold on to the fact that I'm 43 years old and I've already gone through menopause so therefore it's harder for me to lose weight so I won't ever be able to have a flat tummy and look nice in a bikini.***********************************3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I have so many women older than me that HAVE been successful at losing weight and are now in the BEST shape of their lives. The only difference between them and me is DISCIPLINE. I CAN DO THIS, TOO!! It's NOT just for everybody else!! It's for ME, too!!!!

1.) “Yes, I came into this transformation convinced there was no way I would ever be selected as a champion” These were the words I used on assignment 14 in my first round transformation. I’m glad I was wrong, but disappointed that I let limiting beliefs dictate my words and thoughts. I am slowly becoming a believer in myself, and the transformation process. It really does work if you allow it to work. One of my recent limiting beliefs and one I came into round two with is the belief that I can really continue to make progress and keep my weight off – and for good. To me losing weight has always been the easy part. It’s keeping it off that’s the struggle. During round two I have worked hard at developing new techniques and strategies to help me control my weight and the progress I’ve made. Although I probably will not lose the weight I set for my round 2 goal I have done a great job at maintaining and have managed to lose an additional 10 pounds, making a total weight loss to date of 66 pounds. I am learning to trust myself and be persistent in my exercise and meal plan. ********************** 2.) One belief that I feel may limit my future progress is, believing at my age (53) I can have the body I desire. It’s apparent that once you reach the age of 50 that the body can begin to do some funny things. I have noticed that it seems to be a little harder to gain muscle mass than when I was in my forty’s. And muscle soreness and joint pain can limit how hard I can push myself during a workout. ********************* 3.) I have recently started doing research on older bodybuilders and am amazed at how muscular some appear that are well into there 50’s and early 60’s. Clarence Bass, author of “Ripped” is a perfect example. This guy is ripped for his age. I have always favored a lean build over a bulky one. Frank Zane was one of my all-time favorite bodybuilders. As a teenager I wanted to look just like him. I feel that if I concentrate more on being as good as I can be, and learn to accept whatever that is, I will be well on my way to a better me, both inside and out. Thanks, Bill

1. I believed I was genetically, innately weak both physically and emotionally. 2. I struggle with a belief that women of my age have great difficulty losing weight. 3. I CAN do this with the help of God. Every day in every way I AM getting better and better. I AM stepping up to my potential. I AM loved and supported every step of the way!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming a a result of the work you've done so far? When I started this challenge, I was in complete denial about one of my most destructive core beliefs - I believed that nobody cares about me. it has been REALLY hard to admit this- because it feels so sucky to really sit with it- and maybe even moreso, because I have designed my life to be someone that people care about- to be loveable and likeable - and i always told myself I did what I did because i was a good person (and I get that I AM a good person) - but the driving force behind a lot of my actions was FEAR - so all that good stuff just drained out the hole in my leg. I was never enough, never good enough - because there was always this fear that nobody really cared about me- and that I had to be "good enough" to be loveable. I think I thought my friends and family HAD to love me- but this community has taught me that it is human nature to care about each other. My relationships at work, with friends and with my family are truly transforming as i relax into a way of being in the world that allows me to care and be cared for. Simply because. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? This one is clear: "Flying solo will keep me safe." This belief plays out in me being shy, closed down, out of communication with loved ones, and trying to deal with my struggles on my own. I've dabbled in isolating myself during the past month (an old pattern of mine that historically results in depression, overeating and eventually self loathing). It starts out as a need for solitude, reflection and slowing down - but taking time for myself can be a slippery slope for me that sometimes ends up with me hole-ing up and hiding from the world. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace the limiting one with? I am a cherished member of a powerful community that loves and supports each of us unconditionally. When I show up consistently and allow myself to be totally real, no matter the circumstances, I contribute to the integrity of the whole and help to weave a safety net that effortlessly supports every one of us. When I share, I grow. When I put myself out there, I experience what it means to be cared about. Holy moley, that oughta shift things up a bit!! Thank you Bill!!!

Is there a core belief that you held before you began this process thats transforming as a result of the work you have done so far? Core Belief: I must be PERFECT inorder to transform. This is about a PROCESS and journey not PERFECT SCORE contest. Its about progression and not perfection. 2) fear of being stuck in grief and loss 3) MY Father in heaven IS WITH me through this chapter in my life and my FAITH is that HE will HELP and EMPOWER ME to move THROUGH and pass my grief and I WILL NOT GET STUCK There! I YIELD my heart..my spirit and my life to JESUS~! I am a follower of CHRIST and HE will enable and empower me to MOVE forward in my transformation! HE loves me and is with me through JOY and through pain and sadness. Thats part of living! The place I am walking NOW will enable me to help others who will walk this path afterwards! There is PURPOSE in every aspect of our lives. Shari

I know there was a big part on the inside that knew I could do it. But another part that was holding me back from making the change. Since I have been doing the assignments and getting deep on the inside and entered the transformation I made that decision that I am going to do it and make that change. Its a challenge with obstacles that get in the way but I love the challenge and I am totally commited to this new transformation change.

I strove toward a false perfection. My false belief was that perfection means perseverance without unscheduled pauses, otherwise you've achieved nothing but failure and must start "again." Truth: perfection is persevering with wisdom- being alert and present in the pause and applying the knowledge gained as I move forward.

A very strongly held belief that I had, before this transformation, is that I couldn't control my emotional eating and would always be a fat person. This process has shown me that I make choices, everytime anything goes in my mouth, and that those choices affect my progress, health, and are all completely within my power. I now see myself as a woman who has and makes choices of her own. I see myself as a normal sized person and no longer fat. One belief that may limit my future progress is the belief that I don't know how to handle difficult people or situations well. This belief has led me to shie away from these kind of people, feel inferior, and often has the potential to lead me right back to the emotional eating. I am working to replace this belief with the idea that I have the choice to walk away from difficult situations, to ask questions to try to get at the base of what the person is trying to communicate to me, and that even difficult situations have opportunities for me to learn more about myself and others.

When I came to Transformation.com, or rather, when it came to me, I was desperate to change the life I was living. I had long since come to the end of myself, and what I found was sadness, hopelessness, and fear, with regards to my physical self. Emotionally, I was in a state of tremendous anger, blaming my past, my husband, and my circumstances for every negative thing in my life, in an attempt to evade the full responsibility of my life. Spiritually, I felt strong, and yet...I think I was misunderstanding some things about God, as well. I was “selling Him short,” as I was nowhere near living up to the capability He has given me, and I could not bring any glory to Him by the way I was living my life. I knew I “wanted” to change, but I had exhausted all of my “how” possibilities, and I was just waiting to die. Not wanting to die...just waiting to die. The way I felt, physically, was declining rapidly. I knew it would be a very short time before I would be unable to participate in any physical activities with my young children, and that I would probably become more sedentary and gain weight a little bit at a time, making excuses, blaming genetics, and anyone or anything else I could think of. The biggest issue was that I really did not believe I could change! I believed I would if I could -- but I had failed so many times, and the escalation of the aging process during the past 5-10 years, had really started to gain momentum. I knew dying was only a matter of time, and I was resigned to the “fact” that it was “too late” to turn it all around. When I started the assignments, I did so because there was ample evidence that the process of changing physical bodies was possible. What I didn’t believe was that it was possible FOR ME. I was terrified, but I started doing what people told me to do next, and deliberately chose to trust the process. I wanted to change, and simply began to trust those who had gone before me. What was unexpected was the inside changes that started happening, which eventually empowered me to see myself, others, and life very, very differently! It was not one moment, but hundreds, if not thousands, of little moments. They started adding up, and replacing the negative mindset that had viciously taken root in me. Soon, things started rapidly changing from the inside out. The belief that I held for so long -- that it was too late for me to change my physical body -- melted away, and changes started taking place. The belief that I have held since high school -- that I hate running, and could never be a runner, much less run in an endurance event -- has vanished, and I am training for a half-marathon, which I will complete in 26 days. The belief that my mom will not take care of her physical health issues has disappeared, as well, as she is doing an outstanding job of addressing her health concerns as a member of Transformation.com. I am so thankful that I have learned about the power of focusing on progress, not perfection, as it could really bother me that I “had the potential of making that change all along....” Yet, God brought me to this very place, for His purposes, and I gratefully accept His plan. I will move forward in my life, hopeful that I can carry this message with me: “You CAN change! If I can change, YOU can change!” The question remains...“Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress?” Of course...I am well-aware that I have much work to do, and am nowhere near a finished product! I intend to take this process, and this internalized message of “I CAN change!” into all other areas of my life. The first area in which I want to focus is the area of my marriage. The limiting belief that I now have, and which I am well-aware will need to change, is “the happiness I experience in my marriage does not completely depend upon me alone.” Sometimes, I still think that other people can affect my level of happiness. This will change, as I work this process “on purpose” in all areas of my life. As I have seen happen in other areas, The transference of head knowledge to heart knowledge CAN happen! The empowering new belief that I will choose to embrace says, “I am 100% responsible for all areas of my life, which includes my attitudes, circumstances, values, finances, spiritual walk, friendships, environments, and choices.”

The core belief that held me back was that I feared that I could not truly transform myself. The physical part is tough but the real task is changing myself on the inside. I have some fear and self esteem issues to conquer. Though I am still not there yet, the belief that I CAN overcome is alive and well. A limiting belief that can still hold me back is easy...confidence...or lack of. Until I build myself up into the person I can be, avoiding the limiting opinions and judgments of myself and others, my confidence will be shaky. I had an injury last week. It seemed like my whole life was melting away, falling apart. I'll never work out again. I'll have to live in pain. I'll never reach my goals. That's the kind of stuff rolling around my head when things don't go as planned. Yikes. Confidence, I need it. Even though I'm still working on it, the new empowering belief is that through action and continually positively thinking about my goals, I can do it. I can do it. Just got off the phone with not one, but two rude callers. I handled them well. The old me would have either blown up or felt bad the rest of the day. Small wins like these add up to great gains. We can all do it. We can. Everything we do leads us to where we are.

I think the one core belief that I had before I began was not having enough time to exercise and getting it all in. You know, I have done body for life and I would start then begin and over and over I would do this. Well since I have started I told my self over and over I will not stop I am doing this to change my family and myself and now I hate missing a workout. I make time in my day to do it and no matter my kids schedule I get there stuff completed and I complete my also. I will not miss a workout unless I have an illness and even then it kills me. My mindset has made a total transformation since the beginning Sept 3rd 2008. I look at things in a totally different way.One belief that is limiting my progress. Well I have to strongly say that is the Belly and food cravings. I keep telling myself and on my blogs, over and over that I have lost so much weight will the belly get any smaller. It drives me crazy. I feel like I have gotten this far I want a flat belly. I also have cravings for certian thigs and instead of doing it moderaltly i over indulge and set my goals back. SO one new empowering belief that will replace that thought is no more. The belly will get smaller and I willl have a flat tummy someday. It will all take time and won't happen over night, and i will be strong enough to say moderate free day don't indulge and over due your cravings. This will empower me and keep me on track for it is a major goal for me. I have accomplished the weight lose and now I can accomplish the rest.

My core belief was that Iafter doing the body for llife challenge I knew i could do it but had setbacks and I think deep down because of the past failures it was that fear that was really holding me back on getting the total transformation body,mind and soul. But since doing the assignments I have gotten to the point that I am really ready to make that change. In my past I would start something but because the fear of failure I would quit but not this time I am going all the way to reach my goal and make a differance in myself,helping my children my family and friends and the community. Anna

1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I'd have to say the biggest belief that has changed for me is that I spent a lifetime beliving that I could never control my eating. Now I am stunned at how well I'm doing, and down right shocked at the conviction I own to change my eating habits for ever. 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? That would be, I feel like I'm going to die. You'd think that might stop someone's progress and I believe it does. It's because I am in so much pain and feel so horrible all of the time that gets me so discouraged. Not so much that I go off my eating plan, but I believe it holds me back in my excersise a great deal. 3.Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I tell myself to live like I'm going to live, that there is no other way. But I must say it's a very complicated and involved idea to switch around!

1. When I first read Body for Life and Eating for Life, I thought I could never be one of the success stories. I thought “oh that stuff works for them, but it will never work for me…nothing like that ever works for me, I can’t even eat normally without bingeing and purging.” That’s still what I believed when I joined t.com in October 2008 but by the time I started round 1 in January, I began to believe I could be a champion too, because I had already begun overcoming challenges in my life and increasing my awareness and confidence of my capabilities as a spiritual Being on earth. Now I carry the belief that anything can work for me as long as I put my faith and action into it and ask for help from others. 2. I still believe I need to be leaner or thinner when I’m already lean and thin. It’s weird how I still have kind of a distorted body image. Yesterday it was brought to my attn twice by two clients that I am small (small frame) and fit…I’ve always thought of myself as like bulky kind of, I think it’s because of modeling lol I just don’t know why I place so much importance on thinness. I think this is a limiting belief because it creates negative thoughts and self criticism when otherwise most of my thoughts are very positive and uplifting. I feel like I just need to appreciate being so healthy and physically fit… 3. New, empowering belief: “I stay physically, emotionally and spiritually fit, so I will never suffer with heart disease, cancer, strokes, osteoporosis (or any preventable illnesses), so I can live a long life as a vibrant wise woman who touches many people’s lives.”

I used to think that this is just an aging process that I will gain weight, lose body tone and not be able to do all the things that I really like like golfing, tennis, and swimming. I have been working on my diet, exercising, and have noticed results. I am a few pounds lighter, and more toned. One belief that I still hold is that I have reached my plateau and "it is what it is"; that I am through with my transformation. An empowering belief is that I can continue to work on my physical as well as mental self. By incorporating positive goal oriented thoughts repeatedly, I will empower myself to start thinking that "I Can" and "I Will".

Before I began I held the core belief that I would not be able to do it and stay with it. I've learned that if you break it down to one day at a time, you will not get overwhelmed and you will be able to achieve your goals. One belief that I hold now that may hinder my progress would be that I wonder if age is a factor as to how far you can go in the transformation. Can you really reverse things after a certain age? I need to replace it with the belief that age is irrelevant. After reading the blogs of several other members, I realize that it can be done. You can not let age define you but instead be defined by your actions. The harder you work, the stronger you can become so we should never give up. I need to keep focused on my goals!

This process has definitely helped me to chsnge many beliefs, the most important of them is the belief that I am not deserving of change. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and have changed a lot of things to fix these mistakes but, my reason for changing has always been because my kids deserve it not because I deserved it. I had tried to lose weight several times before I got involved in the transformation process, and I always failed. The reason I decided to join tranformation is because I felt that my kids deserved a healthy mom, one with energy, a mom that was not sick all the time. Since joining transformation this belief has transformed, I still believe that my kids deserve a healthy mom but, I now believe that I deserve change, I deserve to be healthy and happy. The feeling of change has been very big for me, it has been a truly amazing experience. I can feel myself tranforming, not only losing weight and looking better but my whole outlook on life has changed. I treat people better, people treat me better, I have realized that I have more love and energy to give than I ever could have imagined. I have always believed in god but I was never that open to gods love, more than ever before I feel gods love and it is powerful and amazing.

One of the core belief's that I had a really hard time letting go was that I couldn't trust the process. It was too good to be true. How could somebody (Bill) really care THAT much. To give his time, effort, and resources to a bunch of strangers. Why? This lack of trust has really held me back. I have not specifically had the physical results that I should be having. However I have had nothing but positive results anyway. The more I got into it all, and doing the assignments there was no reason not to trust the process. There were never any red flags. Just lots of aha! moments. Yeah there was a lot of struggle too, but it had to do with my issues, and baggage that I carry around. This program has done nothing but good in my life. I'm ready to trust finally. A belief that I have been holding onto is that after having 3 kids I could never have the body I would like to have. I'm realizing that isn't true. It just comes down to how much work I'm willing to put into it. I'm capable of anything as long as I can wrap my mind around it. My head is what holds me back. I just need to have a more open heart, and mind. This is something I am working on right now. I'm tired of limiting myself. I've done it in so many ways, for my whole life. It's time to let go, and enjoy life.

I have learned dedication through this process. Eighteen weeks seemed like a very long time in the beginning but I have learned that there is no end to this competition, it's a lifestyle. Thank you and God Bless!

1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? ... We took my 13 week pictures two weeks ago and prior to that I believed that anyone could improve their appearance but I did not believe that a 56 year old could turn back the clock so drastically in their physical appearance through healthy eating and exercise. I had seen the before and after pictures of others but just did not believe that I could have those types of results. The first 13 weeks showed me significant enough results that I believe that if I will continue at this pace through the end of T-1 and then do it again through T-2, that I will regain the type of physique and muscling that I had as a collegiate athlete! Also, my face is even looking younger! ........ A second core belief was that I would never have friends outside of two or three lifelong friends. However, since I have determined to "Be The Change," there is a magic that is happening. People are treating me differently. People I don't know wave at me when I go out for a bike ride or run. People I don't know strike up conversations with me in stores. And, it's not that I look so great because I usually run errands after a workout (no makeup, hair tied back, baggy workout clothes). Anyway - whatever is happening, I love it! ...... Also, in spite of the fact that I would never quit trying to get better, I believed that I would spend the rest of my life in emotional torment since that was all I had ever known and nothing seemed to help. And because of that, I believed that I would some day die from an unnecessary, stress-related disease. Well - the emotional transformation began right away and I am continuing to progress nicely. Of all the benefits I am reaping, this is the most important. Everything else is a bonus! .......................... 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? ... Yes - I have problems with procrastination but it helps for me to schedule my day in writing. I need to work my way through this or it will limit my progress......................... Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I believe that I am a person who balances their time by prioritizing and scheduling without becoming legalistic and while always making time for family.

Bill I really needed this assignment this time in my life---thank you! 1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? My core belief I held before starting on June 29 was: That this transformation WOULD work-if I really tried and applied myself. I would work very hard, get (of most importance to me) back my inner “caring, trusting, and loving and happy” self …, and be healthier inside and outside. And also (smaller core belief) that I couldn’t log in and support others when I was so “down” myself……and I am logging in and supporting others. 2. Can you identify one belief, which you hold now that may limit your future progress? My one realistic belief I now hold that may limit my future progress is : I’m not going to reach my goals due to many current setbacks. I’ve hit 2 setbacks (now a 3rd bigger one) since starting the June 29th day of the transformation. I had a slipped disk in my low back, then recovered and 2 days later (and still have ) injured my foot (sprained and severely bruised metatarsal pad area, while trying to hit my “10” on a treadmill). I now got the “bombshell” news from my doctor, that I have a reoccurrence of the Epstein Barr virus. I had last year after catching the “mono virus” at the University. It is not contagious but makes you so tired, ache-y, weak and dizzy…and feel like you have the flu for months. 3. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? An empowering new belief to replace that limiting one is: That if I want to change I have to transform my beliefs, thoughts..…I have to change the way I perceive me, others and life. I need to work of progress not perfection. I have come much further inside. I need to grateful for what I can do and how much better I am (spiritually) heart, soul and faith wise than I was 10 weeks ago. I need to not beat myself up that I’m only working out at half speed.

i wasn't sure if i could pull off another transformation....i began about 7 body for life programs and actually completed 3... so as i started this transformation for 18 weeks, i wasn't sure that i could attain the same results because each year makes just a tad more challenging...but i've learned that when i do a few disciplines each day, the cummulative effect shows up without fail... i'm now almost finished the 18 weeks, and i'm getting great results again.... the system works every time...

Core limiting belief at the beginnng of the transformation process: Life is hard but I have a responsibility to make the best out of it. Transforming that belief to: Life is an exciting adventure to be lived, cherished and enjoyed. There’s a new energy in my life. I more frequently look for the positive slant on situations and tend to “see the glass half full rather than half empty.” I’ve been good at counseling others to look at the positive side of things for years, but I was rarely able to do it for myself before the transformation journey! Core belief that might limit future success: I have such a long way to go and so much more weight to lose before I will be truly fit, trim and healthy. Re-framing of that limiting belief: I may have a long way to go, but look how far I have come (in a relatively short amount of time) with God’s grace, the transformation tools and the support of others! Let go of the results, enjoy the journey and let God take care of the rest. ~Christine

Core belief,i work shift work 12 hours,days and nights there"s no time to work out. A belief which may limit fucture progress-i am in great shape now and i"ll stay that way always with little effort. A new belief-I am worth it so i will work it. :)

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Before I began my transformation I didn't think I would ever be strong enough, physically or mentally to change my life. I knew it was all up to me to start, but I would always talk myself out of it. I've totally proven that I am strong enough physically and I'm still working on the mental aspect of it, but I know now that I can and will get there! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? That I'll fall right back into my old eating habits and beliefs once this round is over...hence the reason why I'm signing up for another round the minute I am able. My inner transformation of thinking I'm worth it and able is going to take longer than 18 weeks and I'm okay with that - because I know eventually I will have the healthy self image that I crave and I won't keep taking everything everyone says so darn personally and lashing out at them in negative ways...ugg! 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Yes, speak and think kindly and love everyone unconditionally. Very simple to say...not been easy for me to do as of yet. BUT I REFUSE TO GIVE UP! I'll get there...I know I'm on the right path.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed that I didn't have time to take care of myself. Now I believe that I don't have time to not take care of myself. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I would like to believe that I am highly evolved, and that I believe that I am capable of anything. I limit myself by not giving the things that I need to do 100% of my effort. I know what I need to do, I just don't always make the time to do it. I find 300 other things to do and avoid the one thing that will move me forward ...maybe because I don't want to know that I can not do everything. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? My new belief will be that I am a hard worker, I will do what I can with the effort that is necessary and if I need help, I will ask for it, I don't have to do it all by myself. This is where giving up the fight would be good too, because that would be to work my bunnies off and accept the results with faith in the outcome.

A limiting belief that I held for myself was that unless I could produce perfect results on whatever I was working on, there just was no point to doing it or finishing it. I have really come a long way on this one. I accept that I am not perfect and that putting in my best effort COUNTS. A belief that I am holding on to is that I will be unwilling to continue my health regime once I acheive the results I seek. It's happened before and it scares me that I could easily give up once there and have to travel down the same road again. I am working hard on instilling the new belief that I am capable of remaining healthy and enjoying my new life once I get there. That I CAN be a great role model to others...I believe in me.

1) The core belief that has changed from the beginning of this transformation, for me, was that I didn't deserve to be happy. I truly felt that I was undeserving of health and happiness. I didn't know if I could stick to the plan. But I did, and I am happy, and I DESERVE IT!!! I have developed a love for myself and my health that was never there before. It propels me forward, and fuels the fire to then serve others. 2) The only thing that can hold me back now, is giving in to excuses. But, I am more self-aware and can see them for what they are now. . .so I am stronger. I do have have a bad days now and again, but I always get back on track. 3) My powerful new belief is the "I CAN DO HARD THINGS!" (thanks Leslie) I can do hard things with the help of my Heavenly Father, the support of my friends and family, and the motivation and inspiration I receive from my Transformation family. I LOVE this journey!!!!

After I read all of these, DUDE expressed exactly how I feel and have felt forever. These are self doubts. I am never gonna be good enough but with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. I am believing on that.

) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I can't take on an exercise transformation program such as this-- It's boring and it's difficult and besides I am tooooo old to start now. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I question: Will I will keep this up after the 18 weeks and the initial excitement is past??? 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I choose to keep up with my exercise even after the 18 week excitement is over. My future life depends on it and I don't want to fall back into the black hole. "Old age" can be rewarding and exciting.

1) My core belief was negativity. Stinking thinking. I was not happy with myself, or others. I could find something down to think or feel. I'm different, I'm not like the others, there is no way I could do this. 2) That core belief from number 1 has changed dramatically. However, it's still pops up from time to time, in the back of my head. But, I flick that guy off my shoulder, and keep going. It doesn't last long. 3) The new belief, the empowering one, is to not be afraid to admit a slip, or moment of weakness. If I stumble, have a workout that just didn't go well, I can admit it, and not kick myself in the butt. I just keep telling myself, "keep going, you can do this". This is something I can't remember experiencing before. Carmen

Assignment #14 - I really enjoyed reflecting about this assignment and I am grateful for it... 1) I used to be somewhat skinny in High School. I was extremely athletic and it carried over into my married life, until I snapped my ACL in my left knee. That really started my decline as to how active I lived. I put on the weight and as soon as I hit 183 pounds - I went to Weight Watchers. My goal was to become thin as quickly as possible so I wouldn't have to keep paying. It took me about 16 weeks to get to my goal weight of 152 and I had to keep it there for 6 weeks. Needless to say - I made lifetime member and then I transitioned back into all my old habits. We adopted our daughter Alison in August of 2003 and the weight kept coming on and I used her as an excuse - I hated leaving her to go to the gym and I spent all my time with her - forgetting about myself and my needs. Then, I broke my right leg and dislocated my right foot when Alison was only 2 years old. Talk about limiting my activity. It was one of the hardest 2 months of my life. Even though some of these were actual, physical limitations that would keep me from doing all that I loved to do athletically, I made up lots of other excuses of no time for me when I have kids. That brings me to my Core Belief that has changed. There is ALWAYS time for me - I just had to make the time and get rid of some of the other distractions in my life (like TV, computer, TV - I know I already said that but I was into a lot of shows!) I don't feel guilty anymore taking time to take care of myself. It's made me a better person, better mother, better wife and better friend. 2) I still have these urges to eat something bad for me as a little rebellious voice in my head says - just go ahead and get it over with! I still battle the urges internally, but I realize it all depends on which wolf I am feeding at the time. Sometimes I want to make excuses and then I realize - that's all they are, EXCUSES. 3) It's when we put in a valiant effort into everything we do - the results are almost always favorable! But - if we are complacent, then we can see those hard-fought- for results slip away. Don't get lazy! I won't get lazy!

1) I have transformed my belief of having a heavy frame into I am small boned with strength 2) I can 't really look like a fitness model 3) I am transforming #2 into: I am made with the same stuff they are. When I do the work to renew my spirti, nourish and renw my body, and make my heart ligiht, I will have that prize too, because my Heavenly Father wants me to live in a healthy, strong body and mind and be happy and have joy. He wants me to have compassion and serve others.

One belief I held onto before this transformation started was that I felt I wasn't good enough, that I didn't deserve to have success or to have a wonderful life, or to be happy. One belief I'm still holding onto is that I won't get the results I want, the success is for everyone but me. A new belief that I am realizing is that when I open myself up to others, when I really give love and give service, the best results come and they are immediate, and the natural high that comes fills me up so completely that I feel I can do anything and that anything is possible.

BOY did I need this Assignment RIGHT NOW - NOT WEEKS AND WEEKS LATER!!!! Thank GOD I am keeping in step with the Holy Spirit in my RAPID-Transformation journey!! . . . . AGAIN though, as I transferred my Assignment from my Google Docs to my ASSIGNMENT Blog, I realized it's a little too wordy for this comment block (I think!). So, I've included my REAL answer there! . . . but YES, I definitely have noticed KEY beliefs that desperately needed changing BEFORE I could experience a successful transformation - spirit, soul & body!! No doubt!!!

