Bill Phillip's | Transformation

I too am unofficial week 1 day 3. I have been divorced for 4months. I don’t think anyone is ever ready for a divorce. In my case it was not unexpected. But what was unexpected was my reaction to it. I’ve lost everything (at least that how I felt) . I allowed this event in my life to slowly sink me lower. I’ve always considered myself a strong person . And now I realize that I was only a pile of loosely piled bricks. It’s both scary and interesting to lose ( or feel or feel you’ve lost) everything. The only positive way that I am able to see it now is I’ve got nothing left to lose. And everything to gain. I’m done crying. I’m done feeling sorry for myself. Its time I create a strong structure and this transformation is just the foundation that I need. My two reason for success are # MYSELF. I stopped living long before my divorce. Its time to create a LIFE. #2 I have 3 beautiful kids who depend on me. To anyone else that is going through a similar situation. Just know you are not alone. Together we will get through this. We will succeed.

I too am an unofficial but I will do the Transformation challenge any way!

I'm accepting the challenge...I am past the deadline, so i guess i'm just an unofficial, but thats just fine. My reasons: To be a testimony of the goodness of God, and showing our responsibility of caring for what he's given us. The second reason is to be healthy and strong for my husband and children... so that we can enjoy life to the fullest. :)

I choose to accept the challenge so I can have a healthy happy spiritually fufilled life. I need to have the energy to keep up with my 14 month old son, work fulltime and still find the time for myself (and husband!)

I chose to accept the challenge because 1) my weight is the highest it has ever been--in the morbidly obese catagory-- and I know that if I don't change I will live out a miserable and short (due to health) existence...I want more! 2) I consider myself to be a spiritual person but I feel disconnected from the source. I want to reconnect, and heal my body, mind and spirit.

Bill I don't know if it's too late to get into this challenge or not. I guess it doesn't matter, I'm making it to myself anyway. I feel like I'm at a crossroad. My business went under last year and I've not been myself since. I am looking at this as an opportunity to regain my self worth and to inspire others. I started my BFL challenge in Jan. I know I can do better, and I'm going to. Thank you for this site and all of the positive it provides.

Bill, you have influenced me for the last nine years with Body For Life. I believe that this approach is the missing link. Of all the reasons I could list that motivate me to change, I would say the biggest is this: I feel like God has a purpose for me, but all of the pain, hurt, unhealthy thoughts and behavior and fear are keeping me from participating in His plan. I love my husband and my family and I know that my suffering is their suffering. I want to love them on to good things. Not hold them back from them. Thank you for sharing God's plan for your life. It inspires me to share mine. God bless. -Sarah

#1 because God has a plan for me and I need to get off my hooha and be ready for Him #2 so my children and others can hopefully learn to be ready much sooner than I was so that God can use them even more. = ) thanks, looking forward to it. - sara o'

I accept your challenge because I want to prove to myself that I can succeed after previous attempts with limited and short lived success. I want to be healthy and strong again, mind and body. I want to be a good example for my 9 year old son. Achieving my goals will be the first step to many changes in my life moving forward. One of the big things I look forward to in my life transformation is to make a career change into the fitness industry. I will not do this until I have made my accomplishments and have been able to maintain my success. My reward will be to make the career change and help others with what I have learned through my experience. You only asked for 2 reasons...so I better stop :)