A core belief that I held before the start of this challenge was that I was somehow on the decline and that there wasn’t much I could do about it. I was sluggish, and overweight, and I felt like I was aging in dog years. I thought I was “less than” I had been before but didn’t really think there was much I could do about it. Middle age was getting me down. But since joining the challenge I have come to reject that belief. I am as good as I have ever been, maybe better. Yes, it’s true I will never again look like a 20 year old, but I can be the fittest, healthiest 47 year old I can be. I was, and am, an athlete. I am strong and fit and capable. And if I try I can achieve great things. I’m just getting started. Watch me. The one belief I hold now that might limit my future progress is that I lack focus. Often I get very close to achieving my goals and then “something comes up” that distracts me so that I fail to realize them. I’m not sure why this is…perhaps a fear of success? In any case I often tend to come close to reaching my goals but then I veer off on a tangent. Then I berate myself for lacking focus…which makes me feel like a failure…which ultimately leads to failure. Vicious circle. I would like to replace this limiting belief with a new one – that I am indeed focused enough to reach my goals. I am not a quitter. I know what I want, and I know what I have to do to get it. I will not allow myself to make excuses. I will forge ahead with dogged determination until I achieve all that I am capable of. I can do hard things.

I can do this!! My friends that are not so supportive. Finding better friends that are on the path of doing better for themselves, also!

"we need to change the way that we perceive ourselves, others, and life itself." I really like this idea and it is happening to me daily. My perception has been the only one that I allowed - you can imagine where that has gotten me in life. I realize now that everyone else has a perception in life too, and I have to allow them to have it. If I hear one aimed at me from several sources, I need to take a look at it as I am the common denominator in the equation. Hmmm. Others perceptions of me, the good ones they express to me, I didn't realize about me. I am becoming aware of many beliefs that I have "set in stone" it seems that hold me back from my true potential. This is so powerful to me, to take note of them and to set them open to the universe to expand as they should. Hard to put into words. I catch others saying such limiting beliefs as well, and I take note how often everyone limits themselves, too. I can be an inspiration to others in this area once I get better at it myself. Be POSITIVE! that is the ticket! “Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions.” --Gandhi Thanks Bill! LPJ, Cat

Transforming belief’s!! This step is another one that if done thoroughly, can help you to achieve an “aha” moment. I have been involved in a very well known business called Mary Kay!!! I love their product and even more I love their vision and their spirit. One thing from day one that I always would hear someone in the Mary Kay family say is “What the mind can conceive and you truly believe, YOU CAN ACHIEVE!!” To me, this is exactly what you are talking about Bill. Allowing your mind to envision what, where and how you want your life to be…doing that so much….that you actually begin to believe that you can achieve it!!! That whole thought process gives me goose bumps!!! To think that if I can create in my mind an environment bred for success, then anything truly is possible!!! I remember when my Mary Kay director would say that phrase over and over and over!! I thought it was sooo good and I would write it down. But then, I never actually did follow through and allow my mind to create an atmosphere for success. You truly cannot begin to change your life until you begin to change your thinking. This assignment is like gold to me!!! This is a pivotal key for success!!! Bill you said, “If we want to change our experience of life, we need to change the way that we perceive ourselves, others, and life itself.” I love that line!! For me it allowed me to take the experiences of my life…not just the pretty ones…but the ugly ones and change my perception towards them. And by me changing my perception towards them, I’ve changed the experience in and of itself. I no longer view my past of bully’s, taunter’s and people with unrealistic expectations as a past that is ugly. I see it now as a stepping stone…a learning experience…in a way a gift…a gift that I can use when others are standing where I stood. When I began this transformation nearly 12 weeks ago, I did not believe I would finish. I wanted to…I had great hope but I never really thought I would…because I never did before and because I had a low level way of thinking. Now I have no doubt that I will finish!! I have no doubt that I will be healthy!! I have no doubt that I will be a great foster mom!!! I have no doubt that I will be the wife that Rusty needs. I have no doubt that I will be the change!! I have no doubt because I AM DOING IT!!!! You gave me 3 questions: 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I truly believed that I wasn’t strong enough to change…I wasn’t good enough…I wasn’t worthy. I NOW KNOW THAT I AM STRONG…I AM GREAT…I AM WORTHY!!! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I still am holding on to the limiting belief that I will never gain control over my food choices. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? EACH AND EVERY DAY I AM CHOOSING TO MAKE THE CHOICE TO EAT HEALTHY. THOUGH I MAY HAVE A MOMENT WHEN I AM WEAK, THAT MOMENT DOES NOT DEFINE ME OR MY LIFE. IT ONLY HAS THE POWER OF THAT MOMENT AND THEN IT’S GONE. FOR EVERY MOMENT I MAY HAVE THAT IS NOT MY BEST, THERE ARE SCORES OF GOOD MOMENTS TO OUTWEIGH AND GIVE ME STRENGTH!!! Bill this was a great assignment!! Thank you!!!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? For the last number of years, I have believed on a very deep level that I would never be able to stop the emotional pain unless I had food as a pacifier. .......................... 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress?I still hold onto the fact that my bad knee limits my ability to do seriously powerful cardio. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? There are many different kinds of powerful cardio besides boxing and kickboxing. Cross training on a steady and consistent basis is powerful because it is sustaining. Pleas

A core belief that I held before.....When I was 11 years old I was molested by one of my Fathers workers, it went on for a year. Things were done to me that a couple might do to each other in a marriage. I have a childhood memory of sitting in church and the person on the stage read from the bible, "fornicators will not inherite God's kingdom" I asked my Mother, "what is a fornicator?" she said to me, "someone having sex and they are not married" I remember thinking to myself, that is what I've been doing and I remember at that moment I died inside. The ride home I had such a heavy heart and my spirit went dead, it changed who I was. I was so young, I didn't know what I was doing or what was being done to me. I just know this man had a controll over me, with threats, I didn't know what to do. In this Transformation, I didn't know I was going to address this issue. I know now that God does love me, I knew all along that it wasn't my fault, I just didn't think I was loveable. How could God love a person like me? I have learned that I am a kind, caring, loveable Woman. God loves who I am. God loves all of me. He knows what I went through as a child and he still loves me. I look to God now as a true friend. I have been caring this one around since I was 11 years old and now I can truely start living. Cheri

What is my core belief? It's changed with each challenge. I was told over and over again, Linda It's not about you, it's about reaching others. Well I have pondered that over and over again and I now realize that yes, It is about me! My core belief is that my life and what I do with it is all about Me. How I deal with life situations, how I handle myself, how I judge or don't judge someone. How I need to love myself before I can truely love someone else. How I must understand others before I can be understood. All these things that I have been resisting boils down to me, so in a way, yes it's all about me. How will I make a difference, that's the question. I am and will continue to make a difference in my on community, behind the sceans as I have done for years. My priest once said Linda if you can do something nice for someone without blabing look what I did then you are a true child of God. I believe that. I do things all the time that I don't expect a thing in return. I'm not looking for a prize, I'm looking for a warm feel good feeling in my heart and soul, that's all. My core belief is I can change alot of things about myself, the bad habits, the things I don't care about myself. but I can't or won't change ME, I am me, I am the Me God created, I accept myself with my good faults and bad faults. I love myself and respect myself. I do unto others as I would want them to do unto me. Time is my ally. Experience is my guide. Together they provide me the ultimate opportunity to be of service and grow spiritually. And with greater inner peace, I will reawaken and expand who and what I really am.

Assignment #14 - 6.17.09 - OBX, NC "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures~" Proverbs 24:34. I really love this verse. The house is symbolic of an individual or family (ME). So as I reflect on these past 18 weeks, I look at what I started with (the beliefs and understanding I held when I began my transformation), compared to where I am now, concluding these 18 weeks in Round 1. I came to a place on February 13, 2009 where I realized that I had "let my house go". It was overrun with weeds and no maintenance. My "house", (being the physical outer and mental status I was projecting into the world) was in a sad shape of dysfunction, as my life gave way to the grip of my sugar addiction and eating disorder. I had reached the depths of self-medicating my internal pain. The outer shell was merely a manifestation of what was happening inside. I asked God to help me, as I knelt before bed on Thursday night, February 12, 2009 and I went to bed. All I wanted at that point was to stop taking the prescriptions that had me in a very "detached" state of mind. Nothing was working. I was tired, worn, torn apart...and it showed on my face and my body. Deep down I never thought when I prayed that prayer, that I would be able to sleep without taking something; I never thought I would ever stop binging and being addicted to sugar; I never thought or dreamed I would have "a house with rare and beautiful treasures." I never thought I would find happiness and be able to laugh much and feel deeply. I never thought life would have order and peace unless I weighed 120 pounds and I looked like a short Victoria's Secret model. The scale and the outer shell was really all that mattered. The outer shell was all that I could see~ And now today, just 18 weeks later, I can see that there is so much more to life than the thin onion skin that can be peeled away. I am still not physically where I want to be, not by any means, but because my inside has changed, and I surrendered my addictions to God and let Him guide my life, I have finally found "rare and beautiful treasures" on a daily basis in the eyes of my husband, the eyes of my children, and in the eyes of family and friends; in flowers and the ocean and walks in the sand. I never really believed that I could do any of this, but I kept moving forward, sometimes kicking and screaming the whole while I was changing...."keep going Stoney and Clarissa would say...it just keeps getting better and better~ And so I did. I am ever growing and ever learning. To be content would be stagnancy. I am a person who has survived so many years in "my comfort zone", that this "new freedom" of continual and seasonal change is refreshing, and sometimes a bit scary. But I love it! I can honestly say that I am loving life now~

Core beliefs that have changed as a result of the work done so far… 2 big ones. First, my belief in “simple” has changed to “complex”. I used to really cling to the idea that everything and everyone (except me) was “simple”. They were good, or they were bad. They added value, or they didn’t. They made good choices, or bad ones, and it was all just that simple. Transformation has helped me realize that each and every one of us works through a bewildering maze of complexity. It’s not my place to “judge” anyone’s situation or state. I think we all do the very best we can. And if so, then we are all progressing. The second big core belief that has changed for me is the importance of watching/controlling your thoughts. All my life, I have felt that this idea was pure heresy. I felt like my thoughts were completely random and free, and allowing them to flow unfettered spurred creativity and intelligence. The idea of trying to control their flow and their pattern seemed a real hindrance to me. Allowing them to flow unchecked, however, led me to a dark place. Through Transformation, I fully recognize the importance of filling your mind with positive thoughts and energy. Our thoughts manifest themselves, and it is truly powerful to think the most amazing things and have those things manifest themselves. I am in a profoundly positive place now, and it is because this core belief has changed. The second part of this assignment… the real soul-searching part… what limiting beliefs do I still cling to. I’m sure there are more to uncover, but right now, I’ve at least uncovered the limiting belief that a big part of me “just wants to get through it without screwing it up.” I apply that belief sometimes at work, sometimes at home, and certainly in my life plan. It adds up to a belief that limits my success. I am transforming this belief to “I will strive to be the most extraordinary person I can be.” This is in line with my purpose. I am not content, nor will I ever be content with just getting through it without major mistakes. I want to be truly extraordinary… in a way that people notice and are inspired by. I am done with simply surviving; now and forever more it’s all about THRIVING!

Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Transforming the belief "I can't do it" to "I CAN do it, I AM doing it". One of the hardest things for me to accept during this first challenge is the idea that I didn't believe in myself! It's true, I did NOT believe I could finish this challenge, nor did I believe that I would be able to transform myself. I held the limiting belief that the process wouldn't work for me. I kept telling myself it wouldn't work, and you know what? Progress wasn't made until I gave up that belief..or rather, TRANSFORMED that belief into a more positive one! I also had to transform the limiting belief that I could only measure my progress via the physical changes that I could SEE. I know for a fact that I am stronger, healthier, and more physically fit than when I started round 1. I have a long way to go, but I'll get there as long as I don't quit! Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I still fall back into old negative thought patterns. One of those negative beliefs is that I am not like other people and therefore the rules don't apply to me. This can lead to shortcutting the process or excuses for self sabotage. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? An empowering new belief to replace that old one is that I am just like everyone else and therefore worthy of the same results and rewards as they are! If they can do it, SO CAN I. I have everything I need for success within me at this very moment. All I have to do is call it up and put it to work for me. I am already a champion.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I guess the core belief that I had was to be careful around others whose beliefs differ from my own. I am learning that everyone has amazing things to contribute. Just because I don't completely agree with everything someone else believes doesn't mean there is nothing to learn. I have been taken from narrow mindedness to a freedom to accept, listen to and adopt some very healthy ways of 'being' from these friends. ***************************************** 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I don't know if this is a belief, but my tendency to be motivated by fear versus my vision may limit my progress. This is something I am dealing with right now as I'm in decision mode regarding the 1/2 marathon. I am motivated by fear...not vision at this point. No amount of encouragement from others is going to help because of the fear that's in the way. Fear of losing my buddies...fear of injury...fear of changing what's working for me now in order to train for this...fear of not being a part of something big...fear of the expense....You see why I'm needing to work on this?!!*********************************** 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I'd like to replace my fear response with a vision based response. That's the journey I'm on right now. If I don't have vision for this race, no amount of pressure or training will make this the right thing for me. So, I will think about what my vision is. Where I'm going and then weigh EVERY thing based upon that vision.

I read this assignment some time ago and was not ready to answer the questions, now I am. 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Yes I was believing myself as capable of doing just about anything, but my thoughts and actions were not displaying that. I was in a negative mood. Most of my thoughts and words words were about not being able to do something. I have known all along that there is nothing I can't do within reason, but what I was saying was I can't do that. Totally opposite of what I truly beilieved in. I was so depressed that I did not notice the change from positive to negative until a colleague of mine mentioned that I was using words of defeat and they were catching up with me. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I still have some limiting thoughts that are keeping me from my full potential. I have got to rid myself of those limiting thoughts and belief that I can do anything. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I can! I will! No is not an option! I have become more confident in my words and my actions that I have even surprised me with some of the thoughts and words that I have used. I like the way I feel right now. It is almost as if I have regained the swagger that I used to have some years ago. I want to be sure to confident and not cocky. Humble with what I do and for it to be for the Glory of God and not for the Glory of me.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I will start eating healthy and exercise tomorrow .*****2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? All or Nothing*****3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I believe in ME

1. Never finishing what I start. I would make goals and then never carry them out. 2. I always say and think: "I can do it later". I procrastinate. 3. "I will do it now". I do not procrastinate.

1. I used to believe I would always be fat. 2. I have had days in which I thought it would take an eternity to get to single digit body fat. 3. The mental strength that is required to fight and overcome the negative mindset. I know that I can and that I will overcome, and in the end I will appreciate it that much more.

1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as a result of the work you've done so far? Prior to beginning this transformation challenge I had resigned myself to the fact that I should just be satisfied with where I was physically. Being 34 and having four children, I did not believe that I could ever get into the physical condition that I once was. This belief allowed me to not feel as disappointed in myself for letting myself go. I think it also gave me an excuse to not have to work my hardest. Why would I work my hardest if the results were not reachable? This belief allowed me to be complacent and lazy when it came to my physical health, which in turn left me feeling tired, overwhelmed and unhappy. After beginning the transformation I quicklyl realized it was all a bunch of bologna, it was just a way to not move forward. Looking like I did when I was 25 is not the point, looking and FEELING my best is the point. I am a more complete person than I ever was at 25. I know so much more about who I am, who made me, and where I want to go. My entire mind set has done a 180, and it feels great. I feel healthy both inside and out. 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? One belief that holds back my progress is the belief that everything must be thought through, prayed about and analyzed. Then thought through, prayed about and analyzed. Then thought through, prayed about and analyzed. You get the point! I probably could have written it hundreds of times. I over think things so much that I miss out on opportunities that should be taken. Paralyzation by analyzation. I can be so afraid of doing the wrong thing that I end up doing nothing. This is the belief that I struggle with on a regular basis, it has plagued me all my life. 3. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Say a prayer for wisdom, have faith, listen, and then take a leap. I can never be certain all of my decisions will be perfect, but I will always learn from each one.

Assignment #14 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far?A belief I had when I began was I would not be able to finish 18 weeks. I am now on my 11th week and I am still here doing some of the things I need to do in order to continue my Transformation. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I am limiting my progress at this part of my Transformation by having doubts in my ability to accomplish my short term goals. If I cannot accomplish my short term goals how can I accomplish my long term goals? 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with?The only thing I can say is I really did not think I could go as long as I have, 79 days, without a drink. So, anything is possible! If I can do that I can set my mind to do just about anything.

The core belief that I held before I began this process is that no matter what I did I would always be on a weight loss roller coaster. This belief has transformed because throughout the past 15 weeks I’ve transformed my habits which has inherently made exercise and proper nutrition 2nd nature. I now have the mindset that I will never be on that roller coaster anymore. One belief which may limit my future progress is my perfectionist behavior. Something’s I find myself having the belief that my progression is not good enough (why don’t I see as much definition as I envisioned...Have I done enough for others…have I mentally, emotionally, spiritually transformed?) My new empowering belief is that if I strive toward continued progress in all aspects of life I will accomplish all my hopes and dreams. Secondary new belief is that perfection is impossible and I need to accept myself for who I am and the progress I’ve made and am going to make.

my limiting beliefs: 1) I am NOT worthy of being happy or being fit 2) I am NOT loveable 3)I can't be disciplined enough to do this. I have made it 13 weeks without giving up. I have hit a few road blocks and blew a few food days, but I didn't give up. I am continually looking to improve my food plan, my exercise plan. I will do this... I will ask for help when and if I need it. It is ok to not be perfect and it is ok to let others know you need help to get better.

THE REST OF THE STORY: My core beliefs that HAD to be transformed in order to take on this challenge that kept getting affirmed as I progressed along the way were: 1- I can't have a baby and subject it to my unhealthy belly and toxic environment I was living in! 2- I can't lose weight, my health issues have made it quite clear they are going to do everything they can to stop me! 3- I couldn't succeed at the BfL challenge when I was well, how can I succeed at anything when I'm NOT? 4- I don't have the discipline to stick with my decision for seven months, how will I make it to my Birthday? 5- Dear God, don't let me fail again! I BEG OF YOU!!!!! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! All of these limiting beliefs were completely turned around, and for the first time, I stuck with my plan past three months, without dying to go back to old habits because I couldn't take it any longer! I am well on my way to completing nine months of discipline, hard work, dedication and GREAT REWARDS! It's all worth it! Don't be afraid of the other side! ONE SINGLE CURRENT BELIEF (eight months completed) that MIGHT (but I won't let it), limit my future progress is "Will I hit a plateau and lose my determination or perseverance to go on and keep moving forward?" No, because as I write, I am alredy affirming, my body knows NO stopping, it keeps on getting exactly what it needs to continue to melt away the body fat, I know there has to be almost 20 more pounds of that hiding somewhere,under my clothes. Cause eventhough I look darn good in my clothes, my swimsuit pics speak different words! lol I'm not concerned with PERFECTION only the continuous PROGRESS I know my body is capable of with my determination, perseverance and hard work as i continue running a mile five days a week, and working out diligently and planning every meal in advance. I give my body what it needs and it gives me the results that I have only dreamed about over the last ten years!!!! It is amazing how synchronized everything feels now! Everything and everyone is working together to give me and my body exactly what it needs to accomplish complete healing and a weightloss that WILL exceed 100 pounds in 2009! I have just concluded my single miniscule limiting belief and ALL my FORCES of empowering ones that arrived to back that up, drown it out, SQUASH it, and mow right over it with the almightly power of POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS that have transformed my being to the core from regular, consistent exposure since last September. Praise God for His guidance and cooperation and most importantly DIVINE INTERVENTION!!!!! Write your positive affirmations down that you need to hear, keep them next to your bed, read them every morning and every night! Sweet Dreams! Trust that God will Bless you! Amen. Hugs from California....Demi

In September of 2008 I realized that the year was almost over. I reflected on my "New Years Resolutions", the mental ones that haunt me all year long that NEVER come to be by year end! I had prayed to God to help me with my healing journey and to put an end to my struggle for health by the end of the year. I held on to that belief that 2008 would be my year to rid myself of concerns with ill health and thus over-weight-ness! I even moved to a more healing location and home to help make this happen, and instead I could visibly see regression, my body had gotten worse, my health had gotten worse, my outlook had gotten worse. HOW COULD THIS BE? What will I explain to my Mother who knows that I solely relocated to accomplish this goal for myself and I got her support because of it. I realized then that four months wasn't enough time to help God with my prayer of being totally healed by the end of the year, but I also realized I hadn't taken my prayer serious, how or why should He????? It was then and there my serious research began, I needed answers, guidance, and support. I turned to the internet, bookstores, and family. I got my game plan together and put a DEADLINE to my DREAM and made it a GOAL. I re-evaluated my initial prayer and hope that by December 31st I would be totally healed to ; "By my Birthday, April 10th, 2009, I will be ecstatic if my healing could be complete and my weightloss close to 70 pounds." That would be life-changing enough to turn everything else around! The rest of my accomplishments would be a piece of cake. Please help me with the healing and I'll do the rest! These were my thoughts last September. Staying on track and starting immediately was almost second-nature at that point because I knew I didn't have time to play, staul or hesitate. I kept asking myself, "What kind of Birthday do you want this year? What do you want to look like this year? Do you want to accomplish your resolutions next year? Do yu want to get on with your life or continue on with the pity-parties that you keep throwing for yourself? Do you want to celebrate your birth this April or dig a whole deeper towards your death? " The ball is in my court...God's listening and standing by for my decision to determine if He intervenes or helps me with my request. I chose the BRAVE route...I chose to make a difference this year!...I chose to Help God, help ME!....I chose to be EXTREMELY pro-active with my health and research plans. These things all helped me "FLIP THE SWITCH"....and YOU CAN TOO! Anyone reading, anyone out there that gets "drawn" to reading this. You can "FLIP YOUR SWITCH TOO, HERE AND NOW!" Create a plan, choose an ABSOLUTE deadline (make it a special enough date, your birthday, anniversary, relatives or best friends wedding day, reunion, etc.) A date that you have to lock into to, that won't change or be postponed. Start envisioning in your minds eye how your life will improve or be different, all because of this conscious decision to HEAL YOUR BODY, focus on your WELL-BEING! Everybody needs to heal their body, from grief, their childhood, a bad realtionship, exposure to toxins, addictions.....if you search deep enough, I'm sure you'll find something that body, mind and soul has not HEALED from yet! Make this your priority, NOT YOUR WEIGHTLOSS! Not your cosmetic improvements (ie: your size, inches, pounds) SHIFT YOUR FOCUS! CHANGE YOUR PRIORITY for once. Stop thinking about all the negative things about your poor body already and acknowledge all the millions of positive things it does for us each and every day without your focus of attention. For example, the growth of your fingernails, the suppleness of your skin, the length of your eyelashes, your hair, your eyes, your strength, your limbs. You don't ever have to ask for these things to show up for work each day! You don't have to remind them to grow or function or do their job, they do it, UNCONDITIONALLY, each and every day! YOUR HEART BEATS, even while you sleep! Isn't that a miracle in itself! Focus on all the ownders of the body, mind and spirit, not the "thunder-thighs I inherited!". If you think about your thighs every waking day, you'll end up with more "THUNDER!" If you focus on your hair, nails, heart, strength, and more...you'll end up with more positive, autonomacy of all these functions that we take for granted and NEVER even spend a moment in gratitude for! Good old Anthony Robbins said, Have an attitude of Gratitude! FOR EVERYTHING, and you'll only end up with moe things to be grateful for! Think about that one!! Meditate on it! I did....and I brought my body to a healing state and a weight loss that i could have only dreamed would be possible in this lifetime, NOT these past nine months that i have exceded my "Birthday Wish" and lost a total of 90 pounds to date and healed my body of Candida and still discovering and testing for other lingering viruses that may still be trying to find their way out of my body! But I know now, I did my heart, so God did His. He won't help those who hurt themselves and Him. Are you living a lie? Are you hurting your creator? Only you know the answers. When you make a conscious decision to please your creator and fascilitate Him with what you pray or ask for, you will have His full on support and your load will lighten. You will feel supported for the very first time with your intentions! Write that down! Get ready to fascilitate your creator so He can bring you EVERYTHING you need to succeed!!!! To Be Continued..................Hugs from California...Demi

I never really gave this much thought before Bill introduced this assignment... I've always seen myself as a pretty open minded person, not succeptable to very limited thought... Ever since reading this assignment, when it first came out, I've given a whole lot of thought. And with that added focus, I've recognized many limiting thoughts running around in the ol' mellon. Just recognizing them as limiting thoughts has a healing effect, right out of the gates. I don't want to limit myself... I don't think anyone does. We may have to accept physical limitations so that we do not hurt ourselves or die an early death I know for cetain that if I jump off of the Bellagio, and spread my wings out wide, no measure of open-mindedness is going to save my rear end, I'm not going to fly. Maybe that's just me, living in the matrix still. Maybe I can fly, but there are so many other limits that I have right at hand... I'll save that one for later. I'll cut my teeth on some more down to earth limits that I have imposed upon myself. We have been conditioned and we in turn condition others similarly, we humans are self-regulating in that regard. I know of no more powerful example than that of Cliff Young, an australian who humbly entered in the 875 km endurance race from Sydney to Melbourne, and shuffled his way .... it's a pretty powerful story, I had the pleasure of hearing it for the first time at a recent meeting of transformers in Phoenix. If you want to learn more about this amazing legend, and a testament to the power of not having self-imposed limits, read about it here. 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? YES! If I had to pick just one, it would be... "I can try to do something positive in my life, and I'll probably get pretty good results. I attack certain things in my life with a certain ferocity and and intensity that I'm proud of. But that method of attacking a problem is obsessive in nature. You see, I get 'tunnel vision' and when I attack these things, nothing else in the world exists. I get great results, but I have to know that it won't last. I can only keep it up for so long before the rest of my life makes it appearant to me that it will no longer be ignored. A crisis errupts, and from that point on, my previous obsession falls to the floor, and becomes the newest addition to my new 'rest of the world' to be ignored, like everything else that is not my new singular obsession. It won't last, I can't burn this candle forever... I just can't have a balanced life" There were other beliefs that I have come here with: "I am not very interesting, or friend-worthy." "I've passed my chance to create a good relationship with my son, I have become my father." "I have to do this the strict BFL way, it's the way that got me great results in the past, so it's the only way for me" "Call it what you want, it's still a diet" "Springtime is not the time for me to go running around outside" "I'm alone, I'll probably end up that way" "I wasn't built for upper body strength, but at least I have powerful legs" "I'm weak, and if I face my greatest fear, I'll succomb to her will, and who knows what will happen to me" "Forgiveness isn't necessary" "I can't visualize very well, everything is blurry" Well, that's enough for now... 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? YES!!! Recently I've hit a place in my transformation that I didn't see coming... I got to a 'comfortable' weight, where it no longer hurts to tie my shoelaces. My muscles have grown and tightened, and I'm not spilling over my belt in mass quantities. I can actually sleep without the pain of gravity so appearant to me. My face has thinned, and I don't feel invisible anymore. So what's the big deal? What's the limiting belief? "I can't see me more successful than this." I know I've come a long ways, but I can't bring myself to paste my head on Bill's signature body shot, or any other lean, mean, muscle machine for that matter. I just can't accept it as a possibility. I've never stated this before. To tell you the truth, it feels pretty good typing it... it doesn't look so bad now... Photoshop here I come :) But that's only part of it. I know, looking at where I stand today, that the physical transformation is only a small part of it. In those ways, I have also come a long way... But where from here? I just don't see it. Have I fulfilled my purpose for this challenge? Have I torn down the walls of fear and fat that isolate me from the world? I do have a truckload of joy in my life. I am confident. I do have new friends. I really have come far. An honest look in the mirror says I've got a long way to go. So I'm willing to look at it halfway, I can see where I am, and do so with a critical eye... I know what I don't want.... But I wont look at what I do want. Ok, I'll start with the photoshop thing... And then from there, I will spend some time delinating what success looks like for me... Wow, it's time to revisit my goals... And probably time to revise them... Actually what I'll be doing is the ground work for what I'll be tackling on my second challenge. I'll be sure to make sure the bar remains high for the remainder of this challenge as well. SUCCESS!! 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Why YES Bill!!! I certainly can. "Success isn't beyond me. Either is hard work. There isn't some secret... I can have the body I never thought I could have. All I have to do is lay it out there, make a plan to get there, and follow it. I can have the life I want, full of substantial accomplishments and wonderful friends."