Bill, "Why?" you ask... My husband and I have been married for 15 years. Back in the day (over 9 years ago) before we started having children, I bought your first ed. BFL book. I loved it. I signed up to take your challenge. I failed horribly. You did not fail me Bill, I failed myself! My low self esteem, dealing with my Father-in-law's death and the disconnection from everyone including my awesome husband sent me in a downward spiral. Looking back, it was probably the worst time for me to start any kind of challenge that required me to share on paper what was going on inside me as I was working out at the local YMCA. After attending a support group, receiving God's indefinite grace, blessed with three boys and somewhere maintaining questionable sanity. I am in a much better place than before. I was amazed that on May 8th... I got mail... Bill Phillips invites you! God put you there, Bill as if to say "we are going to finish this". I feel God put Denise and Jonnae there so that Jonnae's positive words "I GET TO" will shine into my three son's way of thinking. I want to do the "Be the Change" challenge because "I GET TO" (Thank you Jonnae!) finish what I so desperately wanted to succeed at before but strongholds kept me from it ten years ago. No doubt will this challenge be as hard as child birth but the end result is and will be as fabulous as my three boy's are to my life. This transformation will be for life. Thank you Bill!

I'm ready to take part of the Be the change challange!! I have an older brother who is severly overweight he suffers from depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, artritis, takes tons of pills for all of those issues. I see him slowly dying. I want to inspire him to lose the weight and to get in shape so that he can have a good life. I'm about 45 pounds overweight, at one point I was 77 pounds overweight but I have lost 32 pounds so far and I would like to be part of this challange to lose the remainder of the weight and to show my brother that it can be done. I want to be healthy for my family and for myself.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to give our input. I have never felt so alive as when I've been reading this website! But I truly need to do this for my family. I’m the legal guardian for my sister, one year older. She’s such a neat person. We became the best of friends at a very young age; she failed one grade in school (third) and that put us in the same grade…admiring the same boys…studying the same tests, etc. But I see very little in her now that’s the same. She’s got a child-like mind after enduring over 20 years with an abusive husband and son. To give you an idea, the counselor working with her said she thinks it’s one of the worst cases of mental abuse she’s seen in her 30 years of counseling. My sister has the type of personality easy to manipulate…sweet, loving, gentle, graceful, and accommodating. Her husband divorced her without her own legal representation and only a week after she’d been released from a hospital to his care because of a very serious suicide attempt. Jewel’s care can be complex and God forgive me for saying so, but it can be difficult. I’m attempting to reverse the divorce settlement for her future care, and the legal battle is costly. Her medical expenses can also be high. She requires trained care-providers while I'm at work. I love her with all my heart, but I know that I’m not always as patient or understanding with her (or my husband) as I should be…and she deserves that after all she’s been through for so many years. My husband does too. She senses sometimes when I’m tired and she comes up to me out of the blue and gives me the nicest hugs. My sister is also too heavy…she had cancer in 2000 but no signs of it now…blood clot last year, etc. Diabetes has affected almost everyone in my family. I also have an older brother that’s 6’2” and weighs 360 pounds. He’s the best man you’d ever meet…would do anything for anyone at anytime. I would also like to be an example for him. His wife is also not well. If something happens to me, there’s no one else to take care of my sister. I’m already on medication for blood pressure, an increased heart rate, hormones, muscles spasms, migraines and acid reflux. She’s had so many years of misery; it’s her turn to have days full of sunshine, smiles and nothing but what you’ve spoken of…unconditional kindness. God has been good to me, and I do know I’ve been blessed to even have had this time with my sister—we’re very lucky she’s still here with us. I truly know that I have so much to give…and I know that the time I’ve had with my sister and the time I’ll spend on my Challenge will be a learning process for me. I’m hoping that later I can provide support, inspiration, guidance, and encouragement to anyone on this journey! Thanks again for so much hope!