Assignment # 14 I have always had the core belief of “Do unto others as you would have done unto you”. But until this challenge, I’m not so sure I followed that “Golden Rule” to it’s fullest potential. I’ve learned through this challenge and other assignments how I always seemed to finds faults in others rather than their positive attributes. I always believed in being kind and helping, but now I look back and realize I was never one to go out of my way to offer assistance. Now, I’m beginning to search for reasons to help. When I see someone and my first thoughts are negative, I try and put myself in their shoes. Maybe there is a reason they are a certain way and is there anything I can do to help or change how they feel? I don't shun people like I use to because they are different. These assignments have really opened my eyes to some of these jestures I do. You ask if there is one belief that may still hold me back. That's the belief I don't fully have in myself yet. These past 6 weeks have been really hard when it comes to completing this transformation. I am barely finishing and it's made me realize I still have a lot of work to do on myself emotionally, mentally and spirtually. However, I am continuing on into Round 2 and beginning with Assignment #1 and will continue to make progress. My empowering new belief is knowing I am not alone and being able to look back over the past 18 weeks and see how much progress I've made. It's made me realize anything is attainable with the right support, the right frame of mind and belief in ones self. I am starting Round 2 with much more positive energy than I began Round 1. When I started Round 1, I wanted to lose weight. Now starting Round 2, I'm looking to be a better person in a better body.

Like so many, although I said outloud that I was capable of the transformation I desired, I didn't truly believe it in my heart. Throughout these life-changing exercises, I've shifted to genuinely believing what I'm thinking. I now see that the change I've waited so long for is actually possible. One belief I hold now which I know is inhibiting me from the progress I so greatly desire is the concept of not being "enough" (good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, talented enough, etc). I know that I need to abandon this thought and accept that I am much more than "enough." I am committed to replacing this thought with the belief that I am a unique and loved creation by God who in so many ways is much, much more than just enough. :)

Assignment 14 is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed that due to my past I could not dedicate that much time to see the results that were expected of me. I felt that the people participating in this transformation must spend hour’s everyday in the gym. But through doing this transformation process and receiving all the wonderful support and knowledge from you Bill, the Champions and this community, I see that my previous core beliefs are not true! I realize that as long as I just keep eating healthy and do my spiritual and physical work-outs everyday that I will get the results that I can be proud of. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Well sometimes I find myself feeling that I have improved and this is the best it will get! But this thought process is diminishing. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Yes that I don't have to settle for mediocre. I can only get better and better through Christ who strengthens me. My life is not a wreck like I originally perceived. I have a wonderful job, wonderful friends, healthy children and family members and a savior who has given the ultimate sacrifice so I can live more abundantly!!!!! I can make a difference in this world with one person and one soul at a time. Thank you, Bill!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Before I thought that all it took was doing the work outs and eating the right meals. I thought I knew BFL good enough and that I didn't need to do any assigments to get results. Sure enough I was not getting the results and thats why I didn't finish the first challange I accepted on T.com.Now I have been doing every assignment and finally begining to see results! Not only physical results but mental and spirutal results. Thank You Jesus! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Some times a thought creeps up and States "Come on, your metabolism is not what it was when you first transformed in your early tweenty's and thats why you dont experiance dramatic fast results within the first 7 weeks like before" 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Shoot for the stars and you will reach the moon!

When I did the assignment on goals and came to the part about what would I give up to get what I want, I said nothing because I felt that everything I knew about myself and everything I understood about transformation was necessary to reach that goal. At the time I hadn’t considered beliefs to be part of my tool kit. So to come to Assignment #14 and be reminded of the importance of beliefs just reinforces (for me) that this process is leading me toward a more fulfilling and impactful life. I am so grateful for CreatingGoodness and her encouragement that engaged me in T.com and for the structure and cadence of these assignments that keeps me here. 1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I have clung onto a mantra my mother repeated to me when I was growing up, “You’re not pretty like your sister and you’re not bright so I’ll teach you how to cook so you have something to contribute.” This belief strongly influenced the goals I set for myself. I couldn’t imagine creating or having a strong, toned body with this belief so dominate in my thinking. It is still there but what’s curious to me is that I latched onto the exercise habit knowing in my head that working muscles makes them stronger but believing I couldn’t possibly, ever become beautiful (like my sister). One of the habits I promised to develop was to look in the mirror – every day – and like what I saw. Between the work outs and the mirror, I know the strength of my mother’s mantra is weakening. I also know after reading this assignment that I need to create an empowering mantra to take its place if it is ever to disappear complete – see # 3 for my first pass at an empowering belief. 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I am an introvert, a hermit, totally non-social. First, having spent nearly 5 months at home by myself has proven to me that this simply isn’t true. When I am around people these days, there is a lightness to my heart and mind I don’t get when I’m alone. As long as I call myself a hermit, it is difficult to see myself on a stage accepting awards for my writing – for the movies that are made from my writings. This belief also restricts my movement around my world – I don’t go out because hermits are never seen in public. Some of my best character ideas come from sitting on a busy street corner. Maintaining this belief now has the feeling of a desert – imagine what a dried up old cranky person I’ll become if I never go out. ThisTimeTheCharm is really helping me see the value of getting out there. So, I’ve started repeating something Ruth Gordon said, “Of course I love people; they’re my species.” 3. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one? I am a contributor to my immediate circle of friends and to everyone who crosses my path. I willingly participate in activities with other people. I am at peace with myself whether I’m alone or in a crowd. In re-reading this assignment, I noticed I don’t have an empowering belief about my appearance – not quite there yet. My heart tells me these empowering beliefs are a work in progress – duh!

I would have to say that the most difficult-to-overcome core belief of mine is the repetitive thought that "everything good is always where I'm not." I am therefore in perpetual motion, constantly hungering for more. This sort-of helps me when working-out because, to my logical mind, I'm involved in yet another process of seeking something new. For me, pseudo "joy" is to be had in running away from (or in the case of transformation, running-to) a goal. If this does not change for me, I will ultimately end-up with a stunning physical transformation that I will want to run away from. This is also the belief that I am sure will impede future progress if it is left unchecked. The empowering new belief that I want to carry-around is that there is just as much joy in experience as there is in rapid change. In other words, living in the moment is a gift that I want to stop throwing away.

This assignment was difficult for me to accomplish because it seemed to have taken 4-6 weeks to identify and clarify. Although I could write so much I have unearthed but one major belief that I held before this transformation was.....When I get to a certain size and or weight that all things would fall into place and I would be "finished". After walking through these assignments and much prayer and tears I have discovered that God is my ONLY desire and if I am walking in the spirit I am "finished". I am only complete with His divine will shining forth in my life and I am NOT happy unless I keep His light shining. Another belief that I held was.....I couldn't give to others unless I gave up on my wants and dreams. This couldn't be more farther than the truth. As I develop and cultivate the things I love and I am I have noticed I am able to give MORE and be MORE as I empty myself completely to His desires for me. ***One belief that I feel that could be holding me back would be patience with myself and the process. Greatness and Godliness takes patience and forgiveness and I am learning to forgive myself and blow off the little things. Life is not perfect but a joy to experience. I will also replace that limiting belief that I could NOT possibly be a HEALTHY, CHRISTIAN, HAPPY, HOMESCHOOLING WIFE - MOM -- PERSON with.........God has empowered me to BE a HAPPY, HEALTHY, CHRISTIAN, HOMESCHOOLING WIFE---MOM---PERSON. Wow!! What an experience God has revealed. To God be the glory forever!

When I joined BFL I was beat down physically due to a work injury, mentally because I had no means to keep what I had been working for, and spiritually because I believed God had forgotten about me and I was no longer of use. The core belief that I held was that I have nothing to contribute to society or my family. The process of building my body back up gave me new found energy and fueled my mind for thought. I realized that I can regain my health. Which lead me to believe that there were other things I could do. As I regained my health and form I began to realize that my strengths and passion were there all the time. Healthily eating, physical exercise, and Martial Arts. People starting asking me what I was doing? I told them. I became excited and began to smile on a daily basis. More people asked. My family, my friends, my students. My classes have begun to take on a new and more positive energy. I became a positive influence on the people around me with my new energy. My life has taken a new direction. My faith has been restored because I realized that God needed to "shake me up". This allowed me to pursue my real passion. He never left me, I was being carried to where I should be, not where I thought I should be. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? That I am not meant to be successful. I can't honestly say that I really believe that. Not anymore. But, it is a thought that comes up from time to time. Even though it disappears quickly I will replace it with the thought that I have every God given opportunity to be successful. I now believe that I am already successful. I now believe that I have the tools to realize my potential. I don't take this as a given. Through my work here at BFL I realized that I can be the change. I also realize what it took to be the change. From dreams to reality. From dreams to setting long term goals. From long term goals to making short term goals. From there to daily goals. Documenting what I am doing and what works and what does not. Reaching out to others and seeing what they are doing. Gaining strength through helping others. Believing that I am the change.

Assignment #14: Transforming Beliefs 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? First I am getting old my body is wearing out and my best days are behind me. Second I was raised Catholic and do not practice so therefore i have no spiritual life. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? There is no way i can build a muscular body. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I have the power to control my outlook. Everyday I now can wake up excited to be the change. I am happy to be able to have a spiritual life not connected to religion I never knew that was possible. I am blessed to have my health and ability to exercise and now I choose to feed my body with thoughtful care. Everything is possible and I am thankful for this new belief system. Life is a beautiful gift.

Assignment#14 1) Is there a core belive you held before you began this process thats Transforming as a result of the work you've done so far? I when I was a child one of my punishments was made to play alone my brothers sisters could not play with me or they would get in trouble so, even now I find my self alone staying in my room at times & I eat as comfort . I realize I've been wanting for approval of others. I didn't think I'd last nor did I think it would work 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your furture progress? The need for approval 3) can you Identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Yes, I don't need anyones approval , I'm in charge of my one happiness !! I was a size 14 when I started Transformation's after 4weeks was down to size 10 I'm on my way goal size 8 !!!!!!!!!!

I always new I could do this, but I was such a procrastinator and put so many other things before inner healing, diet, exercising and giving to others. Then before I knew it days were gone and then the week and then years and so on. Being an all or nothing kind of person I chose not to commit. Amazing, just commit to that day and build on it and look, 16 weeks later and inner healing is continuing at a deeper level, diet and exercise have become a habit and I love it and naturally when I feel good I want to share it with others. So yes, I can say what I once thought is no longer and that I am doing it and I'm seeing transformation. Yeah!!! I so want this inner transformation to continue after this 18 weeks and thank you for emphasizing on "not taking this aspect of my inner transformation lightly" because I do want this awesome journey to continue and go to much higher places. Therefore, I've signed up for the next round. 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Yes there is a core belief that I held before I began this process that I believe is transforming as a result of the work I've done so far. The exercise and diet have been a big part of feeling better, better enough to tackle the emotional, mental and spiritual part of what haunted me, which I have done through the assignments and other studies to face my fears. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? That my time is more important to others instead of myself (Am I worth it?). I believe that if I'm not careful to take the time to focus on my spiritual well being and have my alone time, time will pass and again, I won't fit what's important to me in trying to please others. Therefore, I feel I need a set time that is routine and committed for my physical and spiritual well being, therefore staying healthy and honest enough to give to others genuinely. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Yes, "My time is precious... I am worth it". Only then can I give freely with my whole heart.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? 1) One of the things I held on to was that I was trying to get healthy to make other people happy. I have since realized taht I am now the one that is happy and other people are starting to ask things like wow you look great, what are you doing? I have to admit it is fun to tell them about T.Com. 2) The only thing that seems to bother me today is the economics of eating right. I have always purchased "organic" foods to consume but I find myself now just bying regular products. There are a few thing that I just would not buy like milk but even now I am buying regular milk just making sure it is not treated milk. I often wonder if all of that is even worth the worry. 3) Not to be embarrased by my the success that I am having and will have but rather to help others with my progress. Anyone who wants to know how I am doing what I am doing always gets a quick lesson about this awesome community.

1)Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? For many years, I was the person that could eat anything I wanted and not struggle with weight gain. I am 5'5” and weighed 125 until I was 30. From there I seemed to gain a pound a year until I reached about 42, when my metabolism seemed to start to fizzle out. At age 50, I was 156 pounds and resembling a frumpy, chubby middle aged woman. Attempting to lose 5 pounds became an amazingly difficult task, and then keeping it off was a whole other battle. After many disappointing attempts to lose weight and get into shape, I resigned to the belief that my metabolism could no longer function well enough to help me have the body that I wanted. I gave up. I announced to my family that I was done trying to lose weight because this was as good as it gets. ********************************* There has been more than one belief transformed during this 18 week program. I no longer believe that my metabolism is unredeemable. Once I faced my resistance to the reality that my body has changed and does not function as efficiently as in my 20s or 30s, I began to accept that I did need to alter my normal eating habits. I could no longer eat what I wanted and then afterwards expect my body to drop the added weight easily. I now know that reality is reality and I must be fully accountable for what goes in my mouth. I can eat what I want, but I do that with open eyes and accept the consequence. That has actually helped me past the wall of denial that kept me stuck. From there, with daily exercise and 6 balanced meals, I know my metabolism is burning calories efficiently. I have dropped 14 pounds of fat and gained 2 pounds of muscle. I have lost 2 inches from my bust, waist, abs and hips each, and 1 inch from my thighs. I am down from size 12 to a comfortable size 8 (real size, not the distorted manufacturer's made up size) ********************************* 2)Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Sometimes, I forget that my happiness is not reliant having a body that looks like my ideal of perfection. When that happens, I begin laying requirements and demands on myself that become unlivable for me and who I am. For example, I know that to have a body like Monica Brant, I would have to cut my carbohydrate intake to such a degree that I would end up struggling with maintaining stable blood sugar. That is unlivable for me. And I don't want to live that way. I am aiming for balance in my life, which includes healthy eating, regular exercise, fun and relaxation, introspection. I enjoy down time, and I occasionally enjoy foods that are high sugars or fats or calories. To have the balance that I desire, translates to letting go of having the ideal body. I need to remember that. ********************************* 3)Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? My metabolism has been redeemed. I can eat what I want and I accept responsibility for the consequence. I can set limits on my desires and be happy. I am beautiful. I am healthy. My body is perfect. I am incredibly grateful for all that I have.

This is an interesting one. Bill used to focus on physique change as the catalyst for life change. With T.com, it's morphed into including all 3 parts - mental, physical and spiritual. I've read and heard where everyday folks, celebrities, and famous athletes achieve a huge amount of success that is evident in things like career, fame, perfect bodies, money, etc, but they were unhappy and sometimes self-destructed. The newswires are littered with mug shots of the rich and famous, stories of people lsoing everything, murders, and suicides. And I always wondered "Why?". A few years ago, I hit a really low point. A couple of horrible things happened in my life and I sought to hide in a cocoon of alcohol. I was at the edge of the abyss: If i could have found my father's handgun that night, I probably wouldn't be typing this now. So i know why people who seem to be ok fall apart. My family and wife rescued me, got me to a treatment center, and we've spent the last 3 years building a much happier home environment. I just realized it was May 25th 2006 that I was admitted to the Walker Center to begin this new journey. Today's date! So back to what I 've learned at T.com: It's not just about the physical changes we experience. It's equally vital that we have a mental and spiritual transformation too. I've read the stories and seen the videos on this site. It's funny because most of the true Transformers wouldn't make the cover or back pages of a fitness mag. In fact they'd probably be snickered at by the ignorant among us. I used to be one of the ignorant, and of course that's why I could never be happy with the way my body looked. Extreme fitness isn't just physical. You have to include the mental and spiritual too. And so it goes - I have begun the real transformation of me. This program isn't 18 weeks. It's a lifetime, and it will be different in 6 months, 1 year and so on. The answer to the second question about obstacles as I move forward is to remain patient and compassionate. I get irritated when the scale doesn't move for a couple of weeks. Isn't that madenning??? I remind myself that I am not alone - others are feeling the same things. I can gain by helping someone who wants help. So the new belief is easy - relax. It didn't take 12 or 18 weeks to get fat, and it sure as heck will take longer to lose the fat. I've already signed up for round two. It's about the journey, not the destination. peace. steve

Most definitely, the belief that everything had to be "perfect" in order for me to make a substantial change in my life was one that was deeply-held, and was preventing me from seeing the reality that all I really needed to do was a.) make the conscious decision to change, then b.) put forth my due diligence, and c.) be patient. This ideal that all of my circumstances needed to be "perfect" was preventing me from seeing that I could still achieve my goals even if everything did not go my way. Trial and error taught me that it never will. This previously held belief prevented me from seeing that an intense desire to achieve and a perseverant spirit would bring me to where I envisioned myself being, regardless of everything else considered. I needed to understand that all the adverse circumstances and nuances of life were never going to align perfectly to suit my expectations, but instead, I was going to have to learn how to adapt to and overcome adverse circumstances. To expect them not to be there was simply delusional, at best. My beliefs governed my expectations. Perfection is indeed an illusion that hinders personal growth and achievement because it sets up unrealistic expectations within our minds. If our expectations are unrealistic, then our foundation is unstable; therefore, is also prone to easy destruction, causing us to veer off track for long periods of time because our minds and hearts are so sensitive, so easily discouraged. This limiting belief still creeps up from time to time, but overall, I have managed to rewire my mind and create new beliefs that are infinitely pragmatic and accurate. For example, being rigidly-flexible, as Sharen Martin puts it, encourages me to stay consistent and persistent, without exception - to be unyeilding and strict in that I do something every single day that moves me towards my end vision (hence, "rigid"), but it also encourages me not to limit myself to any specific ideal in order to achieve the results I'm after - I can modify or adapt what I do in order to get those results (hence, "flexible"). A core belief that I hold now is that I should try to hide what I am doing from those I believe may ridicule me in order to cut out the negativity I feel they will most likely bring to me. I believe it is a primitive element of human nature to attack what we do not understand. Ignorance and fear is the root of all suffering; wisdom and love, the root of all joy. Essentially, my personal experience is just now beginning to teach me that what others think, say, or believe is not rooted in any absolute truth; therefore, it does not determine the course of my own growth and success. Others criticize us for counter-cultural, disciplined efforts, such as those we embrace during our Transformation Challenge process, yet they find their own consciousness changing as time passes by, directed by our model example of "being the change." Sometimes I still feel hesitant to share with co-workers my endeavors here on Transformation. Much of that is because they are ignorant of the content, the substance, the purpose, of this Challenge. But I know that if they were to sit down at home, committ themselves to a "heart-to-heart" conversation with their own lower nature, they would come to the same conclusion as I have: which is, it is imperative to individual and collective growth and progress to accept personal transformation as a challenge and a journey to embark upon. I will not hide my light any longer, but will ensure it is radiant. I will exhude the quiet confidence in knowing, that I have wisdom based in personal experience, that they do not. Even if they ridicule my efforts, I can deflect their negativity with an understanding and compassionate spirit, knowing that their attacks come from their own ignorance and suffering. Only my forgiveness and love can open the gates of their hearts and the doors to their minds, so that they, too, can one day see the truth in embracing personal transformation. - Ronnie

The limiting belief that held me back before was that I was all alone in my pursuit of wellness for me and my family. I felt as though I was on an endless upward climb. The terrain was treacherous and frightening, and instead of supporting me all the people in my life (yes, even some family members) were several levels up throwing stones down at me. Then I joined T. com and started my first Challenge. So now I'm still climbing upward, but not too far ahead I see the sun shining on a beautiful meadow full of smiling, friendly faces. Nobody is throwing stones. They're all reaching down to offer me a hand up! I have lots of loving friends who support me in my goals and dreams! I do have a big limiting belief that can still trip me up... I often worry that I'm just too old now, that there's not enough time left for me to achieve some very important goals. Here's a stab at re-forming that into a positive belief: I am renewing my body and my mind with good food and good thoughts!

This was an amazing assignment, Bill. (I think I say that every time, but I really feel that way!) I posted a long blog about this, part of which I'll include here: A core belief held before I began is that fat is a protection. Luckily this belief is starting to transform. I used to feel that I could “hide” and go unnoticed if I maintained my weight at the very top of my range. I felt that fat and food were protecting me to some degree from difficult emotions and difficult people (I tend to avoid conflict). As I worked through the transformation assignments and weeks of thinking through the validity of this, I realized it is just the opposite. Fat and poor food choices were holding me back. I was hiding and not realizing my full potential or gifts that could be used to help others. I began to realize that strength is in the healthy eating and exercise and that muscle is a much better protector than fat! To me, there are few things more painful than unrealized or wasted potential. One belief I hold now that could limit my future progress is related to my career. I have endured 14 years of working overtime, challenging technical roles, extreme stress, poor bosses and all-around unpleasant experiences in Corporate America. You know how some people seem to attract one bad relationship after another? I feel I’ve attracted one bad work experience after another. They haven’t all been horrible, but it seems 90% of my career has been a disappointment in one way or another. What’s ironic is that my resume is pretty darn amazing - with several marquee names and high profile projects...but it has been excruciating at times. Has it been my choice in employers? Roles? Managers? Industries? Is it that I live smack-dab in the middle of the rat race in the San Francisco Bay Area? Am I too sensitive? I think my underlying limiting belief here is that I don’t deserve a better career, that for some reason I’m not worthy of it in this area of my life. It has been a negative trend and don’t know how to break free of the pattern. I feel that no matter how hard I job search or try to seek something better I could end up in yet another horribly stressful and unsatisfying job, which produces a fear response. (I’ve had a very difficult time being motivated in my recent job search for this very reason.) Being an emotional eater, this can easily result in many extra calories coming in if I’m not careful! A new, empowering belief to replace the above is that I absolutely deserve a fantastic career in my dream job! I am worth it and can add so much enthusiasm and value to a role. This includes having a direct and powerful impact helping others (especially internationally) and that I’ll make a great salary doing so. This will allow me to have a greater impact in the community by being able to donate monies to those in need and fund philanthropic programs abroad (like Uplift Business Alliance that I work with in Africa). I have worked hard to get my degrees and certifications and I am worthy of having a fantastic job that utilizes those skills honed over the years. I am setting the positive intent now and holding strong to the belief that God has a wonderful career plan for me and that I will be able to let go (release control) of the past and present and allow his Divine plan to fall into place. I believe everything happens for a reason and that everything in the Universe is happening precisely on schedule. I need to keep the faith that I am worthy for this area of my life to become transformed as well! I am now allowing ALL areas of my life to be impacted by this physical, emotional and spiritual transformation.