What about your average guy? I think its really amazing that all these people who face these huge personal challenges in their lives are able to overcome them and make a transformation. But...what about me? I'm doing allright...I'm happily married, I love my two kids, I'm financially well off...I don't need to lose the extra 35lbs I lug around...I like my fine fancy dinners, my many bottles of wine, my ice cream binges...why do I want to give that up you ask? I don't. I want the magic pill that I just take and presto, I get that six pack of abs. I guess what I'm saying, is that I'm having a hard time finding a real deep motivation to change, yet I do know its something I want. Its almost like part of me knows on an intellectual level, I would be much, much better off if I did this transformation, but another part of me is like, awe its gonna SUCK not being able to eat freely like I've been able to. Also, I have tried body for life several times. The first time was way back in 1999. I did about eight weeks, dropped 20 lbs, gained muscle and felt awesome. I was like this is great! But I didn't make this a transformation. I was soon back at the Ice Cream bowl Trough, pigging out again...over time I slipped back...and then I'd do it again for six weeks...then it was 2 weeks here and there and then it was depressing after I realized that 10 years later, I'm back to 200lbs and scared to do another challenge because I can't identify what causes me to lose my motivation 2 weeks into the program. I've tried doing it with friends (we all lost our motivation about 4 weeks in), I've tried the BFL journal, I've tried palm-pilot recordkeeping, I've tried my own variations on the theme....I just can't nail it. I'm thinking maybe its that I've not really motivated enough, or maybe I'm not spending enough time on the true core things that could motivate me to do this. Well here I am and I am motivated enough to try again. I am scared that yet another time I will fall off the wagon, but I'm hoping that someone here can help me figure out how not to do that. Now, I know I may come across cynical, but Bill, I think I speak for the silent, apathetic majority out there...really, we are lazy butts that genuinely LIKE our ice cream. We are the people you need to reach if you want to make big change. The outlier against all odds people that make the transformation against incredible odds...yeah, great...but in all honesty, they just make me want to hide in my fast food bag because I'll just be doubly ashamed that I can't do what they been able to do even though I'm in such a better position. Ok you asked for two reasons...I'm going to stop typing for a sec and really give you the top 2 that come from way down. 1) Personal Vanity. I think it would feel really great to be able to have a six-pack abs. 2) Fatherhood Pride. I don't want my son to be embarrassed of me. I want to set an example. Is that enough reason to do the change? Ok, I know intellectually the arguments...feeling better, healthier, having more energy, etc...but I don't know...its not like I'm facing an acute crisis or anything that seems to be what motivates so many of the people you profile. My question is, how do I find the motivation to stick with it from my already pretty good position in life? Hmm? Anyone have any ideas?

I have been attempting to change my life since you invited me to start an antfarm. If I liked ants I would have many. I am now much older and my desire for a fabu life is bigger..I accept your challenge for 2 reasons 1) To complete it and change my life would mean I care enough about me. 2) I would like to be able to stand proud in front of you and say thank you for not giving up on me. I have read your book and bought it so many times because when I lent it out and did't get it back I had to get another one , just didn't feel right with out your book in my house. It has always kept my hope alive.

I completed the Body for Life Challenge in 2000 and never felt better physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually in my life. Then four years later, a work injury and partial disability of my arm resulted in the loss of my job, financial disaster, and a 60-pound weight gain over the last four years. I have had a four-year "pity party" and now the party's over. I want to experience again the "aliveness" I had after completing the Body for Life Challenge in 2000. I felt fantastic. I was in the best shape of my life. I was meditating every day and achieving goals and dreams - small, but they were my dreams. I was alive - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I am ready to be "reborn" and leave the negativity of low self-esteem and feelings of failure and inadquacy behind. I know it can be done. I did it before. I can see the vision of the "new me." I am ready for this Transformation. So ready....

I would like to accept your challenge. I just bought your book yesterday and could not put it down. My number one reason will be for myself and family. For myself, so that I am around to see my new baby due July 11th grow up and become the best person she/he can. Also, so that I am around for her/his needs. My wife lost her Dad when she was 12 due to a heart attach. She struggled when we were married in 2006 and now that we are having a baby with the thought of her Dad not being around. I do not want to add that burden to my wife or child. The second reason is that I feel I have a lot of work left to do on this planet to ensure it is a better place for my child and everyone else to grow and succeed.