This is an awesome assignment for drilling into more depth! ....1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as a result of the work you've done so far? YES! I was embracing the belief that I needed approval from everyone in order to truly be happy and self satisfied. I am learning an entirely new happiness qualifier with my new tools!...... 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? YES! The belief that I can control making changes on the inside but that I cannot control making changes on the outside...... 3. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one? Again, YES! Just recently I learned that when I commit to doing the work on the inside, putting one foot in front of the other and "leaving nothing on the table" with my nutrition and exercise, the rest WILL follow! I struggled with this assignment at first because my brain was a little mucky with self-doubt, it was hard to define, but I totally GOT IT! (thank you T-friends for your encouragement and input, I truly love you)

First and foremost, I once believed everything had to be "perfect" (according to my own inaccurate perceptions and unrealistic ideas of what perfection was) and that my results needed to be specifically perfect, as I envisioned them in my mind. If one little thing "slipped up," it threw me off kilter and I would give up, rationalizing myself as justified because of my "circumstances." I let external factors influence and determine my personal success. I know now that chasing after perfection is illusory and will only lead me to disdain and anguish. I know that focusing on progress is the key, regardless of how much adversity is met on that journey to personal growth. (The following is from one of my previous blog posts): Yesterday I had a very powerful personal, spiritual experience.The day before that, Wednesday, I was in a bit of a "slum." I felt queasy, fatigued, and beaten. I felt like I had been trying to run 100 m.p.h., when my body can only go 60. The best way for me to explain what I felt was, simply, complacent. A single day of complacency lead me to begin to pray and ask for guidance from God. I knew I wasn't giving up on my Challenge. There's no way possible. I felt something tugging at my heart, knocking on my "door," so to speak. I just had to quiet my mind and listen to my heart to intuit what God was telling me. I knew I couldn't continue going forward the way I had the last 12 weeks. Don't get me wrong, I have been more successful in the past 3 months, than in the past 9 years of my life; however, something was incongruent. I have been dealing with severe neck, shoulder, and back pain for several years now. At the beginning of my challenge I had endured a minor injury (strained muscle) to my neck, which was prone to injury due to its prior weakness. I went into this Transformation Challenge believing that if I trained my muscles with resistance exercise, the muscles in my neck, shoulders, and back would strengthen and my pain would subside. But after 12 weeks of consistent training - squatting, lifting, pulling - I have found that the pain has only gotten worse. In my mind, I rationalized that I was doing the exercises to build a stronger body, that would result in eliminating my suffering. In an unconscious reality, I was training with weights because I felt that was what was expected of me. I trained with weights because I believed that was what I needed to do in order to look the way I envisioned myself in the "theater" of my mind. I held in my imagination a powerful, vivid vision of the physique I wished to attain by weight-training. I saw myself with a ripped, muscular body, similar to Bill Phillips or Chris Winters. I saw myself with a smile on my face and a glow in my eyes. But yesterday it was revealed to me that having that end result of a ripped, muscular body would not guarantee me the end result of a smile on my face and a glow in my eyes. How will I be happy if I am trying to build my body in vain, ultimately, tearing it down beyond repair or recovery? What will I have gained if I further injure myself and have to set my progress back even further, so unnecessarily? I had also been "down" on myself because I hadn't achieved the physical goals I set out to achieve (even though it's not over - there are still 6 weeks left!) within the time period I expected to achieve them. But God told me, "If that 18th week comes and your body looks the way you envision it to look, will you be truly, deeply happy simply because of the way you look?" It then dawned on me that what I really desired wasn't a ripped physique, but rather, a body that is strong, resilient, mobile, and full of light and energy. Not one that looks like a dude you'd find in a Muscle & Fitness magazine. Thus, my ultimate purpose has been revealed to me as the pursuit of true, deep, authentic happiness. A happiness that doesn't fluctuate with the scales on the floor in my bathroom or with an inauthentic idea of who I think I should be. This kind of happiness comes only by acceptance of myself as I am and as the man I am evolving into, which is the man I need and was designed to become. Again, I asked myself, what have I gained if in the end I only have a physique that resembles a fitness magazine model, but offers me to functionality, no pragmatism? I have gained an attractive, aesthetic body. Perhaps much self-confidence and charisma, but not lasting happiness. How long would the conditional happiness last from only the physical achievement? This isn't something that is sustainable, which we all know by now is pivotal to lasting success and progress. My ability to get and keep that "winning feeling" lies not in my ability to lose bodyfat and develop a lean, muscular physique, but to create a body free of physical and emotional pain, a body and mind of strength, inner power; of perseverance, resilience, and light. Again, I must apply Bill's philosophy and "give up the fight." I give up the struggle to become something I know I am not meant to become. I desire to become a man who is deeply in touch with is heart, therefore, also in touch with the hearts of all humanity. My purpose is to continue down this path of Transformation, to have faith in the process, to train my body and my mind, nourish my cells and my soul, and to find my voice, express it, and lift others up to find their's as well. I am going to listen to my body from now on. I am exercising naturally, with my own bodyweight as resistance, and am feeding my body naturally as well. I do not exercise or eat based on how I believe it will make me "look." I choose, instead, to exercise and eat based on how it will make my body and mind feel. I am meant to treat my body as it needs to be treated, not to go from "fat to fab." I thank everyone who has helped me in my journey - this growth and learning process - and look forward to Round #2 with you all! I also thank God for this community and all that He has taught me. I pray that I am always humble and open enough to learn from the unlimited lessons He has to teach me about my own limited beliefs and ideas. All of my love, - Ronnie

When I started my transformation journey what seems like a lifetime ago, I came to it with every limiting belief one could have. Things like "I can't stick to something like this" or "I don't have the strength to change all the things I need to change" and the biggie... "There is no God, no big picture, no plan. I am a random convergence of carbon, water and other stuff, ash to ash..." I didn't have any grand plans to win a contest, shed years of mental garbage or get in touch with God. I just knew that the way I was living my life was not serving me or my family and if I didn't do something to change it, I would create another generation of people who felt worthless and just didn't care about anything or anyone. Well, A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum. The simple promise I made to myself of working out every morning started to crush my limiting beliefs about following through, getting results, forgiveness of myself and others. Eating clean not only made me feel physically stronger, it lead to strength over temptation and a humble gratitude toward life. Little did I know that these two activities were giving me much more than a slimmer profile and a lighter foot print, they were also ridding me of old beliefs that had held me prisoner for so long. I started to open myself up to different ways of looking at and thinking about the world around me and my place in it. I have started on a spiritual journey that, much like dropping pounds, takes concerted effort and daily practice and is starting to yield amazing results. I no longer have a lack of faith and realize that God doesn't hold a grudge. I also realize that I am a day one freshman in the college of spirituality and have a lifetime of knowledge and experience coming. A couple of the requirements of this spiritual journey I have embarked on are that I give up a few things. I had to give up the need to know where I am going before I start, an attachment to expected results and every single one of my beliefs that I held for so long that, it turns out, were holding me... Today, I find empowerment through the process of holding on to nothing and being accepting and open to everything. I am not perfect at it, however, I do work at it every day.

Assignment 14 Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed that due to my past I had some kind of fatal flaw that would not let me achieve this kind of physical or inner transformation, and that now at 54, I must certainly be too old to even think of doing it. I thought, who really cares if I do this or not, my time has past. I thought that my past had to equal my future. But through doing this transformation process and receiving all the wonderful support and knowledge from you Bill, the Champions and this community, I see that my previous core beliefs are not true! I realize that as long as I am alive I have the right to go for being healthy, happy and connected. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Well sometimes I find myself feeling the old feelings of fear that make me want to isolate but these are getting much less. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Yes..that I don't have to be afraid of people and what they think about me, that I can exist in the world and be noticed, that I have something to offer and that this is OK. Thank you! Beth

This is such an awesome assignment. Before I started the Transformation I was truly oblivious to the reality that I needed to change anything! I had gotten complacent, and way too comfortable in the routine to which was my life. I found myself saying that my life was like groundhog day…wake up, make breakfast, play with the kids, get ready for work, go to work (and focus most of my time and energy into my job versus where it needed to go), come home, kiss my wife, play with the kids, eat dinner, get the kids to bed, get my clothes ready for the next day, and retire in front of the idiot box. That was it…same thing over and over again, every day. Life became stagnant for me, and the challenges at the office were becoming less rewarding. I needed change, and I needed it bad. Christmas came, and I was out of the office for about 2 weeks. This was a pivotal moment in time for me. I was finally able to stop everything, and just be still. Just remember what it was like to be alive, and remember what truly mattered most in my life. This was when I realized that I was a train wreck. Here I was, 2 years removed from being a hardcore triathlon addict to being this unhealthy, overweight, and unmotivated slob. Sure I was motivated at work, but that was it. Work was the center of my universe…and God is the only being that should ever hold this position in our lives. I finally started longing for Him…I felt that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by opening myself to Him. Fast forward about 2 weeks, back at the office. I found myself on the complete opposite spectrum at work. It wasn’t that I was unmotivated or that I no longer cared about my career…but it had everything to do with the fact that I finally realized that I needed balance in my life. I thought that if I could break up the dedication and intensity that I was putting into my career equally to all other facets of my life, I’d still have enough in the tank to do my job and do it well. Huge changes started taking place, and that is when I finally let go, and let God take the reins. It was also the same time that my sister’s boyfriend sent me a card inviting me to start the Transformation with him. My life started changing at a brisk pace from that moment on, and I haven’t looked back. My faith…how good it finally feels to even be able to say that! Boy I have so much more to learn, so much more knowledge to gain. My walk with God has only just begun, but never before have I been so open and interested in God and what he has planned for me. It feels good to finally lift the weight off of my shoulders, knowing that HE is in control…not ME. I feel him working in my life already, and I know that he has great things planned for me! My health is back on track, but I’ve always had it in my head that I’d never have a 6-pack (this because of the fact that I’ve never been able to meet that goal). I’m so dialed in now that I’ve forgotten about the notion of 18 weeks. Be it 18 weeks, 18 months…whatever, I’m going to get there. My long term health and fitness goals are to get back into triathlon at the end of this year and compete in the Ironman 70.3 race in Augusta, GA next September. Long term I have the full Ironman race in Kona in mind, and I have the determination to get there. My family…beautiful, loving, caring, fun, exciting, compassionate, effortless. I have an amazing wife…she is SO strong, and she always know where she’s going in life. She’s a dedicated, determined woman, and is an amazing provider for our children. We were friends for 8 years before we started dating, and have been together for 14 years since. What I feel is so amazing is that our relationship continues to become more and more effortless, we continue to become closer, and our love grows stronger. We have an unbreakable bond, and I am truly blessed to have the right woman in my life! Our kids are incredible, and I couldn’t ask for 2 more beautiful, sweet, and absolutely hilarious children. They light up our lives, and I don’t remember what life was like without them! I know that I need to answer the questions to complete the assignment, but this is where I’m at. I’m connected and engaged. I’m in the zone…I’m on it. I’m living the life that I never thought possible…and that is why I’m continuing on in T-2. So, without writing a complete novel: 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Unequivocally my faith in God. Hands down, without a doubt. I never grew up in a church, and was always more of a doubter than a believer. I started attending the men’s ministry at my church right before I started my Transformation, and between opening myself up to Him, engaging in my men’s group, and communicating with my T.com family, I have grown leaps and bounds in my faith. This has been HUGE for me, and I feel truly blessed that I’m finally getting to know Jesus! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Although I am much more aware of how important it is to be philanthropic, I need to continue to work on this. I know that when I’m giving of myself, my time, my money…it feels amazing! I believe that this is SO important in life, and that it truly helps us grow. I’m not the best at this by any means, and I don’t want to revert back to not giving at all. I’m glad that I’m acutely aware of it, and this will be a huge focus for me going forward in T-2. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? This is a work in progress. I think when you’ve lived one way all of your life, it is hard to all of a sudden give up everything and give all of yourself. I am confident that in working on my relationship with God he will open me up to making giving more comfortable. I need to learn to trust that HE is in control of my finances, and that giving my time, resources, attention, and love to those in need is Him working in me. This is something that has been burning inside me for a long, long time, and I hope that He will use me in as many ways as he can to help others. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than that! ---Eric

"our perceptions and beliefs are powerful filters between the vast world of possibilities, and our actual experience of physical life" Some filters to consider: I have to do everything myself. Who I am is not enough. If I am rejected it is because there is something wrong with me. 1) Core belief that might be transforming: I might be considering that it is okay, as well as safe and desireable, to be all of who I am capable of being. 2) A limiting belief: I am not disciplined enough. I get too overwhelmed too easily. If I don't eat enough I will blow away. If I express my emotions, or really am myself, everyone will die. just a few to start with. 3) I am fine. All is well. I am on my way to better and I am fully supported by my friends, my family and the Universe. :) meredith thanks for listening.

It is so strange I could have sworn I have already done this assignment. Perhaps it is in my journal where I write, but no worries there will be no harm in doing it again. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as a result of the work you've done so far? Absolutely - It is so strange to honestly belive this but I really felt like I was going to be big for the rest of my life. I am a big girl and there is no way I can shrink down and fit into smaller sizes, definately that I wouldn't be able to shop in the regular clothes section of a department store. I honestly believed that when I miscarried my body shifted and it was almost like a punishment, I couldn't process the whole situation and not being able to carry another child made me feel like my body had changed. It was almost like I went from thin to huge over night. My belief was that it was not physically possible for me to reduce my size. As a result of this process and the work I have done so far I know quite a few things. First of all I know that my body did not shift because I miscarried, my mind shifted into a dark place. A place where I felt that I could eat anything and not exercise and no one would notice, least of all me! I also realized that I did not go from thin to huge overnight, it was a process that took 15 years. It wasn't a shift, it was me giving up and pretending like I didn't care because as long as I could eat whatever I wanted I was happy. The biggest belief that has changed is that I know I will be smaller - it is possible for me - I am not destined to be shopping in the women's section for much longer. My body can become smaller, it just might take longer. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Hmmm - I have worked so hard on this the last round I am not sure there is a belief that will limit my progress. Really, I have spent a lot of time working through core issues and what was holding me back. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace the limiting one with? My body is strong, my mind is strong and my spirit is strong - with focused hard work my body will transform and I will be the beautiful woman that God intends me to be!

The limiting core belief that I held before this Transformation was that It was not ok to be truly joyful again. I lost my wife of 31 years in 2004 to invasive breast cancer. I never regained my joyful spirit completely- till now. I realize that Joy is up to me.I have a lot to be thankful for and I KNOW it. The self limiting belief I hold now is that I am not good at offering my help for people who could use it in their transformation. I search for just the right word or phrase to write when someone is going to throw in the towel or is overwhelmed by the process. Sometimes I don't find those words. My empowering new belief is that I CAN and WILL help others on the site and I will speak from the heart and let go of inadequate feelings.

Assignment #14 One core belief that I held on to before this process was that...Everybody else knew the answers to my questions of..Who am I ...Am I ok...Where am I supposed to go now....Who am I supposed to be. I put so little faith in myself...and yet, so much in others. I went to everybody else to answer my questions. That belief has transformed into....I have the answers inside...I can recieve further light and knowledge through studying and prayer...and the truths and answers that I search for will be and have been revealed inside of me. A belief that I have now that could limit my future progression....hmmmmmmm.....hmmmmmmmmmmm...................hmmmmmmmmm This is a really hard question because I have learned so much in these last 18 weeks.... about being aware of my thoughts and beliefs and to find the truth of them.....The belief that I am "disposable"...Is something that has come to my mind on those days when I allowed the doubt and fear creep up. It is a feeling of people can love you...BUT it will only be temporary. People will leave you or dispose of you...write you off...dismiss...reject. I am now aware of that thought and know it to be a Lie. An empowering belief that to replace the old one?.....My worth does not fluctuate...Nobody can take away my worth.....The love that my Father in Heaven has for me...is more than I could ever imagined...and that love will never change regaurdless..." The worth of souls is great in the sight of God" Regaurdless of where we have been what we have gone through we each have emence worth and value! I do know this to be true!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Yes. I believed I was resigned to a life of suffering and mediocrity because I didn't have the answer to the problem of how to change it. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I believe that I will backslide if I relax my intensity and that to not acheive perfection is to fail. I'm fearful that it will mean a complete regression if I can't find the strength. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? It is my choice, and tomorrow is another day. I have come to believe in forgiving myself for being a work in progress.

Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Can you identify one belief you hold now that may limit your future progress? Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? 1.My core belief was that I wasn’t worthy enough to become a Leader/ Champion/ Director no matter what I accomplished in life. Why? Because I worked hard, believed in my self, took the challenges, full filled every dream I aimed for, recognized with countless accolades yet criticized harshly with little petty things that I felt no one was ever taking me seriously. 2. I do not have any limitations. I am free from my beliefs of thinking I needed to please everyone. I need to please my God and myself. I believe that with God all things are possible therefore I have nothing to limit my future progress. However I see very clearly now that the things I felt were little petty things were actually my own attitude that was holding me back at that time. Now that the BIG Picture is painted beautifully in from of me I do not have any limitations. I feel the shy is the limit. 3.Yes, After thinking I was stuck, insecure, helpless and lost the self-esteem I fought so hard to gain, I found that my value was not dependent on my ability to earn the acceptance of people I had no control over. I realize now that people that judge me are only stating their opinion and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have identified the most empowering belief of my behavior that has established my own self conscious; "MY ATTITUDE" What a Gift!!!! So you see, I no longer need the acceptance of anyone but my God. I will no longer seek a prize for the popularity of the competition. God’s unconditional acceptance is profound; it’s a life changing truth. I pray that God now help me live so that my family, friends and everyone will see evidence of this truth in me. Amen. "Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions." --Gandhi Sometimes Attitudes are more important then facts If you think you can, you probably will But if you think you can’t, you probably won’t

As I was reading over this assignment a few thing kept comng up in my mind over and over again. I had a fiance' who committed suicide many years ago after we had an awful fight. He shot himself in the head, he made sure there was no way to save him. His family always told him I was trash and came from the wrong side of the tracks. I began to feel embarrassed of my family. His father was a prominent doctor and his mother an author. One of his brothers is an attorney, so you get the picture, very prominent family. My family, on the other hand, are blue collar workers. My father was a butcher and my mother was a stay at home mother. We were middle class. When he committed suicide his family put no obituary in the paper because they were ashamed of the way he died. In fact they were so out of touch with him they asked me if he had been eating. I assured them that he had. I tried to end my life the day of his funeral by taking an overdose of drugs. I have been carrying around the guilt of his death because I felt I was the only person he had in his life at the time he could count on and I let him down. I have also been carrying around the feelings unworthiness and feeling like I am a piece of trash to just be thrown out. I have always felt invisible, like my feelings didn't matter, I didn't matter. This is so painful to write. I have never told anyone this before. 1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as a result of the work you've done so far? Yes, that I am valuable and I am worth taking care of and taking time out to do what I need to do in order to accomplish that is not being selfish. I am not powerful enough to make someone take their own life and I can release the guilt I have been carrying around for 20 something years. Fear of the treadmill and pushing myself, I have ran on the treadmill and never thought it possible because I was told I would never walk again at the age of 10. I was told I would be in a wheelchair by now. 2. Can you identify one belief which you now hold that may limit your future progress? Fear is still deep rooted. I have a fear of falling because of my physical challenges. 3. Can you identify an empowering new bellief to replace that limiting one with? Feel the fear and do it anyway!

A core belief that I held before this challenge started was that I was somehow not responsible for my own life and happiness. I felt like if I let everyone else make decisions for me, then it wasn't my fault if it failed or didn't turn out the way I wanted. If I don't pick the restaurant than it isn't my fault if the food is lousy. This mentality was a safeguard from failure. If I don't decide or commit to anything, than I don't fail. The last several years I've been really negative towards goal setting because I just felt like setting goals always set me up for disappointment and self-loathing. Since the challenge I know that I can succeed at what I want, and I don't have to safeguard myself from failure. I just need to find a purpose strong enough. I can do hard things! A belief that I still hold that could keep me from succeeding: I struggle with pushing my power to new limits. When something that used to be difficult becomes easy, I find myself really having to talk myself into reaching higher. A new belief would be that I have no limits on what I can have or be or achieve. The proof is in the pics.

Going in to this challenge I definitely had a deeply entrenched belief that I was unworthy of achieving personal success… Ironic as I have achieved so much. Talking about it, and even recognizing it were not a solution…. It took a real effort to achieve that transformation – it took meditation, constant re-enforcement and support (much from this site and my friends here)… and I have to be really honest – these assignments are genius for it also… (hate to sound like I am sucking up, but these really hit the mark for me, and do so in the right order!!) as I progress through the assignments, and contemplate the comments and bloggs, I can truly feel the ‘I am not worthy’ belief melt away, and it is replaced with I AM WORTHY – I am a child of god and I WILL live and deliver to my inner potential; free of the negative thoughts and restrictions… I have a life to get on with and I will not allow baggage and negativity to pull me down!

Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? A core belief I held before was fear is a way of life. I was afraid of success, strangers, looking good, being happy, sharing with others, and talking in front of a crowd. But, since going through this transformation I have had the opportunity to face many fears, some I didn’t know I had. I can enjoy the success I earn. I was sabotaging myself in so many areas and have been practicing letting go and dependence on God- He is the only one I should ever fear. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I’m not sure if I can call it a belief but negative thinking gets in my way of progress (I can’t do it). Words of doubt fill my mind more often than they have a right to. It stifles my growth. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Through this process I have been practicing the power of positive affirmations to myself. I intend to replace all negative thoughts with a new belief that all things are possible, I am strong and capable, I will become who I was meant to be.

Assignment #14 Transforming Beliefs Transforming beliefs is a really hard thing to do. When I started out on this journey, I was coming off of a BFL challenge of 12 weeks. It is totally focused on physical changes only. I never achieved the goals that I set for myself in those 12 weeks. It was my own fault too. I didn't do everything I needed to do to make my goals a reality. This caused me to slide. I had made these self-promises to myself, but I didn't come through. It caused me to not believe in myself. This set me up for my first core belief that I had. I couldn't do it. I couldn't be one of those 40 somethings that look great. I was destined to a life of being an over weight stay at home mom. Since I've started Transformation though, I have learned that it is more than just about my body. It is about the balance of a healthy body, mind, and soul. The belief that may hinder my progress would be slipping back into that all or nothing all about getting the perfect body idea. The belief I choose to replace that with is that this is for life. Sometimes, you make exceptions to the rules. You work hard but you also balance that work so you can still give back to others. If not, you are not doing anyone any good.

*The core belief I held that's transforming as a result of the work I've done so far is that I am not healthy enough and capable of doing what needs to be done in life now. I thought I was really too grieved and emotionally unstable to ever really be the success that I wanted to be on a consistent basis for any significant period of time. I now believe that I am healthier and stronger and capable. *One belief that I hold now that could limit my future progress is that fear and depression will cause me to lose my confidence and create some isolation, paralysis or crisis of some sort. *A new empowering belief is that I trust God and this program and myself enough to know that I am going to be fine, actually more than fine....possibilities are great : )

Gosh reading over some of the posts on this assingment, i can relate to so many people. It is amazing all of the hurt, and problems we have in common... and how all of the things we are transforming, and all of the progress we are making is also in common! Is there a core belief I held before I began that is transforming because of the work I’ve done so far? Yes! There are a hundred of them. A lot of them come down to the idea that “I’m never going to…” Never, never never never…. How lame is that! I didn’t think I would be able to get my dogs to go for pleasant walks… And I haven’t achieved that goal quite yet, but I’m working on it, and I know it’s possible. I never thought I could afford to eat healthy all the time… It’s a challenge here and there But I’m making it happen… I never thought I could get up early in the morning and go to the gym on a regular basis… And though there have been days when I did not always get up early in the morning.. I know I can do it.. I know I can do it for weeks and weeks at a time and I’m getting more experienced at making it my lifestyle! Oh gosh, I could go on and on. It’s exciting to see how much I really have been changing! Okay… serious business… “Can I identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress” This seems challenging to answer. It’s like at first I have a hard time looking below the surface and figuring out what is standing in my way I still have a hard time taking a look at myself and feeling good about myself. I still have the belief that I am not worth very much. As I eat healthy and work out, I sort of feel like I am working to gain my self worth. The harder I work, the better I feel.. and I’m really putting in some grunt work.. working to feel better about myself. I can already tell that this is getting better than it was 18 weeks ago… I just still have improvement to make. When I consider how limited I am by feeling like I’m not good enough… It’s frustrating to me that I’m still having these types of feelings in my life. I think the best idea of an empowering new belief to replace the limiting one. It’s just believing in myself. Knowing that I CAN! Knowing that I am created to feel good, serve a purpose, serve others, and be happy… Looking at the examples I listed above of the things I’m working towards and improving puts some things into perspective and makes me feel good about the progress I’ve made and hopeful about how far I am going to take this transformation… Considering how much better I feel about myself now then I did at the start of this transformation… And how much effort I have put into getting healthy… and considering that this is just the beginning… I realize I CAN feel good about myself. I am working hard. I am making improvements, and I am, starting to feel better about myself. Someone recently told me an analogy of a rose garden and this transformation.. Something to the effect of sometimes, as hard as you try to manage it, Roses are going to bloom when they bloom… and there is nothing you can do about it… I still trust this process. I still know that if I keep doing all of this I’m going to get to a place in life where I’m so much healthier and happier! When I first started this transformation I told myself if it took me 20 years to put this much weight on… if I could work HARD and loose it in less than a year like some of the other champions…, that would be amazing. I’m really starting to see how possible this is. I like this assignment and this topic. I think being able to look below the surface and see the negative things I believe… and thinking about what I could change to make those things better… It’s really got me thinking. I have come up with a few limiting beliefs and pointed out the reasons I don’t have to think that way, or believe that thing… It feels good to point out some truths to myself, and keep moving forward. I’m feeling inspired.

Is there a core belief you had before you began this process that transforming as a result of the work you've done so far?~~~ That I wasnt strong enought to do this.. I was living a lie and my smoking habit was going to hold me back from progressing.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may llimit your future progress?~~Just my patience in getting as fit as I want to get.~~~~~~~~~ Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace the limiting one?~~~This is a process and its not about perfection.. If I continue doing what I have been doing through eating right and exercising and making my workouts different and not always the same, then my results are going to be wonderful and I will get my physical body where I want it. And the inner changes come as I continue this process and belief pattern. :)

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed that I would not finish this challenge. That I would give up around week nine or ten. That I was a quitter. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? One belief I hold now which may limit my progress is that I will not follow through on my planning with excercise and nutrition enough to see any physical difference. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? A new belief I can use to replace my limiting belief is that I have made progress. It may only be ten pounds, eight pounds, or a few inchs, but the fact remains that I (ME) am responsible for those changes. Action on my part will result in change! I DID IT!!

I believed that I couldn't run anymore. Now, this may sound lame, but let me tell you this is extremely deep for me. Since I was in high school I found that running cleared my mind and helped me sort things out when I was having a bad day. Throughout my life I would say most of my friends realized this and when I was having a bad day they would tell me to go for a run. About 10 years ago I completed a body for life challenge and over trained my knee....it had resulted in me really not being able to run anymore. I knew I could probably run soft sand...but going from no running to soft sand is a big leap...it takes a lot out of you. So for the last 10 years I basically believed that I was too old to run. I would wake up in the morning barely able to walk when I first got up wondering...what will I feel like in my 50's if I feel like this now? I started this transformation walking, then went to power walking and walking up the steep hills in my neighborhood and finally to soft sand, sand dune and even an occasional tred mill. I believe that the workouts and stretching every morning and letting go of a lot of emotional crap has allowed me to literally move forward in this direction. In Eastern medicine when you have problems in your knees it signifies fear of moving forward...interesting huh? This has been such a good send and I literally feel 20 years younger! I am so grateful to have the choice of running in my life again....not that it always makes it easy...but seriously happy that I can do it! I have been chewing on this for a week or so...these later assignments really make me think and I don't like to write about them untill I've worked it out. I hit a little block in my transformation a week or so ago. First of all, I got sick for the first time in 18 weeks and secondly I felt myself almost wanting to give up. A couple of my accountabilty friends reached out and that has kept me going if nothing else. But, I do realize that I don't believe I can keep this up forever. I do really well on diets. I can diet with the best of them...people are always amazed at my results...but after a few months I slip back into old habits one jelly bean here, a cocktail there, just a bite of cookie and all of a sudden I'm back where I started and then some! I don't truly believe I can transform! So my new belief is that I will accomplish my transformation, maintain it for life and keep moving forward and growing. Thanks for reading people! I love you all so much....you can't even know the impact you have on my life. Jennifer

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Initially I wondered if I would fall back into that "ok freeday starts Friday at 7pm and ends Saturday at 7pm. In my initial BFL challenge, I turned my free day into a 24 hour day. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I still believe that I am going to fall back into that pattern - it went from 24 hours to 48 hours (over the weekend) 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I believe that I can continue pushing myself with these little challenges. I like to challenge myself and hold myself accountable.

1.) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? That peoples perceptions of me affect who I am. My perception of myself affects peoples perceptions, confidence and belief in me. For so long I've been trying to change people around me. . . all along I should have been working on me.--------------------------------------------------------------- 2.) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I had not recognized this as a belief, but a concern a worry. I guess for me to fear it, then I must believe it to still be possible that I will fade out. . . that somehow might not maintain the progress I have accomplished so far. -----This concern/belief is limiting, and I haven’t looked at it like this before, but now that I’m writing about it reeks of a pattern I recognized in my life that I typed about in assignment 13. . . Even though I’ve had hard workouts, and I have succeeded with the eating, and I’ve learned about reaching out to others, and helped others along the way. . . having this fear shows me I yet all of myself to this process. It shows still a lack of trust in the process. I’d not seen it like this before, but now as I type I see how I have not given all of myself to this process. I’ve had great progress, but I could have given more, and trusted the process more. -----I see it in my struggle to walk away from the scale. I had the problem with the scale during the early part of my transformation. I was weighing every day. . Not necessarily to see if I progressed but more to make sure (inspite of the hard work know I was putting in) to make sure I wasn’t creeping up the scale again to 275. -----After so many cycles through life of putting it on and taking it off, putting it on and taking it off. . . part of me still worries that even though this time is different it is still possible that some how I’ll stop caring again. .. I’ll stop reaching out when I feel myself fading and I’ll look up and be back where I started. -----That’s my reason for the addiction to the scale. I fear not checking it for too long because I fear I’ll regress. It’s a silly belief when I think about it because I know I’m working out consistently and im eating right, why fear right? -----Dusty has helped me feel better about the scale. .let it go some. .but I still find myself after 3 weeks of not weighing I still found myself looking for reasons to check to the scale to make sure I’m not going back up. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I know this time is different. I know that the changes I’m making are real. I know I can continue this momentum and I know that I have so much more to give to this community by believing completely in this process and believing in myself.-----With that being said, I share a discussion I had with Mark (Amsapp) last night. We discussed how studies show that 80 something % of people who lose large amounts of weight gain it back, cant maintain it for the long term. He had set a 5 year goal to maintain his results to help change that number to help others believe it is maintainable, the change can be permanent.-----I don’t know if Mark took me seriously, when I said I want to be there with him. I will make this my goal right along with him. I will help change the numbers, I will help be and example of what can be accomplished when you truly commit to changing your inner self, changing your lifestyle, changing your limiting beliefs.

The core belief I had before I started was very negative and I am at this point ashamed to admit it-but know it is part of the process. When I was filling my body with nicotene, junk and impurities I used to really say everyone is going to die some day, some way. When my mother used to tellme I was killing myself smoking. I would say ok well one day you will be dying healthy and I will dying sick either way we are both going to die- What an ignorant statement. I no longer look at life in that prospective. My life is what I make it and I cna only be as healthy as I chose. I think the one limiting belief I am working on now is that I have lost weight and I might not ever lose the pudge that I was left with after child birth (13 years ago) I am trying t move past that to say as long as I still work my body will continue to transform. I think I answered 2 and 3 both in that one. I will continue to tell myself as long as I continue the work, my body will continue to change.

Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Yes....I believed that I would not be able to get support from my family since this was the 100th "thing" I had started!! But, they are my biggest supporters and believe in me even when I do not. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Yes...that my awful habits...my food addictions...will never go away completely and the circle of self-defeat will continue. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Yes....I will continue the fight...I will continue the transformation...I WILL continue the process....until I am stronger than my addictions. I KNOW the members on this board are here to help...truly, sincerely and purposefully...I BELIEVE it. It is going to take me longer than my first Challenge...and although I am embarrassed by my addictions and bad habits being stronger than my willpower this Challenge...I WILL conquer them.

First: the limiting belief that is and has transformed so far is that I am incapable of committing to anything and am a failure....I can see this transforming during this challenge, I am committed and have made it 7 weeks through this which is a record for me and I am also continuing even in the face of obstacles (ankle injury) and moving around it and finding a way to continue even if I cannot run. Second: the limiting belief I hold and needs to be transformed is that I am not good enough and will never amount to anything....this runs very deep and even though I am enlightened and aware that I am a Divine Child of God, this limiting belief holds me back in life, with sabotaging, coasting through life and not really giving 100% my best in many areas of my life....I need to transform this to giving of myself completely, finding my path, my passion and giving it all I have got....I can do this with persistence, tenacity and determination, I know I can. Love Thia

the core belief that I held before I began this was that I felt at my age that I would just be happy to be fit. The belief that I hold now that would limit my progress is the one of not believing in what I am capable of doing and therefore not following through with any goals I have. The new belief that I have to replace the limiting one, is that at my age there is so much more to being just fit, it is living life with an inner spiritual connection that allows me to achieve any goal I set my mind to. If I believe, I can achieve!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I honestly believed that I was at the whim of everyone else. I believed that is was ok to just exist and pretend that all was well. It wasn’t. People have real issues that need attention. If we let something fester long enough, it will only get worse and worse… to the point it is unmanageable or destroyed. It is easy to cover our eyes and pretend there isn’t an elephant in the room. Some great examples that illustrate this are in how my marriage was and still at times is… My wife would always try to communicate with me and share with me the things that are important to her. I would simply say “OK” and move on. If we would fight, I would never pay attention to the general issue, I would only address it in a way to avoid conflict or “hush her up.” As a result, my words meant nothing to her. My opinions became unimportant to her. All of those broken promises becuase of my unattentiveness balled up into one giant brooken promise. I would see her ideas about my issues as ridicule when they were really about her paying attention and caring for me. I would always think things are “OK” if she kissed me goodnight or told me she loved me. I am on the brink of destroying my family because I take a victim stance quite often. Not anymore. I am proud of who I am, take it or leave it. Instead of focusing on what I am not, I have learned to love who I am and what I have to offer those around me. I love my wife and children, and they deserve to be around a positive go-getter of what life has to offer. Aren’t they worth it?************************************** 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I find myself continuously seeking approval/ validation from others, or a need to stand out from the rest of the crowd. ************************************* 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I have a choice… to feed into this belief or not. By starving that limiting belief of needing validation or approval from others by letting go of it, I will use that power it had over me to nurture the new belief that I am worthy and can continue to be just that without everyone noticing me, approving of me or liking me. If I focus on the positive, the negative will die by neglect. I am the only one who can validate limiting belief by feeling that way or allowing others to influence my thoughts. Again, I am in control. I do not need to gain approval from anyone in order to feel validated. Just knowing that I am making those smaller victories lead to one giant victory when my 18-week transformation ends and new one begins! Nothing else matters as I am in the driver’s seat in my race against myself.

Transforming Beliefs 1. Is there a core belief I held before I began this process that is transforming as a result of the work I've done so far? Wow...there are a few! **Before I began my Transformation I truly believed that I WAS MY PAST. My past defined me. Everything that I had done & everything that was done to me was WHO & WHAT I was. I see & believe now that I am NOT my past! My past does NOT determine my Future! My past is simply that...my past, nothing more....it does not define me, make me better or worse...its just things that HAPPENED. Plus, for the 1st time I hold the belief that my past has built my character, and made me stronger! **I believed that I deserved being abused, molested & date raped. That it was MY fault...it was something that I mustve done to have it happen...and I didn't deserve better. I now believe that it was NOT my fault. I did NOT deserve it ( no one does!), I didn't "ask for it" by going out on a date with the 2 guys. It was about them and THIER issues....not me! **I believed that I did not deserve forgiveness & that I couldn't forgive. I now believe that I AM FORGIVEN! God forgave me and I am continually forgiving myself for the mistakes I have made & the self abuse I have endured for most of my life. I have forgiven my brother, my parents, the 2 guys who murdered my little Sister Jenifer. I have forgiven those who have hurt me. I have forgiven myself! **I can't trust people! I can trust people and I can trust MYSELF! **I am not worthy of true unconditional love. I am worthy of unconditional love & I am loved uncondtionally! **I don't know how to pray or how to accept God into my life & he probably doesn't want me anyways. I am a Child of God! I am loved, guided and blessed by God! 2. Can I identify the belief which I hold now that may limit future progress? I don't really DESERVE to be HAPPY and have a wonderful, fulfilling, spectacular life..I can't do this-I quit last time! I made it all the way to week # 14 then I just gave up, and repeated the same start/quit pattern of my past. As soon as people began "noticing me" and my progress...I QUIT! I am afraid of success. 3. Can I identify an empowering New belief to replace the limiting one with? I can do this! With God's strength, guidance and love I can do ANYTHING! My Lord made me perfect in His eyes, and I was created to be HAPPY, loved, a blessing to others, and to help enrich the lives of everyone around me!

Core belief before beginning the Transformation process - Why even start, when you know you won't finish. I signed up for the Challenge in June 2008, but never got off the ground. I quit before I even started. This was what I was known for....always starting...never finishing. Now with just a week left of this 18-week Challenge, I know that I will finish. I've had some bumps, some adversities, some life changes, some renewals and recharges. But I've continued. I'm finishing. There was a quote that summed up my transformation in the text of assignment #13. Here's what Bill wrote: "So when we work through this transformation process, we’re learning that we really have the ability to change, but even with our best efforts, we make mistakes, we have setbacks, we succumb to adversity, temporarily. When we can accept that in ourselves, we can accept that in others." The adversity came, but was dealt with and I surged on. I now know that I will achieve my initial intention at the beginning of this journey. It's on my profile page - Your Intention - To Finish!! One belief which I hold now that may limit my future progress - I'm not losing as quickly as others. Although I realize that this is due to the bumps and adversity that I encountered during this 18-week journey. Empowering New Belief to replace the limiting one - Trust the process!! Others have done the Program and have had amazing results. I just have to do the same. Exercise, Eat the "Right" way, Do the Assignments, Drink Water, Get enough sleep, Pray and Meditate, Connect with the Community! - This is the process - I CAN and I WILL do it!! - Chad

Assignment #14 1.) I came into this transformation convinced there was no way I would ever be selected as a champion, but being 60 lbs overweight and desperate I signed up anyway. I knew that the only way I could possibly get through the 18 weeks was to find reasons other than being named a champion as motivation to begin. So I began the program by concentrating my efforts on the things that mattered most in my life like my wife, my two sons, my sisters, my mom and my health. I hit the floor running and was soon well on my way. Around the time I completed the 12th week things started changing as to how I viewed my transformation. As I lost weight I began to feel better physically, and as a result, I began to feel better on the inside. I started working my assignments with much more thought and feeling. Like clockwork I got my butt up every morning at 5:00 am and headed off to the gym. I logged in each morning to report to my accountability group with my daily exercise and meal plans. I did my best to complete one assignment each week. I also started making friends and trusting my group members enough to open up and share my thoughts and feelings with them. It soon became apparent that my transformation was having a positive effect on me, both on the inside and out. I started visualizing myself as a champion, but not so much a transformation champion. I started to realize that whether I became a transformation champion or not, becoming a true winner is not always about external prizes or external praise. It’s about how you feel inside, your sacrifices, and your accomplishments. I found that the more energy I put into helping others the easier it was for me to stay on track with my own transformation. I’ve accomplished more in 15 weeks than I ever dreamed I would. I feel 110% better about who I am and where I’m heading! 2.) One belief that I feel may limit my future progress is, not totally believing I can make my transformation a permanent one. 3.) I believe the better a person feels physically, the better they feel spiritually. When I was at my heaviest, there were many days I would wake up and feel pretty good on the inside, but by the end of the day, the weight had created such a physical burden on me, it would eventually pull me down spiritually. It was as if I were carrying around a 45 lb plate on my back throughout the day. By the end of the day I was exhausted mentally and physically. 15 weeks into my transformation I am finally beginning to see a change on the inside, and I believe it’s a direct result of getting rid of 49 lbs of useless garbage. My mind has become less cluttered, I think clearer, I am able to stay focused on my goals, which in turn, motivates me to continue on. The more I experience this change in my attitude and physical appearance the more empowered I feel to make this a permanent lifestyle change.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as a result of the work you've done so far?.....I won't succeed at this..........2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress?.....I'm not succeeding fast enough..........3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with?.....Progress is the road to success (another one I've learned on Transformation—Progress, Not Perfection)

1.Is there a core belief that you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? This is a hard one because I have so many! But the biggest one was that I thought it was my destiny to be fat. I had tried everything in my past to loose my weight, but everything I tried seemed to fail! I was about to give all up until I came across transformation.com and little did I know that my life was about to change! I honestly don’t believe that it’s the diet and exercise that has got my body where it is today, although it does play a huge part in my transformation, but I believe it’s all the love and support that I get here every time I log on to t.com! Thank you all for everything you do for me! 2.Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Fear and/or worry 3.Can you identity an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I must learn to let God be in control, and believe that He is the one that will take care of everything.

A core belief I have had is that I can't run or do certain movements as this may cause a further back issue so that I am flat on my back again unable to move. I now know I can run and live a normal life and need to let go of the fears I hold as they hold me back from my true potential. I have been always been overweight as long as I can remember. Deep down I still have the belief I can never look like someone I have never been before. Being overweight is a part of my identity. If I'm not overweight who will I be? What will my identity be? A new empowering belief to replace the limiting one would be that I am meant to have a strong healthy body and soul. I was meant to make this change and God led me to this path. That my identity will shift away from my current self to my new one I create. That the new transformed me will be way better then the old me. That the old me is gone and doesn't exist anymore and and can never return nor would I want him to return

WOW!!!! 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I have been overwieght all of my adult life. At one time I lost all the wieght and got down to 160. I worked very hard to get there and within days of making it I was in a very bad accident and was in a wheelchair for years and was not suspected to ever walk again. I put all my wieght back on plus some. I made it up over 310 pounds. Do to this I am in extreme pain most of the time. I have learned to live with the pain and not complain. But the limitations that it put on me is alot harder to deal with than the pain. What I have learned from this is that it is not the limitations put on me , but the limitations that I put on myself. I have learned that where you think there are limitations that if you really want something bad enough you will find away to achieve your goal and work around any limitation that way come your way. --------------------- 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I have friends and people that I know that tell me and in around about way let me know that I should be happy with the person that I am for any change that I make will not last for everyone goes back to what they know and comfortable with. ------------ 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I know within myself that I have become a happier and healier person. That I have overcome the believes of poor me and I know that there is nothing that I can not do if I just believe in myself. I have gotten a taste of what it feels like to feel good and happy and I want to have this feeling for the rest of my life. Most importent is I will go out there and make sure that I spread the news that there are NO LIMITALTIONS that can not be overcome. They may not be the results that you want but there is away to achieve anything.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I always believed that I couldn't workout in the mornings. Too tired, too lazy, would be too nauseous... This has changed since the beginning of my Transformation. I have committed myself to my morning workouts and haven't missed one. I even like it! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? A limiting belief that I have is related to my age. At 41 I have to accept that I should have a so so body. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I can have a great, healthy body at any age and deserve it! Lynn

My core belief was that it was just easier to be lowest on the totem pole in every aspect of my life in order to make others happy. ********** I encourage anyone who struggles with worrying about what others think of you to read my assignment #14 blog in its entirety.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> That I’m too old for this...... About midway through the transformation, I came to the realization that I don’t feel like I’m 51 years old. What’s 51 suppose to feel like anyway? As I review my after photos, I’m filled with a sense of pride that I did not have, even after previous successful transformation challenges.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress?.......... That like so many times before, I will revert to my old ways of eating, exercising, and thinking.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with?...... That I have found a community of supporters that will not let me regress......... That as long as I am willing to participate in the on-line Transformation community, I will find strength and encouragement in numbers............ That if I continue to help lift others up in their endeavors to make a change, I will also be lifted up by their success............ That, while there may be a beginning to the transformation, there is never an end. That I need to embrace this concept of continuous improvement and let it drive me in all aspects of my life, not just my physical being.>>>>>>>>>>>>>All the best in your Transformation, WorkoutGuy

1) The core belief that I held before I began this process that's transforming as a result of the work that I've done so far is first of all, that I can do it by myself and second of all, that the physical part of the transformation would just be a breeze and happen really quickly for me. I've realized that this is a journey and I absolutely DO need others to help me in the journey. I didn't get into the shape that I started out with over night and I wouldn't be able to change everything as quickly as I have in the past. But that doesn't mean that I can't change it ~ I CAN and I AM! 2) The nagging belief that I hold on to that may limit my future progress is that I don't always believe the positve things that I tell my self and that others tell me regarding me. 3) The empowering belief that replaces the limiting one is that I AM loved, I AM able, I AM respected, I AM intelligent and I AM beautiful inside and out.

1: That I was worthless & losing weight didn't matter. In fact is was 'safer' to wear this 'armour of fat' then I wouldn't attract the attention (to myself) and I wouldn't have to deal with controlling myself. 2; That I'm to old to better myself 3:I CAN "BE THE CHANGE" for myself & you're NEVER to old to change. I"M WORTH IT> Thank you for helping me thru this Transformation journey. Kathi

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? My priorities were very skewed. I thought it was ok to put my job before my health and personal happiness. As I progress thru these assignments and interact with others on T.com, I can understand that I will be able to perform everything I do better if I'm healthier which will also make me happier. ************************************************************* 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I still expect others to follow my example in both personal and professional settings. ************************************************************* 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? By putting my health and happiness above work,while still giving 100% to my job, I will be a positive role model and encourage others to follow my lead.

1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as result of the work you've done so far? I've always tell people that there is nothing I can't do. I'd say that just half joking. This transformation is really making this real for me. Now that I've been given the tools, goal setting, visualization, positive imaging... I really do believe that there's nothing I can't do, if I really want to. 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Oh yes. The one thing that keeps trying to rear it's ugly head is that no matter how much I exercise and how well I eat, I will still be fat and flabby because now I'm over 40 and society and medicine tell us it's impossible to lose fat after a woman hits 40. I want to prove them wrong. I want to prove that I can be fit and lean at 44. 3. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I believe that if I continue to feed my body wholesome, nutritious food and move my body every day, and enrich my mind with meditation and positive imaging that I can accomplish anything.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? That I will always be overweight. Nothing that I changed would make me lose weight. It has transformed into my confidence that I *am* losing (slowly) and I can maintain this. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I will come to a time where I will stop working out or planning my meals, become discouraged and just stop. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I will take it one day at a time. There will be more challenging times ahead with schedules or life that gets in the way. Injuries (like my heel spur) may get in the way, but I will look at them as opportunities to try new exercises. I don't want to go back to feeling sluggish and tired all the time. Eating clean and working out give me so much more energy and life. I do not want to go back to that. Planning and shopping for meals needs to be done anyway, so why not make it clean. Workouts do not take away from family time since done in the AM, and get my day started strong!

The limiting belief I held prior to this Challenge was that I could not change and that failure meant to stop. A belief I hold that may keep me from future progress? This would be a deep-seeded belief that I am not able to push beyond barriers and take care of myself. New belief: I AM CAPABLE, STRONG, AND HAVE STRENGTH, WISDOM, & THE COURAGE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MYSELF. I believe that this awakening to it will bring me the freedom to move beyond. I recognize it and have the ability, with thoughts, to rectify it.

1-My core belief that has been transforming as a result of the work I’ve done so far is self and spiritual motivation and love in my heart. It’s been in me but since the beginning of this transformation it’s been tested and fine tuned. My motivation has transcended on both friends and family and my love for myself and others have grown tremendously. 2-There are not any beliefs that will limit my future progress. My limits are endless. I have the power to create my own destiny. And I believe it. 3-Believing in me is empowering and with love as my shield, it will block the negatives in life.

Assignment # 14 The limiting belief I had was that I am just too old to try and fix things and that I would end up sick like my mother. When I was growing up I watched my MOM start to get really depressed and sick with diabetes in her late 30's and all of her 40's after she let an abusive x- husband rule her thoughts and ruin her self esteem. My Grandmother, a nurse actually cared for her for many years. Therefore I had a belief that this is when I would basically "fall apart." I gave birth to my daughter when i was 39 and could not get the weight off and the post partum depression was horrible. I was scared to drive and could barely leave the house without extreme anxiety. I felt helpless I had to do something even if it meant considering diet pills, possible gastric bypass or extreme liquid diet plans. I came across t.com and thought I would try this as a last resort before I made the call for a diet doctor, basically to get medicated and wired on diet pills. I did not care how the weight came off and really did not care about my internal happiness I just wanted the weight gone. This belief system is changing as a result of transforming. I see so many 40 something postive role models on ths site as well as Bill himself. Life is not over I can break this cycle. I am not my mother. I can do something about it! I can be healthy internally and externally. I do not need diet pills or gastric bypass. This community believes in me, God is there for me and most of all I BELIEVE in me! Going forward I can identify another limiting belief that maybe this is all too good to be true. Is there really a physically fit beautiful woman hidden inside of me? Could I really be a role model for other women or anyone in my situation? My empowering new belief is: No Liz this is not to good to be true! Yes there is a beautiful fit healthy woman inside and she is starting to show herself! Yes you can be a role model for others!!!! You will break free from any limiting belief then throw the rope down to others, I will pull them up one by one!

The core belief I had before beginning this process is that I really, really believed I was getting old and was going to start breaking down...that I was on the backside of my life. One limiting belief I need to continually work on is that my hard fought war for fitness and health is fleeting and that in a moment I will be right back where I started. My new belief is that fitness and health start in your head and works its way outward based on your consistently positive beliefs and actions.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed that the person that I was once happy and content with was gone forever. I felt as though I had become someone ugly and someone that would never be healthy again. I felt and believed as though I had gone too far down the ladder to be able to climb back up. I was growing more and more depressed and I believed there was no hope but to go on putting on a front that I was ok inside. I NOW FEEL AND BELIEVE that this was all a lie. My view of self and core belief system has changed dramatically. I now believe that I can change and that I am already making huge changes. I feel as though these changes will continue so long as I keep following a few simple suggestions and guidelines. I fell as though I am waking up inside and that my life is starting to really matter to me again. I am beginning to see that no matter how far down I was that I will be able to help others because of my experience and that my past is going to be a witness to others that have and are suffering just like I was. I feel now like the Stephen that I once loved and was content with is coming back. This is all a direct result of the work that I’ve put forth into this challenge and the Grace that God has given me to do so. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I have identified one belief that may be hindering my future progress. I believe that my results are not coming fast enough and that I should “look perfect by now”. I feel and believe as though I should be noticing way more improvement than I am right now. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I have identified and accepted a new belief to replace this negative one immediately. I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now at this moment. My results are a direct result of the effort that I have put forth into this challenge thus far. I have made HUGE progress towards my health and fitness goals and I should be proud of myself. I am starting to love myself again and be proud of myself again. I am trying very hard and I am going to continue to try hard to reach my goals. I WILL REACH MY GOALS!!!!!!

The core belief I held before I began this process was that I could "do it again". A few years back, I participated in Bill Phillips BFL and lost 140 lbs. within a year. I followed Bill's instructions from his BFL Book and the transformation was the greatest thing I had ever accomplished in my life. Words can't described how that transformation changed my whole life. But, it lasted for only a short while. I took on a new business venture as Owner/Broker of a Real Estate Company and my father passed away shortly after that. I had gained my 140 lbs. back. I tried on my own to lose the weight again, but I always failed. Then I found out about Bill Phillips T-Challenge and after listening to Bill Phillips and all the past winners and challengers, that is when I decided, I now have the tools and knowledge to "do it again"! What I feel is limiting my future progress, is the concern for my age and how much exercise my body will endure, without causing injury to keep me from finishing this challenge. When I transformed earlier I was much younger and the pounds came off quicker. Now, at age 56, my body takes a little longer to recuperate, and at this stage in the transformation, I want to exercise all day long. I'm having to tell myself to slow down and not push it, to where I might cause injury. That is very tough for me to do! My empowering new belief, is Faith in God, that He will see me through this transformation without any injury or sickness. As of this date, I've gone without any flu, colds, or any other medical condition that might delay my transformation. My workouts keep improving and even though I may show a little soreness in my right shoulder, the Lord has not allowed that to hold me back in my weightlifiting. As far as my cardio... I was hesitant, at first, to do very much cardio due to my age and being out of shape. But the Lord brought a trainer, from the YMCA, into my life and with his coaching he has pushed me beyond any limit I would have ever dreamed I could have accomplished at this stage in the transformation. A couple of weeks ago, my trainer told me, he put a high school athlete through the same workout he has been having me do and he said the athlete couldn't finish the workout that I was now accomplishing at age 56. "Yes", Bill...I'd say I'm starting to have a new belief to replace the one that was limiting me! Mark

HI BILL, I HAVE NOT REACHED THE POINT IN THIS TRANSFORMATION YET WHERE I BELIEVE I WILL DO THIS. I KNOW I CAN BUT, SOMETHING IS HOLDING ME BACK. THIS IS LIMITING MY PROGRESS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GREATLY IMPROVE ON MY EXERCISE AND THAT IS A PLUS I MUST REPLACE MY LIMITING BELIEFS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO DO THIS WITH BELIEFS THAT I CAN. I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ONTHIS!!!!!!!!!!!

Act before you think! I'm finding this is the key to changing the limiting beliefs. Become aware of the limiting belief, decide what new belief will take it's place and start acting on it! Act quickly or your mind will kill the idea before you know it. Do this often enough and your mind will soon get the idea. It will be your new thought. You're reversing the paradigm act-word-thought-belief. The limiting beliefs come from thought-word-deed. Our minds are right now filled with mostly someone else's old thoughts. Many of our thoughts and beliefs are not even from what we've experienced ourselves. Thoughts come before action they are there whether we've had an action or experience to go with them or not. It is important now, to change our minds about some things which is what growth, transformation and change is all about. Build our thoughts and beliefs from our own experiences.

Core belief I held before I started this process that’s transforming as a result of the work I’ve done so far: I can weigh under 135 lbs and have definition in my arms, legs and abs. Identify one belief which I hold now that may limit my future progress – As you get older, you get fatter and more out of shape. Identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one- I’m getting better with age. Physical age is irrelevant to how I feel.

My most limiting core belief was the genetic predisposition to everything.... my parents are over eaters, dangerously over weight, not healthy and have a slew of medical problems from asthma to anemia to cancer. Having already had my bought with cancer and having won, I worried that I might be bound for a similar fate. Now, having shed some pounds and proven myself to be in shape enough to run some quality distances and keep up a fitness and eating regiment I feel that I am closer than ever to conquering this belief. One belief that is limiting my progress still is that no matter what you do you are still set up for failure. Eat sugar free you'll end up eating aspertame and have issues from that. Run hard and lose weight and eventually you will get stress related injuries. I am working very hard to change this belief to meerly the belief that we must be more vigilent in all that we do. The world these days is full of temptations and quick fixes and if you avoid these and stick with the tried and true "eat less, move more" that body for life subscribes to you will get there and do it without the eventual back slide that new fads all invariably have.

My core belief that I held before I began, was that I could never look the way I wanted to no matter how hard I tried. I felt that working out and eating right would keep me from gaining weight as I aged, but not give me the fit look that I felt I had always wanted to have, but could never accomplish. One belief that I hold now that may limit this process is accepting that I will not bulk-up by lifting heavier weights or that I have to do cardio every day to loss weight. I know better, but find myself second guessing the BFL workout way every now and then. I have identified and replaced my limited belief by trusting myself and workout knowledge that I have learned through BFL. I have seen first hand that I am doing it and know what I am doing in the gym and in my diet. Everything is working as I had always wished for myself! I will continue to belive in myself!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed when I began this that my marriage was doomed to fail. This sprang both from my own experience and from an older belief that marriage came about during a time when people lived a total of 30-40yrs and as such, marriage couldn’t generally be expected to weather the changes of a life that for most doesn’t even really get going until the age of 30. What I’m now experiencing now is amazing. My wife and I created a shared goal of getting healthy and modeling for our children a healthy lifestyle. We’ve gone through this challenge together, hand in hand, encouraging each other all the way. We are transforming our physical selves but what’s amazing to me is the change in my inner being. I feel alive and powerful most days. I want to do things that she’ll be proud of. I’m taking on my life like I never have because I am bound and determined to reveal the giant I’ve been hiding under a sheet for so many years. I’m finding that I love my wife passionately and that I love going through this with her. We’ve started really talking about and identifying what we want and where we want to go with our lives and we’re taking steps to get there. The transformation is literally seeping into every area of my life. I believed I understood something about transformation when I came to this site but it was only an intellectual understanding. What I am forging now is infinitely more powerful, substantial, and useful, it’s EXPERIENCIAL! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I believe that I’ll do something to screw this up but not in the way you might think. For a long time now, I’ve pretended to be small to avoid being responsible for the amazing things in my life. It’s a kind of false humility that keeps me from playing with all my heart and really putting it out there. I tend to sabotage myself before I actually achieve anything so that, even if I do, the victory is ultimately sour. My life to this point has largely been a catalog of hollow victories and unfinished starts. Success is nothing if not the result of a string of failures. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I believe that the world deserves my best game. The world, my communities, my friends, my family, my wife and kids all need and cherish the light that I bring into the world for it is unique, beautiful, and essential. I believe the love I feel for the people in my life should be expressed gratefully by exploring and sharing my gifts and insight at every opportunity by using my intuition to tune into the music of life to hear just what I can contribute. I believe that each and every being on the planet is extraordinary. I believe it is my responsibility to help them see that and experience it in a way that is tangible and real – to help remove the barriers that keep them from experiencing life beyond all imagining.