Thank you Bill for issuing the challenge - I would like to accept. My first reason is that I would like to be an example to other women who are survivors of emotional abuse - I would like my journey to show other women that life after abuse can be amazing, fulfilling and full of gratitude and smiles. That it is possible to re-claim your life and make it better. My second reason is that I am also doing it for myself - sharing the journey will help me boost my self confidence and esteem. So not only will I continue to improve my physical health - I will create emotional health and well being at the same time. - There are many other reasons - but they are my main ones - Love and Light - Jaki :)

Dear Bill, I am very much interested in accepting your challenge, to “Be the Change,” Two reasons why I will make this wonderful commitment land see it through is: 1. I have lived a life of so many obstacles and yet every obstacle that tried to stand in my way became one of my many miracles I have seen and experienced during my life. I’ve discovered over the years ithat God had a plan for me from the day I was born without an esphogus. Reasons why my life would be one challenge to overcome after another were unknown to me. Today at 54 years old I see all the reasons why I was given a 2nd chance to live from an birth defect that no other child had survived. why I was abandoned in the hospital and put into foster care, why I had such birth defects that left me embarrased of myself and no self confidance. and why I had so much heartache from never being able to get pregant and have a child of my own. I can now look into my heart and I understand the miracles I actually lived through instead of the hard aches 2. I know from my experience of being a foster parent for 15 years that they have children, teens and even adults that are struggling with some or maybe even all of the adversitis I have struggled with. I feel they can learn from me I want to share my experiences and help those to overcome their adversities and become the person they long to be as I have. Plwase consider me to be a part of your challenge. I would be honored. Thanks You, Linda Ann Smith (GET*HER*DONE).

My two reasons would be to 1) honor God by showing appreciation for my body and 2) inspire my family to be healthy. My DH is recovering from colon cancer. I have quit smoking, started eating healthy foods and exercising to inspire my DH and grown children to do the same.

I want to "Be the Change" because I can no longer look at my self in the mirror anymore. My energy crashes mid day everyday. I sleep until 9-10 am every morning when I need to run my business and have clients to serve. I eat massive amounts of food everyday until I want to burst. I come home from work and disregard all my paperwork I need to do and instead choose the tv. I have become very impatient with others. I am in a deep hole and spinning out of control. I will do this challenge and I will never look back. Bill Please hold me to my word! I will do this and get my life back and the body I have missed for years now. I am getting fired up just talking about my reasons and getting them out in the open instead of locked inside. Count me in !! Mike

Bill, here are my reasons for wanting to change: 1) God 2) Family 3) Finish what I started 10 yrs ago. If I look good, I feel good and I play good!

Hey Bill i just discovered your website today by acident. I am so happy and greatful that you are back in the seen. I'd would rather join your transformation chllange that EAS's. I did my first transformation in 1997/98 and I'm a novice of BFL. Only problem was I got fat again, fatter thatn ever since I was not applying my BFL principles for years. I was working out but leaving out the cardio, drinking alot of beer and my nutrtion was out of control. I started body for life again and Im on my third week doing it right. Im 5'4 and this yr I weighed in at 208 lbs but 3 weeks ago I started BFL at 195lbs. Being that I already started I hope I still get a chance to join your transformation challange! So far I have dropped 10lbs and feel great. Bill, you ever see the biggest loser? I always wondered if you would put a reality show but with BFL principles. And now you have transformation TV. So where do I watch this TTV? Is on cable? Or internet?

Count me in, Bill! I will accept the challenge to "BE THE CHANGE". There are two reasons why I would make a commitment like this, and see it through. !) TO ELEVATE MY ENERGY. When you honor your body by living a healthy lifestyle, the energy that radiates within you is unbelievable; it permeates every aspect of your being (mentally, spiritually, & physically). The flow creates a revival within you that mere words cannot describe. 2) TO MOTIVATE & INSPIRE OTHERS. I want my spiritual and physical transformation to motivate others to begin their unique life transformation. It is my desire to be a shining example for anyone who crosses my path. I seek to inspire, motivate, and encourage each person to be the best that they truly can be. We only get one life. . .LET’S LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST. ~Kimberly

My 2 reasons? Better health and a longer life. From there, the reasons branch out...spending time with my wife, my grandkids, enjoying life, on and on. I never felt better than I did during my first and second BFL challenges back in 2000 and 2001. I want to recapture that feeling.