Assignment 14 Transforming Beliefs What beliefs of yours are in the process of transforming, or have completely changed? For this exercise I completed two separate pages. One was labled Empowering Beliefs and the other was labled Disempowering Beliefs. I know that the key to success is developing a sense if certainty---the kind of belief that allows you to expand as a person and take the necessary action to make your life and the lives of those around you even greater. I began to brainstorm all of the beliefs I had, both those that empowered me and those that disempowered me. So, here then are the results. My Empowering Beliefs: 1) I believe that if I continue to do the "Right Recipe", then I will constantly improve my strength, body, mind and spirit. 2) I believe that if I apply myself to learn on a daily basis, constant and never-ending improvement will give me an unwavering confidence and awareness to help others for the greater good. 3) I believe that by donating to Make-A-Wish and CAF(Challenged Athletic Foundation) and not expecting anyting in return will send me to the next level, where I will meet the people who will make me feel the extreme happiness I seek, and the fulfillment of helping those in desparate need. 4) I believe that I will be asked by Bill Phillips to be on his team! I believe this because I will be walking the walk and talking the talk. I want to learn from Bill, how to be a driving force to complete his mission! I believe that I will be successfull enough to fully retire from the fire service and have The Team send me out to duplicate Bill Phillips' efforts. My Disempowering Beliefs: 1) I believe that I still put certain things off, even though I am much better since starting this last January. I am very aware now, but I could still do better. 2) I believe that I am not savy enough when it comes to financing/investing in this current market, even though I spend a great deal of time reading and studying financial publications. 3) I believe that I must punish those that have wronged my family and/or myself. ( an almost "get even" policy ) 4) I have a low tolerance for apathy! I believe in holding everyone accountable for their actions. Assignment question: 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as a result of the work you've done so far? Answer: Yes! #4 above, in the disempowering list. I have become aware that by always trying to punish those that wrong my family or me, that it gives them the control over me. It causes me to become angry or driven to punish even more! I have done a lot of soul searching and have been studying Bible Doctrine, that has helped immensley! I now BELIEVE that punishing others makes me weak and drains my POSITIVE ENERGY! I don't like feeling that way any longer and actually turn to scheduling a workout of some kind to take my mind away from the momment. I have been getting many favorable comments from my co-workers and my family at how much easier it is to be around me now. I like me a lot more too! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your progress? Yes! The low tolerance for apathy. I need to realize that even though I was brought up with a strong conviction against apathy, that none of us are perfect. Not everyone was brought up in the same belief system that I was. I do not want to drive a wedge between someone that I have a lot of respect for just because of a difference in work ethic. I do have a tough time with this one! I believe also that by being in an elite dive unit during my service in the military has contributed to the low tolerance of others' performance. I have heard that this is a commen trait of high performance training. I still hold it close to my heart as a firefighter today. I am trying very hard by staying in tune with my surrounding environment, hoping that I may get better at helping those that may need some encouragement rather than pointing out their insufficiencies. Awareness that I am doing it will be key! 3) Can you identify an empowering belief to replace the limiting one with? I BELIEVE that by working on my weaknesses, and working on helping others with theirs, we will form a better working relationship together! The more I apply myself to learn about others, then the more non-wavering confidence I will exude. This will be a win-win situation that will create an environment that promotes teamwork and a cause for the greater good of others. Cool

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? the overwhelming insecurity and anxiety i felt before is being continually replaced by peace and confidence the "i can't" ideas are replace by "why not?" the "that takes too long..." is being replaced by "you are worth 20 minutes of effort" ********2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? i thought that somehow T2 would be easier but it has presented its own sets of obstacles and situations that have further strengthened my growth and deepened my awareness of the changes going on *******3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I am capable of handling what happens today as i have been prepared by yesterday. And even in the midst of trying circumstances and situations, i have the amazing ability and responsiblity to care for myself and my priorities. i can ask for help and support and it is not weakness, it is required as we are all part of the family

1. The belief that I was damaged goods because of a lifetime of grappling with clinical depression. That I could only be so happy, and that I should be satisfied with "mostly okay." I no longer believe that I am a second-class citizen. That I am "less than" others. 2. Right now, I can't think of one thing that I believe right now that will hinder my progress. I have suspended my disbelief and skepticism, and an willing to just see where the process will take me. 3. I now believe that I deserve the love and respect of others, and that anything that I do to make myself a better person benefits everyone.

1) Before I started, I did not believe I would be able to change the way I thought about myself. I am this way and that is the person I will have to live with. Its as good as it gets! My belief now has changed, I now am changing, I know I can have a happy successful life and I'm in the act of changing inside and out. 2) When I first read this assignment it was like something switched in my brain, and it was my belief I had about my business. Its really just a job I created for my self about 10 years ago and my belief is that it could never grow much.3) My new belief is that my business can grow, and by helping my business grow it will help me grow and change personally. I won't feel like someone who is stuck in life and it will enable me to go out and help others more!

There is really only one core limiting belief that has or still could hold me back. Many issues have come up, like about needing to be perfect, being afraid to ask for help, giving up because of past failures, fearing even success…but when I ask “why” about each of these, I always come up with the same, single answer. And that answer is one that many here are identifying. “I am not good enough.” I can understand where all the “writing on my wall” comes from that has led me to this belief, and I have dealt with the issue in the past, but this time through all the assignments, I can so surely see that all roads lead straight to this “incorrect” belief I have about myself. Am I transforming this erroneous belief? I believe that I am! I have begun to respect my boundaries, protect my needs, declare my intentions, and live each day in a way that honors me. I know I have a right to take up my space on the planet. I have always respected others rights and valued their gifts… I have just failed to fully celebrate my own. Is there an aspect of this poor self-image that could still limit my progress? I have a fear right now that as I fulfill my promises to myself and grow in mastery as I complete this (and additional) transformations that my world will get re-arranged. I know that because I have always given my power away it will be disturbing when I stop doing it. I welcome the change…my fear is that I will “give in” and revert to my old life again. What belief can replace this fear? Here’s what I now choose to tell myself: “My new way of being leads to growth and excitement. My new found strength attracts positive people and situations. I live in ways that are for my highest good and the good of all concerned.”

Assignment #14 Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I think the core belief that I had before was that, “This is what my life has become, and I have to accept it for what it is”. I didn’t realize that you could change the way you see things, and take control of your thoughts, and reactions to your thoughts. By going through the transformation process, I’ve learned that you can change everything about yourself, your mind, body, and soul. Two weeks ago I thought my transformation was complete. This week I see that it’s just begun. I see that it will be a constant process, and an enjoyable one. It’s just so nice to be able to see results, and feel like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. It is work though, but it’s worth it. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I don’t know if I would call it a belief, but if there is anything that may limit my future progress it would be that I realize how easy it is to fall back into my old patterns of thought. How I allow negative people to drag me under. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I think the most empowering new belief that I have now is that through God I can do anything. I believe that God wants me to be successful. He wants me to have a vision of a bright future, and He wants me to do His work. I’ve seen how good He can make me feel. I see how powerful He is by His perfect timing of people, and objects that He puts in my life. Another powerful new belief is that I can control my environment. I can ignore negative people. I can choose not to be brought down by them, and I can choose to be positive around them.

The core belief that I held was the belief that I was morphing into my mother. My mother is a wonderful, giving person but the way to reacts to situations is embarrassing. She can be very cold and her voice is piercing. There is nothing gentle about my mom and I saw that I was becoming this in my husband and children’s eyes! I could not stop the train and it was getting worse. I was becoming just like her…focused on what I need to get done regardless of how I acted and spoke to my husband and children. My older son now apologies for every little thing because I yelled and screamed so much during the first few years of his life. I can tell by husbands’ facial expression when I am becoming ‘her’. I would cringe every time. I wanted to stop this but did not know how. Since I began the work on Jan 1st I have noticed a huge difference in my actions and words. I am softer, more understanding and more loving. I get down and talk to my children at their level now and 80% of the time I stop what I am doing when they call. It is hard to do this 100% of the time, but I always try to stop, look & listen. I am proud of myself! I have become more of the mother I want to be. One absolute belief that I can identify which could limit my future progress is that I want to have the perfect home life. I want to be the perfect mom, wife, daughter, cook, and baker, give giver, you name it and I want to be it with perfection. I always have all these plans yet if I can’t do it with way I have pictured in my head then I do nothing at all. Someone always suffers, sometimes me, sometimes others. I find it hard to be all that I want to be all the time. I am always impressed by others seem to do it all. Growing up in the 70’s I always pictured life as the Brady’s live it. They seemed perfect. It was hard not to want that loving, giving family especially since mine was the opposite. My empowering new belief is that I do not believe I have to be perfect at everything all the time. I am aware of my mindset and I am taking steps to correct it. I am giving myself a break from the pressure. I pray all day for strength to get me through the next chore, next project, and the next errand. Prayer has helped me so much on this journey, I never really believed in the power of prayer until now. I have learned to take baby steps and accomplish what I can. Others do not know what I have in my head so there is no expectation on their end. I have stopped setting my goals so high. I am learning to love myself for who I am and not what I expect to be. I am also learning to balance…I have removed the mental pressure that I used to apply to myself. I do what I can when I can and I have learned to be happy with that.

1) Before I started this transformation, I truly believed that this transformation would be hard. But I know now that transforming is so easy! 2) Wow. Actually I only have one concern, but it's not a big one. A few months ago I would have named more than one. My concern is how to eat clean when I'm traveling this summer. 3) I choose what I eat, and I will always find a way to eat clean whatever it takes! Thank you, Bill!

My belief that I needed to transform was that to do good work in the world you have to sacrifice (AKA be a martyr). While that seems more financial, than in the realm of physical transformation, it really is a core belief about me deserving to live the life that I want to. In order to be successful in my whole life, body, mind, spirit- that includes my fitness, my career, my finances, my family and friends, and how I treat myself in many aspects. I had to come to the realization that I can do good in the world and make a good living at it as well. I worked hard to put myself through school while working full-time, and raising a child on my own. I am smart, skilled, educated and care about the difference I make to other's lives. I can make a living at what I'm passionated about and expect to be paid well and have balance in my life at the same time. I was the Director of a domestic abuse program up until January 5 of this year and when the organization was restructured, it was my opportunity to find a fabulous new posiiton that I can make a great living at, find fulfillment, and incorporate wellness into serving those in need.

My before belief was that I wasn't able to do things at all or do them well enough. (ex. running) A belief that may hold me back in the future would be once life gets back to normal (a job and hopefully soon kids) that I won't have the time I need to continue with all the progress I am making. That each day I am doing more and becoming more aware of what I am capable of.

My core belief BEFORE I began the transformation was that I was deserving of living a life of imprisonment within a body that was unhealthy and unloved. My core belief BEFORE was to accept the punishment for my choices in life which ultimately lead me layering my guilt by being overweight and refusing to do anything about it. Today I am in a place of acceptance of my choices and know that what I’ve done in this past decade was to protect my children and me from a life of abuse and lifelessness. I have evolved into a strong woman who knows what she wants and will do what it takes to get to the top of the mountain and beyond. There are no limiting beliefs that I believe would limit my future progress. I am right where I need to be in my journey – a place of love, acceptance, health, and focus. I used to believe I was deserving of being overweight, unhealthy, and unloved. However, a life changing event that occurred in 2001 with the birth of my son who was premature and fought to stay alive opened me to the beginning of my journey and is hugely responsible for me being here today. Everyday I awake I have a ritual where I chant in my head, “I AM ABUNDANT, I AM WORTHY, I AM BEAUTIFUL, I AM A SUPERWOMAN, I LOVE ME, and I AM WORTHY OF LOVE!” This exercise has made a huge difference in my outlook on everyday. I choose to embrace this journey with all that I am and all that I have the potential to be – the key is to believe it to fruition – and I am doing it EVERYDAY! Nameste ~ Kelli

Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Well in the beginning i was very negative towards others and could not handle constructive critisim . But now I am seeing people for who they are and have learned that a lot people just cared and loved me. and because i was not happy with me i took it out on others. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Sometimes it seems I worry what others think, but let me say this I am learning to live for me not for others but it is sometimes hard to do this. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I am really learning to it does not matter what no one else thinks I can do anything I set my mind to do

Assignment #14 1: Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as a result of the work you've done so far? As I stated from day 1 on my profile, and as I also wrote about in my assignment #4 "my why" was and still is about being a better father and husband for my family. So I need to go back to the beginning stages of this transformation. I was a good father, and a good husband, but realize now that I had so much more to offer my family. This belief is definately transforming as I go deeper into this process. I am loving the way I am changing for the better with my family, and they also are enjoying the real Dad/Brian who has so much to offer them as an individual. This process is ife changing and I thank god every day that I found this site, because it has changed my life as well as my families life for the better. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? 2: I do have a belief that my son Tyler is clearly influenced by the peer pressure he faces at school, and on the bus at such a young age of 6. I know he is still young, but I want to teach him all I can now so makes the great decisions and choices in the future I would like to see him make every day of his life. Life is about "choices" and I can only hope he makes the right one. 3: Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with. I can say now I see Tyler is watching me and I am becoming a good role model for him with eating healthy foods, working out and staying healthy, and just playing with him, spending more time with him, and teaching him the correct ways!!! I see that just me being there is teaching him right from wrong. I know now that all I can do is to TEACH him, and TRUST that he will follow my lead and make all the right decisions, and understand that he has my support when he doesn't make the right ones, and there will be nothing he can't do in this world. We both have the ability to "Be the Change together. My wife Sophie is our best support system along with this amazing site. I JUST LOVE IT!!!!! Thank you, Brian

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? ~ I didn't think I would finish. Now I know I will (and keep going). ~ I didn't think I was worthy of unconditional love, now I give it and find it in return. ~ I didn't think I had a future, now I am planning one. ~ I didn't believe in myself enough to make my own decisions, now I am vowing to never live life by default again. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? ~ That nagging doubt that says "I am not good enough for this, so why bother?" I want to do so much more with my life, but that nagging voice has always held me back. "Someone else would be better." This same nagging voice is the one that has me apologizing everytime I open my mouth or take a "step out" out of my comfort zones... afraid to make waves. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Why Not me? I am no better than anyone else, but I am also no worse. We all have something special to give to the world, by being true to me, I can give MY special "something" to the world, too. I see myself doing something vastly different than what I am doing now. I have a vision to really help some how... some way. It may seem "vain" to some when I say, "I want to do something grand," but I don't mean it in an egoic way. I have always wanted to do something grand, but I have never had the guts. I want to be USED finally! I want to step out of my shell and really DO something. I have something to say. I have something to share. I have hands to help and a heart to open up to others and arms to pull close and help heal. I have always longed for that. What does "being meek and mild, not making waves" do to help the world? I love pumping people up and help them believe they can LIVE not just "survive." You can't pump up and inspire when you are sitting with your head hung low because you don't think you are worthy!! I am scared because I have to really step out...... I have to. I can't stay where I am, my soul is asking me to step OUT. It scares me, though. But, I wlil trust. So the BIGGEST thing I can do is: TRUST the process, TRUST God/Universe. Just TRUST.

1.) Is there a core belief that I held before I began this process that's transforming as a result of the work I've done so far? For the longest time I believed that God placed me here on this Earth to be a "Peace Keeper" and to help those in conflicts with one another or themselves. I have felt this all through grade school and high school. It has diminished though over the past decade and so has my feeling of giving to others. Also, I believed that I can do anything, but when honestly faced upon adversity I feel I cower down and return to whatever environment relates to me. These beliefs in myself have been with me for quite sometime and I want them changed! Of course there are many other beliefs, but I will get to them in my next update of assignments. 2.) Can I identify one belief which I hold now that may limit my future progress? Most definetly! I have discussed it with many people and it's my manner of having things work correctly, precisely... aka PERFECT! I am a perfectionist but have desperately tried to change this factor. First off, there is no one in this world perfect, except our Lord and Jesus Christ. I know I can't ever be perfect but striving for perfection has been a work for me since I was a boy. One of the best assignment we did, Assignment 6, "Transforming What You See... Progress NOT Perfection" has opened my eyes wider than they've ever been before. Honestly, I think it is the kick in the butt by my community and coaches that have helped the most and seeing the changes in all our wonderful champions. 3.) Can I identify an empowering new belief to replace my limiting one(s)? I most definetly can!!! PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!!! I have thrown away my perfectiion mindset and look on towards the upcoming day, week, and months with joy and knowing that I will progress upwards in stages and it won't come all at once. I am human, and to error IS Human! I am in competition with myself for life. There is only Shawn and I am strong enough to "Be The Change" within me. My an aspiring to be the inspiration for others and the walk so others can see my story and where I have begun. It may not be the hardest road to hold like many of my fellow transformers but it is my walk and I will make it the best I can with nothing but progress, triumph, and victories to showl My new lifestyle will be my mark on this world and to my family and friends. I believe in ME with all MY HEART! DO YOU BELIEVE IN YOU??? I DO!!!

Before I began this process, I believed that my reasons for wanting to transform were too superficial and a little selfish. I realize now that being healthy connects me to Source and gives me the strength to help many other people outside myself. Sometimes I still hold the belief that people will resent me if I have a fit, healthy body, or misjudge that I am superficial or unintelligent. If people resent me for having a fit, healthy body, or misjudge that I am superficial or unintelligent, it gives me an opportunity to change the collective perception about what it means to have health and fitness. My prayer is that someday it will be the norm instead of the exception in this country.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I have realized that before I began this process I held the belief that I could all by myself be self centered and get in tip top shape by just excersizing and eating healthy 6 days a week and have my one pigout day. I truly believed this before I started the transformation process. As a result of the work I have done so far this belief has faded away. I could not have grown closer to God and Jesus, lost 24 pounds, applied to be a master teacher in my school system, applied to try and get 1 of 4 first grade teaching spots at the new school 8 minutes from my house, kept my head up with a smile and a positive attitude when my husband lost his job, committed to coaching the girls running club at my school every Thursday afternoon, continued to train hard for the Lake Wylie 10k Splash and Dash in June, gone from size 7 to size 1, sculpted muscles, faced head on my binge eating problem, become a better mother, wife, friend, teacher, daughter, without the help of others here at T-com and without deciding to give more to others. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I sometimes believe that I might not be able to handle all life throws at me and I might revert to my old way of thinking about food when I am faced with stress, which results in binge eating episodes. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I believe I can do all things through Christ Jesus and that God will not give me more in life than I can handle. If I focus on this I CAN DO ANYTHING!!! My potential is unlimited!! PRAISE GOD!!!

Assignment #14: Transforming Beliefs 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I was always of the mindset that I will never have a fit body. In my mind I always saw this out of shape guy who just dreams of a fit body, but not actually accomplishing the goal. Well since I started this Transformation I ‘m in amazement on what I have already accomplished and what I am still working towards. I have seen in a short time my body change as you can see by my pictures. I’ve had more people say what a change they are seeing in me. This is only the beginning, I’ve found out that I can do it, I can Be the Change! That positive mindset has replaced the entire negative and each time I look in the mirror I see a winner! This is a Transformation of a lifetime and I now know that I am capable and watch out world here is the new and improved John, as nothing’s going to stop me now! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Overcoming the negative mindset has been the biggest part of my Transformation so far. This has always been my downfall, saying things like I am no good, I cannot make it, I will accomplish nothing. If one thing would limit my progress this could. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I have learned from this Transformation that I will win, I will accomplish things, and I can do it. The negative belief has been replaced with the positive for me to succeed. I have learned to refocus that negative mindset into positive energy and keep making my way forward. I won’t let this stop me anymore, there might be days were I feel like giving in but I look in the mirror and say hey there’s a winner right there I can do it! -John

Assignment #14 In reading this assignment thoroughly before answering, I saw it emphasized belief. Belief in transforming one’s self. Not just thinking for the moment, but the belief with longevity in the cognitive sense of completely transforming. While the physical may be attractive, belief in change of everything starts intellectually. Getting through the beginning “turbulence” of the Transformation mission, to believing in the long run you can completely redesign a new body, all from transforming thoughts in the mind into words, and words into actions. While in my 20’s, I never truly thought of just how powerful words could be. There was belief someday I would potentially be somewhere in life entrepreneurially, but didn’t stay on course. As a result, some belief was lost, which affected my thoughts, as well as words spoken. A core belief I felt in my heart during this transformation journey was that I would be able to transform in terms of a strengthened character, renewed outlook on life, as well as a new body. However, there would be serious struggle associated with it. Adversity builds character. I believe “and still do believe” by staying on track in this journey, I’ll be able to get a new lease on life in all senses.. As a result of the work done so far on my part, YES, I do see mental and physical progress. If you ask my personal opinion, this is more of a mental and intellectual challenge, because while one can transform on the outside, thoughts put into words and and words put into actions clearly define more of how intellectually enhanced one may felt upgraded by his or her improvement. Identifying one belief I feel which may potentially limit future progress. While feeling quite “blank” honestly on what to think, feel or share, honestly now, maybe there is a belief that may potentially limit future progress, but nothing comes to mind for now. And last but not least, identifying a new belief may potentially come from life learning experiences which help stimulate creative thinking in succeeding. While I honestly still can’t think of a limiting belief, new beliefs, such as becoming a creative entrepreneur, slowly working on spirituality and taking control of my life in all aspects are new beliefs, because those thoughts were dampened previously.

My core belief that I was too old to make any significant change. Now I know this was a false and limiting belief. Yahoo!

I've just thought of a new one for part 1. I answered a few weeks ago...and am reviewing my answers. One belief that has changed and is changing is that I can only change and transform and grow if I do it ALONE. Well, that has changed since I started my transformation because guess what - I'm changing here amongst this amazing community. What does this mean? It means to me that the community that I live in and interact in is a safe place for me to grow and change and share the growth and change. This means to me that the universe is on my side. I don't have to fight my way through. We are all working together, and what I want is often what the universe wants. 2. One belief that I can work on is the belief that I am mainly alone and going through my life by myself. Despite my experiences in this community, I guess it's a force of habit for me to still thinks it's stil just me going through life with me. 3. To change that - I can focus on the transformation that is happening, and be aware that it is happening with AND AS A RESULT OF others. Therefore, from now on, what I want to achieve and be and provide is going to be best done with others.

When I listened to your broadcast on limiting beliefs I started to get down on myself...saying , "Well if I wasn't such a depressive doofus, I would have lost 25 lbs. like TaraTn, or many others here. I wouldn't have gotten a cold." I was feeling scared....scared, scared. I dug in and did the assignment. I am reading it every day. It just makes me sad and hopeful at the same time. I am imagining myself as a little girl and someone saying all this stuff to her. (That is what happened.) I would call Child Protective Services and just tell that girl how great she is...she was such a shining light. I am seeing that light emerge again. I have been covering up so much of my depression with bravado it isn't even funny. No wonder everything is a struggle! But I really feel the sun coming out in a way tht is much more calm and centered. today is enough, and I am enough. Thanks for pushing, and sometimes making us uncomfortable. I am including the Assignment for you to see. Have a wonderful time with the Champions. We are creating something important here, inspired by YOU! Assignment 14 Limiting Beliefs 1. Life is hard and everything bad happens to me! The broadcast has me thinking and mulling. I know I have very many limiting beliefs. Probably at heart is the belief that I am a victim of circumstances...that every time that good things happen that something bad will happen to wipe it out. This makes everything seem like a struggle rather than trusting that I can give up the struggle and still experience great success. Not everything has to be so hard. Life is like a wonderful river, go with the flow! 2. If people get to know the real me, they will leave. Also, I believe that if people really know me, they will leave. For that reason it is hard to lean on others and to trust that they will be there for me and will love the real me.This site has shown me that people stick around. In addition, I have many friends who have known me a long time. Two good friends from high school, several from college, and about 3 or 4 from the 1970”s. I assume they know me, and are still around. When I am authentic, people love me! 3. This won’t work for me…, in fact, nothing works. Also at heart, I am not sure that this will really work for me. I was feeling empowered and energetic and beginning to believe that this can work and now getting sick for the past few days has reactivated my doubts that this could work for me...the fear that I will just sink back into the old habits and ways of being and not have success. Well I feel better now after several days and am feeling more empowered and can actually seem some abs and my Zumba pants are falling off. It works, if I work it! 4. I am so behind. One belief I have that is holding me back is the belief that everything is overwhelming and that I am behind. I actually talked to a person who I worked with years ago and telling her about the fire at my school and how much work we did to get back, and she said " and I bet you are 'so behind' , right? She totally has my number! Well I am behind in my work this weekend, from being sick, from poor time planning, from the simple fact that there is too much to do, and from procrastination. How does it help me to walk around saying that to myself all the time? I bet it sets up the stress hormones just running through my body and actually results in my getting less work done. I am going to try this week saying, "Everything is under control! There is time for it all. I'm way ahead" and see what my week is like! 5. I can’t do this! I never stick to it…I always give up! This challenge has already shown me that I can be consistent and keep my promises to myself. That one actually feels like a relic. Yeah! I am doing it! I will keep it up! 6. Nothing matters. (I don’t matter.) Things do matter. I make a huge difference in the lives of others on a daily basis. I matter as does everyone and everything in this great creation. I have seen others make great things happen. I know they matter. Why not me? If I were not here, others would be impacted greatly. We each have tremendous power to make a difference. I make a difference every day. 7. I am broken. Something is wrong with me. I have had difficult times in my life, but I am an amazing person who is healing everyday! I am whole and complete! 8. If I get thin, something bad will happen to me! It is safer to be invisible. This goes way back to abuse in my past. I am now strong enough to protect myself from unwanted attention. I do not need the fat for protection. I am safe in my lean body. 9. I am too old to get as fit as the people in those pictures. 160 is probably the best I can hope for. Those are real people, as I am getting to know them. Some of them are in my age group – hello Marty! and they have done it…so can I. I can have a total body transformation, just like the champions. I love you Bill....Holly

I've been reflecting on this all week. Honestly, initially, I thought I got this. Limiting beliefs... yeah, yeah, I get that. As I continued to reflect and observe myself and others, it finally sank in. And it really amazes me at just how prevalent these beliefs are in our society. It's actually kind of scary. Undertstanding what these really are, however, helps me relate to people much better, especially people who are just beginning to pursue this journey. Bill, thanks for continuing to push these ideas and principles forward, and thanks for having such incredible patience. Seeing is believing is seeing and so on. It becomes a powerfully positive cycle.

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Let's go back to Asignment 4. In that Assignment, I touched on a core belief that was part of my life since childhood. "Let's really be honest here, Spencer....The purpose why your making this transformation is because you do not want to be a prisoner anymore. You have been a prisoner of your negative feelings, behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs for too long...Spencer, come on now, let's really be honest. You are transforming because of the way you think and how your beliefs limit you. From an early age in your home environment, you were taught that it is not right or allowed to get what you want. You have the false belief that you are not allowed to succeed and it is wrong to go for your dreams. You have the belief that to win in life, to obtain, or even be blessed financially is not allowed and improper in the eyes of God, family, and others. You are afraid of what God and others will think. Spencer, this false perception limits you and your true potential...." This core belief is changing. I believe I will succeed and I will go for my dreams. Heavenly Father believes in me, wants me to succeed, and will bless me to be an instrument in blessing the lives of others. He has givem me this life to reach out to others and succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, strengthen the feeble knees, mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort? 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? My old limiting beliefs of "what will others think of me-I have to be perform a certain way in life" and my "lack of trust to allow others in", holds me back from opening up my true self at times. Though I have been opening up little by little, I still have a lot of work to do. A Transformation Champion recently challenged me in an email: "When are we gonna see some MORE SPENCER PERSONALITY!!!!!!!!! I WANT MORE YOU! I WANT MORE YOU! I WANT MORE OF WHO AND WHAT SPENCER IS!!!! Lets put you in front of the camera and let you SHINE!' 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with. People want me to open up because I have a lot to offer It feels a whole lot better to trust and allow others in

I feel very discouraged today with my mountain biking performance.And I know why. I have an illness that limits my body at certain times. It is a beast that I have been battling with for over twenty years. It is called myasthenia gravis and I will continue to move forward with this challenge. At times I need a little more recovery time than the next person. You are right Bill take responsibility for my health and fitness. I love cross country mountain biking and it is tough climbing hills and this is one that I am willing to climb.Please help me to accomplish this so I may encourage others.

1) I didn't think I could do it. 2) I can not gain muscle. 3) I will gain lean muscle mass.

The core belief I held before I began this process that's transforming as a result of the work I have done so far? Preparing meals, midmeals 6 days a week would be really hard, especially since we ate out 6 or 7 times a week for dinner and I was buying my lunch 5 days a week. Now, I am preparing meals and midmeals for 6 times a week and actually enjoy them. When given the choice to eat out or eat at home, I find myself choosing eating meals at home! This is quite a change for me! As a result I am learning that everything is possible and that my health does matter. I am now in control of what goes in my mouth. (2) Can you identify one belief which I hold now that may limit my future progress? That I have to unclutter my home, office files, etc. before I can really do what I have always wanted to do. My belief now is that life must be lived NOW and work towards getting things done by planning and doing! (3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Pray and ask God for help and reach out to others who have reached their goals and making a difference in their lives and helping others transform.

Wow Bill what a great assignment! Going to really chew on this one! Loving YOU! Shari

Mr. BP: You do Rock! On another note: Here's a good one. "Oh, what's the use anyway?" a limitation for destruction and disaster. ms b (the change angel)

Transforming Beliefs 1. The first belief that I held before my starting was "I can't do this". Its funny one little letter has made all the difference. I just take the "t" off of can't and "I CAN DO THIS". For too long I have told myself that I've tried, its just not gonna work. Wanna know what kind of results you get with that attitude? Heavier, and fatter! 2. If I hold any limiting belief now it's that "nothing can stop me". I know it sounds like a contradiction, but I think it is true. The minute you think you are unstoppable, a train hits you! Satan is around every turn to bring us down. He wants to catch us off guard. So.... 3. An empowering new belief that can replace that limiting belief is "Progress not Perfection". Sound familiar? I can see the wisdom in those words, now more than ever. I can always progress, even if I have trials/challenges in between. No one can take that away from me. I have the power to progress, even if I will never be perfect. That is truely and awesome feeling. xoxo, Terri PS, Thanks Bill, these assignments have really opened up a new world for me!

When Bill first posted assignment #14 I thought this would be an easy one. But as I started journaling my thoughts I was lead to something deep and personal. It's like I had an epiphany and was lead to the answer to an issue I've had all my life--the fear of being accepted. As a kid I was always the one who was chosen last because the other kids had no confidence in me. Unfortunately, over time one starts believing that they are worthless and cannot live up to the expectations of others. However, the thing I know now is that old belief was created by my rationalizations. The truth is I have total control over how I feel and what I believe. I know in my heart I can accomplish anything I set out to do. But there is one thing that still holds me back--keeps me lingering in the shadows--and that is the fear of being accepted. Deep inside I still have that “what if I am chosen...could I live up to the expectations others” rationalization going on. When it comes to my fear of being accepted it is my self-perceived idea that others have higher expectations than I am capable of achieving. That very thinking has caused me not to participate in life. I always subconsciously chose to come in second or last just to keep the focus off of me. This has affected just about every aspect of my life--family--friends--music—military--church and so on. The one thing that will keep me from total transformation is the fear of being accepted or chosen. I remember the day I mailed in my first Transformation challenge packet, I wanted to win but I didn’t want to win. Being chosen is one thing that I have not had to deal with and it scares me. When it was announced that I made it to Level II Transformer I stared rationalizing again. At first I thought it was some other Brian they were talking about. Then I started thinking what if it was me??? Can I live up to the expectations of Bill Phillips and Coach Stoney and the world? The truth is YES I CAN! And this is the foundation of my new belief: Yes I Can! Since starting the Transformation challenge my old belief has been fading away and now I employ the new belief in just about everything I do. The Transformation challenge and community has shown me that we are all worthy of being accepted and worthy of helping others to believe in themselves. Brian

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far?
I believed I had to do it all by myself., and that I didn’t need others. I had fooled myself into believing that I didn’t care about being around other people. I am now connected with my t.com friends, my OA friends, AA friends, and more. I now know the importance of being connected and staying connected with people, so I can share my energies and receive others’ positive energies to nourish my body, soul, and spirit.
2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress?
I still kind of believe I’ll never get a six pack or get lean like Michelle T. or some of the other champs I know that is superficial, but it is a limiting belief I am going to transform. I started transformation just wanting to find recovery, so I could stop bingeing and purging. I have now been 23 days TOTALLY abstinent form my eating disorder (which I used to believe was not possible), and I continue to maintain my abstinence one day at a time. Now I really do want to focus more on getting a little more defined like some of the champs, because it is a “sign of mastery” in a way…like Bill said.
3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with?
Well the fact that I am now 23 days abstinent and 55 days sober- two things I used to believe were unattainable, leads me to believe that I am a powerful creative being who can transform my physical self the same way I transformed my inner self.
I still plan on continuing to awaken more and more everyday, but now I have the confidence that I can stick to a meal plan and work on my physical self more.
(I am sure there are more limiting beliefs I will discover, but this is one that is really sticking out right now!)

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Absolutely, I've been mulling this over so that I could accurately answer the question for myself. For me it was the belief that certain things ( and personal success) just weren't meant for me, that I should always play a supporting role in life, but would never really lead. The base belief was an overall sense of "I can't" that permeated my thinking and was my default setting for my entire life. I'm so happy to say that is no longer the case and "can't" is truly being banished from my mind and heart as I continue to grow and soak in all that I've learned about me. As I look ahead and consider my future (or even simply today's to-do list) my mind is embracing the belief that I CAN, whatever it is...I CAN! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Well, this one is tougher for me, as the only one I can identify at this point, is that the physical aspect of the challenge doesn't matter much to me. (I know, I can't believe I just wrote that!) I am soooooooo happy with all the changes that have occured inside, the outside hardly matters to me. I've lived all my life hurting so much inside that now that I am free, the outward matters very little to me now. I know that my health is really important and I want to be my best me, so this one will not be hard to overcome, but it has limited me as of late in terms of the physical drive. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? The new belief I will put in place is that it is I can (and desire) to be physically ready and able to do whatever comes up in my life, so that means being in the best shape I can be in. Even though the outward appearance does not matter like it once did to me, it is a picture of the inward life, so that does really give me incentive to achieve real alignment in all aspects of who I am. I feel peaceful, strong, alive, and beautiful on the inside now and it's really okay to let that seep out to the "skin deep" level.

Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Before I honestly believed I was a very weak person. Not necessarily in strength, but in will. I knew I always started something and NEVER followed through with it. I felt I was not worthy of the finer things in life (love/happiness/joy). I no longer hold that as a truth. By starting out on this journey for transformation, I have found my inner beauty again. I have found that wounded child and I have started to mend her. I know I am not weak. If I were weak, I wouldn’t be where I am today. In all my self pity and focus I put on the negative things that happen in my life, I was missing the really important. I enjoy everything my family members do. I am so proud of them. One thing that I didn’t focus on was the fact that I am the one that helped shape that. It didn’t happen on its own. I did these things and they are good. I am good. I am going to make it. I hold a purpose in this life, that purpose is higher than I use to believe I could go. I hold myself to a higher standard. No longer can I sit and let life march by. It is my duty to make myself happier, bring happiness to myself and live with joy. A friend of mine will call a lot and say … “Oh, it’s only Wednesday“, or such. What is funny is I am finally saying that I don’t want time to pass by quickly. I wake up and think about how I am spending my time. What part of the day is going to be used for what and I want to enjoy in it. I no longer dream of future things happening, I am trying my hardest to make them happen. Why, because I am worthy of enjoying life. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? My one belief is that I will give up on myself, go back to my comfort zone. It is easy to sit around in a chair, telling people what needs to be done, what should be done. Tell myself what I wish would happen and just dream about it. That is my one true limiting belief. It is one that haunts me daily. I don’t want to fail. I have felt in the past and sometimes still feel that I will slip and I will gain all the weight I’ve lost, all the muscle I have gained will diminish. And I’ll go back to being the Diana I don’t like. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? My empowering belief is that I have control. I can do this through daily reaffirmations. Daily goals, I can never slip back to the Diana of 214 pounds. The Diana of drinking and foolish behavior. Through daily meditation and reaffirmation I will become stronger day by day. I am out there now, living life. Instead of watching life. I am touching others with my inner beauty and love. I am forgiving myself and others who have wronged me. I am a pillar of strength. Like a storm that blows through, I will have moments of doubt, I will have moments of weakness. The one thing I will count on is my strength, like the sun rising again. I will be shining always. No storm will make me falter. I am strong and becoming stronger.

(1) I never really believed before t.com that I would be free of cigarettes. I have quit many times before and was NEVER happy about it and deep down never really thought I could live without them. I have smoked since I was a kid - like Jody Foster's character in the Bad News Bears - LOL. Anyway, I quit 6.5 weeks ago and for the first time in my life I can honestly say I am totally a non-smoker. I went from that being my identity to becoming a person that identifies myself as a non-smoker. I know I will never go back. I wish I could explain it better. It is really much more powerful than this is coming off!:<() (2) A recurring limiting thought that I have is that I will never be free of my obsession with food and my body and my weight problem, etc. - that kind of stuff. I am beginning to understand the importance of how those thoughts are seriously limiting me. I want to truly love myself. I already love everybody else!:>) (3) I can continue to visualize myself which is actually becoming much easier as a happy, healthy, fit, tone and mentally peaceful person that is just breathing in happiness and love. I can believe that I will be the change. I can see it. GBA, Ashley

1. I've been having a good think about my limiting beliefs over the last week. I have a few that I've come up with, and one that is definitely changing. I'd like to lay all of them out now. It feels good to do so! Who else has these? 1. That I'm in the 'wrong' place doing the 'wrong' thing. This is often related to work, or where I live. 2. That I'm never really 'right' to be loved and to have a long-term partner. 3. That others around me (at work, etc) don't understand my thinking and are either useless or are obviously against me, so stuff them, I will get upset with them and want to leave them. Well, I can tell you that 3rd belief is so on the way out. I've been really surprised - in the last couple of weeks my patience and outright LOVE for others - in trying and emotional circumstances - has been unflappable. Imagine that! It feels so good. It's like when you present with genuine love, no negative or off-putting emotions can arise in you. Also, the 1st belief that I stated above has also really been addressed. I am sure that has a lot to do with the greater connection I am enjoying with others now - especially on this site. 2. To change further - I want to change to belief that I'm not yet 'right' to be loved by a partner. I think it comes from a fear that if I'm with a partner the darker side of my nature will be exposed and the relationship will spiral downwards from there. My whole nature will be exposed because I'll have to open up to that person. And I fear even doing that. It's like I still don't fully trust myself not to fall into a rut and have to be on my own to climb out of it. That's the underlying belief: that things will break apart and I'll have to be alone to repair them. And it also comes from a lack of trust in another. Like I can't trust in them to be able to see my whole nature, or I expect they will react badly to it. 3 I think it's time to replace that belief. People will not react negatively to me. Things will not fall apart in a dramatic and painful way, simply because that's not how love behaves. I am learning to be love. And love would not create such negative events. Love still needs to learn and grow, but it doesn't need tragedy to do it. As I believe I am love, I can handle the closest of relationships, without fear that I will unravel and be left alone and embarrassed. It is too important that I practice being love, because everyone I come in contact can potentialy benefit from that. And that's important because it's possible. Also, I've glimpsed the effect acting from a place of love has - and I like it. It is so true. If I can practice coming from love in other areas I'm sure the results will be positive too. I am replacing my fear of opening up and being loved with the belief that I am love, and that anyone I open up to will respond and want to love me, for all at that I am.

Bill-1. I have spent a life full of promise and potential yet not really believing that when told nor realizing that potential. I always felt an inferiority to my peers that somehow I was in the wrong place. I always felt less than not just do to my physical appearance, but because of the work I am doing here I realize how much of it was self induced. I was just surviving in life nothing more....... I am learning that I am a strong leader (always have been and say this humbly), person, father, husband and I bring a lot of value to what I do, but I must continue to build that up. .........2. My one belief that may limit my progress is can I take what I am learning and doing, and integrate it permanently into my life. My hope and desire is it can, and I am working hard to make it that way. However, will I be able sustain this new exciting way to live?............3. A new belief that I can add to replace that one is through desire, hard work, faith, seeking help from others (which has always been so hard for me), continue building upon this new foundation I can make it permanent. Believing in the vision I have for myself in the future by taking time through the day quietly visualizing it happening and than working that vision by good choices and actions each day...........You see I know intelligently I was not created to fail, be sick, unhappy, and I know I was created by God to achieve many things, but I must do all I can to make that happen. Than his hand will touch my life to get me throug the rough spots. It is indeed an empowering time in my life to realize I always had the ability to realize my dreams, I just finally have awaken to the fact I have to go get it...Once again I am blown away by your ability to help us reach deep to get to know ourselves....Thank you........ ~Derek

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I’ve always been a die-hard optimist, looking for the positive side of any bad situation and stating with confidence that things will work out for the best in the long run. I am most definitely still an optimist, but my optimism is now grounded in reality. It’s one thing to trust God’s promise that “all things work together for good” for His children, but optimism is no excuse for inactivity. I have realized that optimism can be just as much of a crutch as anything else if it is not well-founded, and is should be a guide to action rather than an excuse for indifference or passivity. Optimism for the mere sake of optimism is simply self-deception excusing sloth. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? That I can do this all on my own. I have a tendency to be very self-sufficient and don’t like to rely upon others to do things. Once I set my mind to something, I tend to shut everything and everyone else out and just focus on doing it myself in the way that seems right. That’s not going to work for me. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Reaching out to other people is not a sign of weakness…it’s a sign of strength! You will never run the race as fast by yourself as you will when you surround yourself with others…people who cheer you on when you’re fatigued, people who run along side you and push you harder, and people who celebrate your success with you. Weightlifters make the most progress when they have another there to spot them…to give them the piece of mind they need to push themselves to the absolute limit in order to progress in their training. I need the help of others to achieve my goals.

I am now into my 14th week and yes I have different beliefs now than when I started. I started this with the idea of getting healthy and in shape. I wanted to go from the worst shape of my life to the best in 3-4 months. I knew from day one that I would absolutely finish this and there was no way I would quit. What I didn't know then, that I know now is that this is a life change that I welcome. I also never believed that I could achieve some of the things that I am close to achieving. Like having a 6 pack ab at the age of 46. But, meeting real people on this site, who have completed incredible transformations has changed my beliefs. I now know that I will accomplish what was previously unthinkable.

I have absolutely loved reading all of these comments. It's like instead of me going to each person and asking for guidance/thoughts/suggestions, they have freely shared here and I have been enlightened!! WOW!!! I feel sometimes others might get the impression that when I ask for guidance/suggestions that I am asking them to solve my problems or fix me. Not the case. This right here on these posts is what I'm searching for. Experiences, examples, thoughts. Thank you all for being so open and for sharing! I will come here to these posts more often. 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Yes. I thought this would be another thing I would try and fail at. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Yes. I believe I see things as I want to see them or from my own perspective, not as things really are. I have accepted ideas and beliefs that have affected everything I see and do. I have thought I was too ugly and too skinny and unloveable for as long as I can remember. I am working now to change these lies in my head and see myself as I truly am. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I'm beautiful, I'm worth it, and I am loveable. I am just the way I was intended to be. What I am and who I am is a gift to be used to glorify God thru service and gain wisdom, light and understanding.

Just read the assignment and I think that I have not reached this level at this time. However, I do like the idea of the thoughts create the words and the words create the action. I will work on this assignment as time goes. I am in week 4 of Transformation and are seeing some good signs. Thanks for the help in getting to the destination of the process.

My actual response to the assignment got a little long winded (it's in my blog) but here is the gist of it... 1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transforming as a result of the work you've done so far? The first one that popped into my mind was the belief that I had to do things alone. This entire community exposes that lie quickly. Why is it okay for me to give support to others but not for me to accept support? Well, that's already changed. I've been so inspired by others here. I don't have to make this transformation by myself. I wouldn't have experienced my greatest "aha" moments thus far without the support of this community, my church, and my family. 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I don't like to run. Fact is, this is a lie that I've told myself for so long that I've started to believe it. I don't like to run because I never put any real effort into it. My brother was the athletic one, I was the book-type. I was never as fast, never had the endurance, and never put any effort into developing either. I've only won a single race in my life and that was in the fifth grade against only one other person who I didn't like! Instead of putting the effort into it, I just gave up and started telling myself all the reasons that running wasn't worth the trouble. Funny thing is, running is now one of my goals. The 5K at Epcot has fired up my imagination and passion in a way I'm not totally sure I understand, but I want it. I want to make that run. I want to finish it. I want to feel that swelling of emotion when somebody I love is waiting for me at the end and is proud of me - not for winning, but for just getting out and doing it. 3. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I am inspired by the running of people around me, and I am going to join them.

At first glance of this assignment I drew a blank. I couldn't think of a limiting belief, because I am my own motivator, I am my best cheer leader, and I can do anything I am willing to work hard for. Then it hit me..."I have the heart and soul of an athlete stuck in the body of a couch potato". THAT is my limiting belief! God please forgive me for putting the blame on you. I have not taken full responsibility for my current state until right now. I have always exercised, but haven't always eaten the right foods at the right time. I have damaged my metabolism and have given in to the pain of fibromyalgia. I do push myself pretty hard, but have felt defeated with the core belief that this body is designed to be at a higher weight. This will limit my future progress greatly! I am replacing this belief with this new one...God has blessed me with this body and it was not designed to be overweight and unhealthy. This body is meant to be fit, strong, flexible, and beautiful. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

I really only had one belief when I started, and that was that I could do this.I held this belief because of BFL and my experience in that. I have a belief that I don't belong, I'm not part of a group. I have been a wall flower pretty much all my life. The last one picked for a team etc. I do belong, I have a lot to offer, and I will join in if I'm rejected by anyone than it will be their loss. I can't be hurt by that any longer

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? When I started this process I believed that mediocre was as high as I could go. While I had dreams, I didn’t think they would ever come true. I believed that just doing the minimum to get by or get the job done was acceptable. Unfortunately this belief system was passed down to me. Even when I was in high school, I can remember having rules like “as long as you are making good grades you can skip school.” My mother’s idea of success for me was to graduate from high school. There was never any discussion about college or future goals. Even as I begin pursuing writing I was told, “You’re not a writer.” The belief that you could BECOME anything you wanted just wasn’t there. I don’t blame my family because I know they did the best with what they knew. In this transformation, I am learning that anything is possible. Through reading, prayer, listening to the radio shows, chatting, talking with others, I am seeing that other people created their life. It really is a choice how we handle things. I am seeing through real examples that having the life you dream about is possible and that the only barriers between me and my dreams are man-made. I see the results of what how much you give of yourself is how much you succeed. I see this physically, mentally and spiritually. How much I put into each of these assignments, determines the growth I achieve. How much effort I put in at the gym and into meal planning determines my results physically. How much time I spend with God and giving to others determines my strength spiritually. I am in awe of the transformation of my soul as a result of this challenge! 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I am struggling with acknowledgment. I want so badly to be recognized. I feel very alone in this process (I know I am not). I long for deeper connections. I know part of this is also due to the fact that we moved away from my family and friends where I was getting this need filled on a regular basis. I know we were called to move here so I have to be open to the calling. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Yesterday, I was praying about this and God revealed to me that this is my time in the desert. To me that means that He is asking me to rely on Him for those things. He is really all I need and I should seek Him first. The deeper the connection is with Him the more meaningful other relationships can be in my life as well. This is a time for me to learn what He wants for me. How He wants me to create relationships and mature spiritually. In the past I longed for those same things, acknowledgment, recognition, connections but I filled those needs with temporary things. Now He has brought me to a place where those things are stripped away and I have to look to Him. It has been a real-eye opening journey and I look forward to the promise land!

Bill, this is a very important lesson for me.-------http://www.transformation.com/BobLorren/blog/Uncategorized/ASSIGNMENT-14-DAY-65/26777-----Thank you so much.------Bob

I beilieved that I was unable to bear the responsibility required to transform myself into a better, healthier person. I believed that I had tainted my life, irrevocably by my past actions. Three weeks into the challenge to transform and I am working on my purpose statement/mission statement. Assignment 14 is good to have in my mind as I work through this step. .

1. The core belief I held before this transformation can be chunked down into three words “I don’t care.” I looked at my before picture and wrote down a lot of words that weren’t really my truth. In truth, I was totally numb, oddly without much feeling at all. What I did feel was my old comfortable escape route from commitment marked “What’s the use?” My dreams and my self esteem have long been shrouded in disappointment and disconnected from my heart. In the last two weeks, I've realized, with admittedly a great deal of fear, that I really DO care about me and my long-suppressed dreams. I look at my picture now and it “smarts.” I do want to change me and my life and this time I mean it. I know this is true because finally, thank heaven, I can actually FEEL my long-abandoned dreams of being fit and being a part of something greater than my own misery reconnecting with my heart and – could it be – love? 2. My old “It doesn’t matter” belief, which translates honestly into “I don’t matter,” is the one belief that could sabotage my whole transformation. To survive emotionally as a kid I had to turn off my emotions or go nuts! “I don’t care” helped me through a lot of trauma even if it was emotional death! As long as I keep caring, I will keep transforming! 3. I have received so much love and support from the transformation community that, in spite of myself and my defenses, I’ve become vulnerable again and the ice is melting. I’ve always cared deeply about others –everyone but myself. I care very much about my T-Friends and now, after all these years, I’m beginning to care about me. Lately, I’ve at least allowed for the possibility that “I DO matter” and my dreams have waited long enough. And guess what? Only in the last two weeks I’ve started not resisting my physical transformation. I’m working out and loving it! And that is a first!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? ...Boy have my beliefs changed....When I started this process, I had done BFL before, I knew I could change my body physically but wasn't sure I could get it to the perfect bodies I have seen on some Champions. I thought well, I will at least loose some weight for now and just do the challenge maybe the changes will be good enough that I could win some money! I knew the exercise would make me feel better as I was depressed before starting the challenge and looking for a way to make myself feel better. Ultumately the thoughts about what I could gain. The Transformation process has been amazing. I found so much more that I expected and definitely not the quick fix I expected. I found myself changing in ways unimaginable before. I have never been through such dynamic mental and spiritual changes. The exercises given on this site have laid a foundation for a lifestyle change and I now want to help others by giving them a similar experience. I am telling every one I know about Transformation.com and helping those close to me to make the same changes. I know this is a change for life and I will have the healthiest body for me, not someone elses ideal. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I have had some thoghts of not being encouraging enough or not knowing enough to help other people. I haven't finished my Transformation so how would they believe me. I don't know if I am good enough at this to help others. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I am in a continuous state of learning and always open to it, I am a very supportive and encouraging person and believe my gift is to help people. I might not know everything but I know enough to help people get started if they want to make a change in their life. I can tell them of the progress I have made so far and my excitement about those changes is encouraging unto its self.

Bill I am currently on assignment 7, but Stoney said this wouldn't hurt me a bit to go ahead and look at....................1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed I was stuck in life...In my work..no further to go......In my home life....day in day out...chores...not growing much...and continuous worry about the future and security..........Was not connected to God......I thought that in this world of today, I am just gonna have to accept what my environment has turned into...society is unhealthy and that is what it is and so it will be.....To much struggle to will power against it forever...............................................I am progressing toward a better belief that all of these topics (and my life) are what I make them to be!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I believe that society for the most part will try to reject me when I try to move forward...I have a high IQ, but have made some crucial mistakes in my past.....I have a felony charge on my criminal history for marijuana...This is what I did....I couldn't get a school loan...so I found a way to go to college and became a Registered Respiratory Therapist...I was eventually found out and had to pay some consequences for my actions.........3 years Prison........Even though It has been many years and I am honestly clean and sober...I have been rejected into new college coarses...even with a 3.86 avg...and I have been declined for a few Jobs I have applied for before.......In the recent few years.... i have settled and started feeling Like Helping my wife go forward in school is our best bet at an increased financial stuation...>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? That is a tough one Bill...I have tried quite a few avenues and the rejection is painful.......I am very fortunate that when I went to prison that a few of the people that new my work ethics gave me a chance....I have been back in the Respiratory field for several years and have earned the top raises at my current job for the past 4 years! I am learning through T.com that I can feel good about myself reguardless, that maybe I don't have to be financially "Set" to be happy, and that I don't have to go with the world and stay unhealthy....I might have to start looking at this assignment more as I go along....Thank you for getting my thoughts into motion again...I will check into this assignment again.

1) I had the belief that I couldn't exercise ever. With all the back surgeries I had endured I thought I couldn't do it. But I changed that way of thinking I took my first step in the right direction and now I am able to exercise. 2) I still tend to hang on to the belief that I can't push myself any further because I fear that I may hurt myself. 3) So now I am replacing that fear with Faith, I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me. I will not allow fear to run my life. I have to admit it will be a hard journey but I will not give up, I will not quit fighting.