Hi Bill, It's been a few years. I want to take the chalenge for a couple of different reasons. First, I've made some major changes in my life recently and want to include my body and health in that group. The second reason has to do with my 20 yr class reunion and two of my classmates who have cancer. This challenge with set me up for another challenge to help them with their financial trials.

I have the desire to transform my old patterns into new, healthy patterns so that I can lead a healthier (transformed) life. I'm so tired of seeing loved ones around me decay in front of my eyes. Within the past year my mother had two separate hip replacement operations, an emergency gall bladder removal operation and a dental infection; my grandmother had (and still has) Shingles; my aunt was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and began chemotherapy treatments and I feel like enough already. I yearn for change. As a matter of fact, I cannot wait to be the change I so greatly anticipate. So, I would love to enter the "Be The Change" Challenge because I want to tap in to the "light" that people say illuminates me and be an example to my family; to inspire them to take care of their health. I'm all in!

Just two! I have so many more but I can list just two! Their names are Cory and Casy and they are 13 and 8 and they deserve the best mommy their mommy can be and with an uncertain future with their father I have to be the best I can be mind, spirit and body! The family here at transformation.com is a true blessing in my life. Thank you Bill for you vision. Thank you so very very much.

I'm in the challenge now. It's so worth it. Thank you so much for your efforts in helping me. I've lost 32.5 pounds of terrible fat. I'm now getting past looking at the physical change, now it's all about the spiritual side of helping others. I'm starting a group teacher's challenge in Sept. kennie

Bill, my husband and I would love to accept your challenge! Can't wait to hear more about it. Our two reasons are our 2 children and each other:)

Hi Bill, I would like to accept your challenge one because I no longer want to live an unhealthy life. I've made great strides since the beginning of the year loosing 25 pounds. I want to continue this path to total transformation. Also, I want to help others see how someone like me can make this life change by becoming leader of good health. Plus, I think you're a hell of a dude. LOL. I'm in Sir!

Thanks Bill. Your blog's are great! I am............learning from your actions, slowly removing my limitations, realizing my greatness cannot be measured although I don't understand that yet, supporting others without condition....Transforming. Thank you Bill. I am inspired!

BILL:I thank GOD I found your sites in 2007.I was fighting depression,anxiety,prediabetes and obesity.I was super morbidly obese with 45% bodyfat at 280 pounds.I'm now 28% bf at 178(as of this morning)!!!!!!! 102 pounds and 17% bf!!!!! BFL BABY!!!!!!!!! My reasons for wanting to "BE THE CHANGE":1.Getting off of my walker by Christmas 2008.2:Eventually becoming a trainer so I can help the super morbidly obese members of my family a:by being an example.b:By being a better sister and aunt. I THANK GOD every night for you,BILL and BFL!!!!!!! I loved the picture of you and Faith feeding the chickens!!!!!!! RUSTY,Liberty,North Carolina

Bill - I want to be the change. I turn 40 this September 6th. I want to be in the best shape of my life at 40 and have the energy of my 2 1/2 year old daughter Ainsley. I am actuallly starting BFL this sunday June 1st but would welcome the opportunity to "be the change". My 2 Reasons are simple: I have 2 children under 6 and desire to be around for them for a long time and want to do this with a healthy body and mind. I want to set an example for my 2 brothers who are younger than I that both weight over 300lbs that there is a way to a fuller life!