Bill, I just finished assignment 8 and it leads right to this one! Our lowest level habits are direct results of our limiting beliefs. Thanks for being so dedicated to this cause! I am learning so very much I can just feel my little light shining like we sing about in Sunday School. ~Kat

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? ********************************** Yes, that I could lose weight but I'd never be one of 'those' people. You know 'those' people? The ones that are fit, AND happy with themselves and don't struggle constantly with everything they do?************************************* 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? *********************** That I don't have what it takes to go to the next level. That somewhere, somehow I might slip backwards. ******************************************** 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? ************************ That I can do it, I have shown myself I can accomplish more than I thought and if I can quit smoking and if I have come this far then I CAN go as far as I want to.

As I look inward and reflect on all this,  I have come to realize that "limitation's" is just as good as putting yourself in a box.  ~Or,  looking up and seeing a 'ceiling' instead of a never ending sky.  For me,  living in a box is just not going to work  ~ And having ceilings instead of  the bright blue sky will not work either.  So with that said,  Q.#1) "Is there a core belief I held before I began this process that's transforming as a result of the work I've done so far?"  A.:  Yes.  I believed I was a 'junk food junkie!  Deep down inside,  I didn't think I would ever break free from this vicious mad cycle of dieting!  Always at war with the mental picture I had painted of myself as being fat and frompy!  How else do I describe it?  I was beyond frustrated with who I had been,  who I was, and who I thought I was doomed to be for the rest of my life!!! Auuugggh!  And yes,  this belief has been "SHATTERED" as a result of the work I've done so far!   Q.#2.)  "Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress?"  A.  Yes I can.  I have a few actually,  but I'll focus on the most prominent one for the purposes of this exercise.  I have this belief that when I finish these eighteen weeks,  will I have what it takes to help the ones who are the most wounded?  What if I say the wrong thing,  thinking in my mind it's the right thing,  and instead of helping that person,  I end up sending that person deeper into the hole.  So,  I guess it's more of a 'doubt' issue than it is a belief.   However,  I know that this very well could limit my future progress by setting me back 'a little bit' in that I may not want to reach out to someone due to a fear that I might fail them.  So then what good would I be?  And therefore why even continue this Transformation if I wont be able to help anyone else by it.  = )  (Your getting the inside nut's and bolt's of me here.)   Q.#3.)  Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with?  A.  Yes!  I can.  In thinking that way,  I am putting myself in a box.  A box of doubt.  Like I said above,  living in a box just won't work for me anymore.  Therefore, I HAVE to keep myself in check with why I'm here.  I am here at this time in my life for a reason.  The LORD must think I have something to offer others if He put me here,  because that is the heart of Transformation.com and my heart as well.  So,  I will bust through this ceiling with the new empowering belief that who I am,  and what I am able to overcome within myself is,  and will be,  *sufficient enough* for reaching down and helping someone else up.  Trusting the process of my own experience and the one's who have gone before me will hold this new belief together.    

I love this assignment, b/c I do believe that my beliefs form my thoughts, which become the things in my life. I'm working on it right now! Thanks Bill!!!

As with the other assignments, I always print this off and write my "stuff" BELOW (on the paper! - but I guess I should also be doing it here, hu? I had 6 limiting beliefs before I ever put the pen down - in about 2 minutes flat. "What's forever for?" "Gotta die of something - why delay the inevitable?" "I can start tomorrow." "No one cares how I look or feel." "My body will NEVER let go of anything more than 12 -15 lbs of fat." "Others may, I cannot, and since God is in charge of everything, HE keeps me this way!" (That's the biggest of the liies believed!) WHICH ONES HAVE CHANGED? It is as if I am watching ALL of them change - ALL of me! It is so easy to blame others for our failures - (I didn't eat this much until I married Bob!!! etc....) But worst of all, is blaming God. And I guess that's the bottom line anyway. Having been taught that because He is Sovereign, and in control of everything, that made me a puppet....well, NO!!! When it finally dawned on me that love cannot be forced - and if God is love, then He respects my power of choice and wants me as a FRIEND, not a SLAVE! And that when I finally get that His wonderful plan worked before mankind messed it up, and I begin to see the healing health that is there for the taking, then making it a part of me changes everything. THAT is what this transformation has done for me. I've begun to let go - even push away - the LIES that I'm different - I can't - God is crushing this diamond to make it stronger, so I will always be in pain....etc....brother!!!!!! It's time to be out from under that stuff, and here I come! WHAT'S CHANGED? Forever has become the rest of my life - hopefully MUCH longer than I had originally hoped. I no longer want to die, nor do I believe God has "appointed" a day to zap me, so why try? Starting tomorrow is no longer an option - that has changed to "Why waste a perfectly good day to transform?" And the part about no one caring - well, T.com has CERTAINLY changed that! Besides, I care. Since my body has already let go of more than 15 pounds of fat, I can't possibly want to hold onto THAT belief any longer, either. Like Marty, I now KNOW I can lose much more - gain more strength, and I see the EVIDENCE already - daily. Yesterday was our free day - we actually took one (well, kind of ) but we also went up on top of the mountain behind our house where new gravel roads have been built, and walked/ran 2 miles with an 180 degree view of the mountains and the wind in our faces. Whoa....what freedom. As for the "one" belief which may limit my future progress, I'd say there is an internal fear that my back (double fused since back surgery in the 1980's) will cause me problems again, and stop the whole process. Sure, I need to be wise on my lifting. We've seen two close friends go to near invalids recently due to poorly accomplished back surgeries. But I CHOOSE to believe that I DO have the wisdom to care appropriately for my body, and yet still have great workouts like I have been doing, getting the results needed. Bill says he has never seen injuries when the lifting is done right. My goal is to do them RIGHT! And to continuing finding alternative ways when one doesn't work for me. THERE'S NO STOPPING NOW - I'm loving the process, loving the change, and loving life. I truly feel like Rip Van Winkle's female counterpart - waking up to the BEGINNING of my life instead of the end, where I was only 2 short months ago. Unbelievable. Wide-open unbelievable. And, as a bonus, my daughter (Peach05) is doing this and doing fantastic, and my husband (BobLorren) too - he actually signed in first....and now my massage therapist and her husband are doing it as well! Some good change must be showing! 16 lbs, 8+ inches - off a BP med and doing great!!!! Johnnie Lorren

Believed I was too tired to go on. Been to the Sun, been to the depths, been loved, been hated. Just tired, old and ready to lay down for the long sleep. Sooooooooootired, soooooo sleepieeeeeeee, no.., more.. energy, just want to sleeeeeeep now.

1.The believe I had prior to starting this transformation was that the reason I didn't exercise was that I never had time because of my childre, my job, my home, you name it. I blamed everyone else for not going. I now can admit ( because deepo down I always new I was full of excuses) That is was me and there is always time to be healthy. I had to prioritize my life and realize that I am not only dong this for myself but my family. I am creating a new culture in my household. One that makes exercise part of every day like work and family. Also one that makes eating healthy a way of life. I think that I do have one belief that will limit my progress if I don't overcome it ASAP. That is that I can stray from eating healthy and still keep the weight off as long as I exercise. I know this is wrong!! My issue is that stress and anxiety make me eat more and eat the wrong foods. I say to myself it won't hurt this time to cheat, well the more this happens the more depressed about I get. This causes the cycle to cont. The new belief that will replace the limiting one is that I need to be honest to myself, and be accountable for my actions. I can't act like it didn't happen, I can't lie to myself. I am going to read this every time I find myself going into the cabinets to look for something at 10:00 at night, trying to hide it from my transformation partner ( my wife) I need to be honest with myself!!

cliffbeefpile wrote 3 Minutes Ago Delete 1. Yes, Originally I knew I was gung ho and ready to do this, but deep down I knew that I would get close and quit, or start and then not see my results and quit. Basically, I knew I was good for a couple of weeks, but I knew I couldn't keep it up. Fast forward to week freakin' 9, Baby! I'm still hittin' a lick! I've gone 2 whole weeks without drinking soda. I'm still here, and in 3 weeks, I'll have 12 down. I never made it to 12 all the other times I ordered my BFL entry form. This is new Territory 2. In the back of my mind, I guess, I may have a thought. Ever so small. But I'm wondering if I'll keep it up after 18 weeks. Or the rest of my life. 3. In retaliation to #2, I think back to Bill and Stoney talking about the Biggest Loser Several hour workout, and why would you do something that you can't maintain. So, I focus on the fact that there's a lot of older folks that are out jogging around the streets of Valpo. And they do it in the snow too! So, I focus on my running and am trying to love it so that it will be a passion/hobby. My Cardio, is easy to do (well, not easy, but it doesn't take a gym membership), but it's also something I can do, no matter where I am or what's going on with me.

I've given it some thought. Here's a start! 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? I believed that I always needed to be the one in control - the one who holds things together - the bottom line rests with me. See my blog for what I learned (http://www.transformation.com/Red48/blog/Transformation-2009/Assignment-14-Early-ponderings/26441). 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I cannot do this on my own!! 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I don't have to do this on my own!!!!

i know i am supposed to answer these...i am wrestling with them now. on the FIRST 18 weeks i did face many of those little sneaky destructive lies and tore them down. If i said i didnt have any now i would be lying. i just have to figure out which are the ones that are right in front of me that are preventing me from moving to the next level. i think if i can name the things I will be movin along the path a bit quicker. stay tuned. i will return. thanks Bill for puttin this together.

Initially I believe that I had very low or no will power. I now believe that I have the will to empower myself to make the right choices. I also never realized my full potential, and now I realize that I am so much more - so much stronger, so much happier, so full of life.

A core belief I had growing up and until recently was that other people were successful, physically fit, wealthy in the monetary sense...Movers and shakers if you will. A limiting belief I have now that will mess me up for the future is a nagging feeling I will not finish the first 18 weeks. Its like muscle memory.. IVe so often not completed what ive started that in the back of my mind I have that feeling. My empowering new belief is I will not look back! Not completing project was the old and more importantly the dead me... Im a new creation and Im taking This challenge one day at a time! Thanks Bill

Bill - What was assignment #13? Did I miss something? You come up with some really challenging and thought-provoking assignments and when I first started this process I didn't really want to think through some of them, but now it's like - Bring Them On - let's get it all out there. I was not one to identify my feelings or my thoughts, I wanted to keep them hidden, but I'm learning how "freeing" it is to get them out. Thank you for that!!

I have many belief's that I had to and am overcoming. What is frustrating for me is that I have people around me that are doing everything in their power to sabatoge and stop my transformation. I have learned to focus my attention on what I have the power to change. Focus on the positive!

Bill...this turned out to be a very powerful experience for me... http://www.transformation.com/JoePimental/blog/Uncategorized/Notes-from-the-transformation-battlefield/26414 Thanks for the assignement!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Absolutely. I always believed I had to be PERFECT. No middle ground. Perfect when dieting and perfect in all other things I expected of myself AND of others. What's transforming is my embracing the "PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION" mode of operation. It is so teaching me that it's not "all or nothing" and as a result, I've lost 24 pounds and am half way to my goal...and have not been perfect, but have progressed each and every moment inside and out! ************************************************ 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? Allowing external forces to influence what internally I know is right and/or what internally I know I should do. Everything from letting long hours impede exercise or letting work travel get in the way of eating right or letting others and where they're at/they're behavior influence my decisions in either how I react or in even my plans. *************************************** 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? Yes. I know me...the real me, deep down inside. And I have my transformation goals that I took a LONG time to think through and write down. I am powerful, not a pushover. I am the captain of my soul, the master of my fate. And whatever is to be, it is up to me.

Awesome as usual. I see how my patterns of thought have limited my potential, have dimmed my ability to reinvent, to modify and transform. I think deep down, I don't deserve to be healthier, happier and fulfilled. You know, I use this principle when getting ready to ride. I see myself already arriving at work or whatever. I see myself already having done it. Perception is key to street survival. If you fail to anticipate, you're mush. I don't ever tell myself I will fall, or get hit. Instead, I plan executing maneuvers so they are instinct, and thus a part of me, so I can act without thinking. I need to apply this to my health. No scratch that, I will apply, this point forward. Thanks.

1. Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that's transformation as a result of the work you've done so far? A. YES! When I started this challenge, I believed I would be dead soon. I believed I'd never dance again, never be whole again. I believed my fears would keep me locked behind four walls. I believed my panic attacks would never stop. I believed I would never get beyond the many traumas of my life, that these psychic attacks on my soul would pollute me forever. All that has changed, and so much more, since I came to this site. I believe none of those things any more. I changed my mind, and my mind changed me. 2. Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? A. Yes. I believe somewhere deep inside that if I do become successful and everything I am meant to be, that the people I've wronged, or who think I have wronged them, will come out of the woodwork with pointed fingers and scream, "IMPOSTOR!" So somewhere in my core of beliefs lies something that tells me, "You're not worth it. You don't deserve it." 3. Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? A. Yes. The tears are flowing now. Bill you do touch the heart of the matter. Yes. Every time I sign on and touch base with my team, my friends here, I believe in myself more and more. They have made so much difference to me. When people like Marty and Debby and Ken and Coach and so many other soul-deep beautiful people here tell me, "You ARE worth it, Micky. You DO deserve a good life," I believe it, a little more each time. Just having my pictures up here (very very scary -- took me months to do) and knowing people still genuinely care about me as I am now, is empowering.

I have always had a core belief that I am a good person, not just the fat boy everyone see's. All my life I have fought with self asteem because of this. Being a fat kid and going through my child hood being called fatty by family and friends, it was tough to belive in myself. When I decided to change my body and weight lift, everyone told me I couldn't do it. In the early 70's I lost an amazing 60lbs and developed a muscular and lean body. I became the center of attention, everyone wanted to know how I accomplished this. As time passed I let myself go and went back to being fat and out of shape. The comments came back " I told you so fatty". In 2000 I believed I could do this again and show everyone. It was funny now my Dad, Mom, sister, brothers and close friends female and male, who where always slim and trim now had gained so much weight that I was tempted to call them "fatty" like they did me, but I remembered how much it hurt and refrained from being like them. I knew I could do this again and lost over 72lbs and gained back the respect of family and friends.I became ill and lost all that I had worked so hard for. Even though I fought to regain my muscular body I gave up. Now there is one belief that is holding me back and limiting me in this new attempt to transform. I have succeeded and failed so many times what is to keep failure from creeping in and takeing over preventing me from succeeding. It seems that every time I get to where I want to be something happens and I fail. I have to overcome this belief of failure and replace it with a new belief, determination. I know that with the help of Transformation.com, my T-friends and all the help and support they give I will succeed and be able to continue on my journey to Health and Happiness. I have to keep this empowering new belief as my goal to succeed. " I will succeed and be the person I know I am, a good person inside and out." John

I believed BEFORE that I was serving a life sentence of fat and unhappy because of the choices I made in the past. I delve into a dark place that was lonely and full of despair. I believed that it was my curse. What I believe now is that I am worthy of so much more in life. I am not fat because I am a bad person – I am changing my body inside and out because I am a terrific person with so much to offer others in life. I am a smart, strong, willful, loving, compassionate, grounded soul that is making better choices to live my authentic self everyday and not dwelling on my choices of the past. I am living for today. I have made a promise to myself that there are no negative thoughts permitted in this journey. When faced with adversity we look for the good in the lesson. We take the challenge within our challenges and we rise above to conquer those demons and show ourselves we are capable of greatness. I believe now I have found the warrior spirit within me that is my true authentic self worthy of greatness, success, and opportunity. My drive and desire to be the best Kelli I can be is all that is today, and all that will be for the rest of my life.

I had placed myself on the backburn for so long. Tell myself i will get started tomorrow. But when I hear Marty talk about losing his son, it reminded me when I lost my brother and all the other crap that happen in 2001. I losted 40 pounds the year after, only to put it back on in a few short years. I want to understand my belief system. It is really hard work to lose all that weight just to put it back on.

When I began this transformation, I was not sure what to believe about it. My body has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. For 7 years I struggled with intense pain to be able to walk with out a limp.I gave up on doctors and I did BFL two years ago. I had good results. I lost 20 pounds I was not where I wanted to be but was on my way.Working out was hard, but I began to walk with out pain. Then broke my left foot. My body just does not let me go from a cast back to walking. I have had to fight it all the way. Go through the epidurals, leg spasms, nerve pain,etc...I began again Jan 26 on this T.com. After 6 weeks into this mulling over the assignments and reading blogs, I have begun to have a different mindset. It is one thing to think something and another thing to KNOW it in your GUT. I have worked in a 12 step program this last year to deal with childhood abuse issues. I realize that I never believed I was worth anything.I see many here with that issue.Worthlessness. I have learned from you all and reading about your journey. I began to wonder if an auto immune problem was caused by not loving myself and my body just finally followed suit by attacking myself. At first it seemed absurd, but the idea grew. My mind has learned to have power over the pain , so why should it not learn to stop the pain process and the lack of blood flow process. Can it be done? MY limiting belief was that I was never good enough to deserve happiness. My new belief is that happiness is not the goal. The goal is joy in adversity. Joy in trials. Joy in living no matter what the circumstances. Thankfulness in just being. I am wasting my life with my limiting beliefs. My new belief : My body is healing itself. My nerves are healing. I am feeding my body what it needs and working it out hard. RSD has nothing over on me.Daily I am weeding RSD out of my system. Pulling it out by the roots and throwing it away. 54 is just a number. Soon...very soon, I will be lighter, I already am stronger. Every time I push 400# on the leg press sled, I congratulate my body for its awesome power. When I push up 120 # quad extensions and hamstring curls and I know I can do more the next time, I congratulate my legs on how awesome they did today!! My BODY DESERVES TO HAVE A MIND THAT IS SUPPORTIVE TO MY BODY!! A mind that LOVES my body.A mind that WORKS WITH my body instead of hating it and being critical of it. I started with 1 push up, then two, then 3, now I am doing 10 push ups 10 times a day. One set every hour. One set of dips at the same time. I feel like Dusty. A fat burning , muscle building dynamo. Thank you for this assignment. This is just ONE limiting belief. I am sure I can dig up more and they will also get weeded out. Lynn

I had placed myself on the backburn for so long. Tell myself i will get started tomorrow. But when I hear Marty talk about losing his son, it reminded me when I lost my brother and all the other crap that happen in 2001. I losted 40 pounds the year after, only to put it back on in a few short years. I want to understand my belief system. It is really hard work to lose all that weight just to put it back on.

In the past 4 weeks, my wife had gall bladder surgery and I fell down a flight of stairs that possibly could be a rotator injury. I had a similiar situation happen to me in the past and I fell into the same rut as I alway did, the rut of "Poor me I guess it is not to be" and I would fall into the same funk. ALthough I have not participated much in the blogs except for reading them and following some great advice, I have been able to be true to my montra "The Time is Now". I can fight through this and it feels good. I always tell my student-athletes that when you work hard for something it is always harder to surrender to your opponent. My opponent right now is the abyss of despair and I refuse to go that route again. "The Time is Now"

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Before I started here on this site, my self-esteem was very low. My belief was all my thoughts and actions had very little value and it did not matter what I did or contributed. Now that has totally turned around. Some of the veterans here may remember that I would not write because of this old belief. “What would people think?” “Maybe I am wrong.” “I could hurt someone if I expressed myself”. These are old phases, which are not allowed in my home anymore. 2) Can you identify one belief, which you hold now that may limit your future progress? 
 I wonder how much difference I can make in the world. In 2008 someone asked me whom would I like to have lunch with if I could invite anyone. I quickly answered with a few people off the top of my head. Gandhi was a sure answer. What a perfect example of someone who did not allow limiting beliefs to play apart of his life like I have. 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? So to answer Bill’s question…I truly believe anything can happen. Many things have happened to me in my lifetime already because I went for it! I have been on the phone with the President of the United States (Reagan); I have crossed the Atlantic Ocean by boat. I have published a cookbook and created a successful restaurant from scratch were even Bill Gates has come to dine. We all have experiences of value. Anyone who has conceived a child and watch them come into the world and grow up healthy has witnessed a miracle. If that can happen…the sky is the limit!

I am currently working on Assignment 12.I will have to get back to you on this one.Bill you've given all of us food for thought with this one.THANKS!!!!! RUSTY:)

My core belief is that life is a journey of lessons and growth...some fun...some painful...in moving to a mindful connection with a higher power. My limiting belief is a fear that I won't be able to overcome the obstacle, learn the lesson or conquor the challenges I am presented with. My new belief is that I don't have to carry the fear alone and I can share it with those that can help.

Bill -Somewhere on the inside I have always felt like I had unlimited potential. I could feel that person inside of me. I had a sweet feeling on a spiritual level that I was born to be more than I was. My limiting belief was that I actually deserve that or that I CAN make that kind of impact on people. Or "how" i was going to let that shine through.......but through the transformation process and the first 13 assignments I changed those limiting beliefs and I PROVED that I could and that I would and I got connected with the innerself and broke a lot of belief barriers. Each week as I did each new assignment and as I looked inside and pondered what there was to learn, I grew, I changed I became much more spiritually mature. 2. A current limiting belief I think I may struggle with is "feeling" like I may not be good enough. I say feeling because on a conscious level I know that is hogwash and that it is the adversary placing that fear and doubt and that limiting belief. The new belief I am building currently is that I believe I am good enough, that I will do enough, that I am committed enough to help change the lives of not only myself but of thousands of people. I can be a force for good in the world. I can show people by my actions and example that they can live a better life and find the happiness they seek. I can let go of the past and build a solid tomorrow and I can experience a level of happiness that once may have seemed impossible. I am a child of God and was not born unto defeat and There is a world of unlimited potential and opportunity for me and I do deserve abundance in all things.........These are the empowering beliefs I am gravitating to. I will come up with a whole lot more and blog about them and share them, but these are the things that come to mind immediately...................MAN I AM PUMPED RIGHT NOW!!! Thanks BIll.

1. My core belief before I started Transformation is that what I owned emotionally in my life was something I would never be able to release. The way I saw things and the way I reacted to things was how it was and how it had to be. If others did not react or respond "the way I saw it" or "the way I would react", then I had a discrimination not of racial, but of ideas and beliefs. I often agonized how they could not or would not see it or do it the way I thought they should. This would literally torment me and I had a core belief this would never change........2. One belief I seem to hang on to is that if I keep giving of myself, either by love, support or knowledge, I can lead them to positive waters. I can help to transform them as I am transforming. When they are non-responsive or inimical, I will feel as though I have failed......3. The Empowering new belief that I am replacing that one with is this. There are many ways to do something, all of those ways can be right, my way doesn't have to be the only way. I can lead by example and if my way is appealing to someone they are welcome to follow along. The simple old saying, you can lead a horse to water, but you can not force him to drink, is a perfect analogy. If people in my life want to try to hurt me, that is something they own. It is their issue, not mine. I am not responsible for their negativity. My core values and beliefs are mine. I own them. If they work for me great, they aren't going to work for everyone. So I will offer my help and support, if it is accepted, wonderful, if not, I wish them the best and move on to someone I may be able to guide. I will no longer own others unhappiness and negativity.

Before I began this process, I believed I was not important. I believed I would never be good enough, no matter what I did. I believed progress was not what I was measured by, instead my failures where what defined me. I believed nothing would ever change because I was not capable of making things change. I am grateful that these were the beliefs of the past. Currently, one belief I can identify which can hold me back is the belief that I am not strong enough spiritually to trust and recognize when I am being guided. An empowering new belief to replace my limiting belief is that my level of awareness and consciousness is stronger than it's ever been and becomes stronger each day. I believe I have good instinct and a sense of things. I believe that I will continue to learn and grow each day and I believe I can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Better stop now and limit myself... lol :) I can go on for pages :)

better think a bit more and come back to this later I just did assignment #9. thanks for things to ponder~Sheridan

1. I had a belief that I could not build muscle because of my age, my diabetes and my dislike of the gym. I was really wrong about that one. I have packed on a lot of muscle that I didn't even have when I was younger. Now I LOVE training with weights and doing the HIIT exercises. My wife knows if I am not at work or at home I am at the gym. 2. I have had a belief that my fat loss is slowing because I have already lost over 100 pounds and the last fat is going to be difficult to lose. 2. I am replacing that belief with the FACT that fat is fat. The last fat has no power to be tougher to lose than the first fat. I am a fat burning, muscle building dynamo. Nothing is going to stop my new life as a supermodel (just kidding) I really believe I can have a jaw dropping Transformation now. Or die doing it!

Bill, a few things have unravelled already in these 9 weeks! I'll be back to post more after I chew on this assignment for awhile - and have some conversations about it - What a great ice-breaker for next weekend's Ontario meet and greet!!

To complete this exercise, I’m asking you to look inward and reflect, in order to answer these three questions: 1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? Because of my childhood, I have always felt that I had to fight for everything. The aspect of always having to be right was a natural course of survival for me. I couldn't be wrong because I felt I would fail. I always had to maintain control of everything or I would fall apart. Instead of looking to God to guide me, I guided myself and hoped he was approving of my strength. The fight in me has not been good for me or my family and never allowed me to live in peace. I always lived with worry and in fear which bought about anger. 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? I believe that if this support group wasn't here to stay that I would feel alone and the 18 weeks would just be a finish line for me. To know that there are people on this site that have been here since the beginning gives me a renewed hope that I can continue to interact with positive people who have the same trials, tribulations, and goals that I have. When I did BFL in 99, I did it with my husbands support for two years, when he got sick, I gave up my dedication to myself. I forgot that just because we are married does not mean that we are not individuals with different needs and desires. I will continue to be a mentor on this site when I have finished the 18 weeks because as my new favorite quote says now "There is No Finish Line!" 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? I am strong with peace. God has released my worry and fear, this challenge is a positive challenge which reflects my positive side and I love embracing the new me emerging that is willing to take a look at myself and know that strength comes from grace and is not made from the need to fight for everything. Bill, thanks for these assignments. I will be the change, actually I am a change in progress. I thought BFL was great (and it was), but this community is a forever going work in progress for us all and I love it. Thanks

1) I don't deserve to be happy. This belief really sucks the fun right out of life, Bill. This belief has changed into "I deserve to be happy and so does everyone else. I want to be an instrument in God's hands to spread joy. 2) Sooner or later I will fall off the wagon. It's just a matter of time. 3) This is a life changing process. I will be good to myself from now on and never look back. Thank you Bill, Juliane

Thanks Bill!! Since I started this a year ago I am getting more stronger phyiscally, mentally and spiritually. God bless ~ Jerome

A belief that's transforming- I used to think I was not or could not be an athlete- now I know I am ..and I'm just getting out of the way so this can happen. A belief that may get in my way: I think that if things are going great that then I have to also experieince the downside- like you have to pay for pleasure with pain. New belief to nurture: Pleasure and grace can be natural states of being that don't"cost" me anything but living my own truth.-C

Sounds great! Im excited to start working on it!

WOW! How exciting! I just finished number 4 last night and im excited to get to this one! Thank you Bill for providing even MORE tools to help in our Transformations! You Rock!!!!!

1) Is there a core belief you held before you began this process that’s transforming as a result of the work you’ve done so far? That having strong feelings and emotions was wrong. I am learning that they are a part of life and that they should be embraced because there are lessons to be learned. ************************************************************* 2) Can you identify one belief which you hold now that may limit your future progress? That the results of my hard work are delicate and tenuous and that I will lose it all and slip into a depression again. ************************************************************* 3) Can you identify an empowering new belief to replace that limiting one with? That it is not shameful to ask for help and admit that I might need more support some days than others.