Bill, didn't know you were still hosting the "Challenge" I subscribed to your magazine, Muscle Media back in the early 90's- still have copies...refer to them often for workout suggestions and stories / pics of inspiration. I did the Challenge one year...didn't quite reach where I wanted to go...but went farther than I thought I would have w/o your inspiration. I am 53 now and in better shape / health than many of my peers... I honor your presence on this earth! All the best!

1. Diabetes is killing my brother. I have been put on insulin but wont' let the disease take me without a fight. 2. I will be 40 next year. The next 20 years are going to be the most healthy and happy of my entire life.

Bill, I really put some thought into my reasons for accepting the challenge. My whole life has been a pattern of allowing others to make me feel poorly about myself, not completing things I began, and hoping things would just work out. I realize that with the challenge, it is not my body that won't cooperate, but, my mindset of fear and disbelief that I deserve to look my best. I know that this learned thought process can be changed and I am working every day at it. I completed the challenge before and looked the best I had every looked, but, got back into old bad habits. I have started this contest so many times I lost count and each time I failed I was reinforcing an old thought process of not being good enough. I realize the term commitment scares the daylights out of me! I now know it is really fear of failure not to make a commitment. I am learning that I need to have some faith in myself and my abilities. My two reasons for accepting and finally making the commitment. 1) I need to be proud of me and love me by taking care of my mind and body so I can do for others in this world… in a strong, but peaceful way. 2) I finally understand that I am not suppose to sit on the sidelines and watch others succeed. God has a purpose and intention for my life and it is up to me to make good choices to see it through. Allowing my body to be out of shape just gives me reasons not to participate in life. It is time not only participate, but, to believe in me so I hit my goals which allow a natural confidence to exude out into the universe… creating success in all areas as well. Thanks for asking and getting me to think about my why? Sincerely, Patricia, Clinton, NJ ;)

Bill, I would accept your challenge to help me to finally break free of all the baggage from my childhood and to finally acknowledge that I am worth taking care of. I would also like to finally follow through with my plans of losing weight and find the real person under all this weight that I have been carrying around. I am done with the yo-yo "dieting" and I am ready to find the healthy person hiding inside.

We (George & Maria) accept the Challenge because at 66 & 63 we want to keep our life going forward in great mental and physical health. My spouse Maria is in grad school (TESOL) extending her education, my son is in grad school, my daughter is in med school and I am going for my CFT, FT and SFOA certifications. I work full time during the Winter months as a ski and snowboard instrutor with certs in Adaptive and Seniors besides working with the general public. I coach and ref soccer as does my wife so we NEED to be the best we can we the guidance of Mr. Bill Phillips...........George......Wrightwood, CA

My reason to enter "Be The Change" is that I know God wants me to be the best that I can be so that I can affect change in not only myself but others. It is so easy to get into a rut and hold yourself back from contributing to your community and those around you when you are not physically fit. Whether consciously, or sometimes unconsciously, we make choices that are not the best in all areas of our life when we are not fit. I want to be an inspiration to others!

Bill I would love to be part of your Be The Change challenge! I learned that I love a challenge! If I wouldn't have accepted your challenge at the Super Conference I'd most likely be in my same old rut, same habits and still out of shape. A challenge keeps me focused, motivated and determined. My reasons I would want to do another challenge are similiar to many others that commented...1. I would love to inspire/motivate others 2. I want to be a better me by striving to be better in all areas of my life and by giving more of myself and being that change.

To reasons to "be the change". The first to realise my full potential and the second to go past it.

Bill I accept your challenge! Only 2 reasons when I have so many to choose from. Hmmmm....my main reason is i really don't like myself and cannot remember the last time i actually did. So that would be for me to become a better person for myself inside and out. My second reason is about family, friends, and just anyone i meet.....to be an inspiration to them....a motivator......to just feel better about themselves and to show them that with just a change in the amounts of food you consume and by watching what you eat along with exercise....anyone can become the person they want to be............Holly

Joe--You look 20 years younger! Congratulations on your accomplishments.

Sharen-- Congratulations girl. I recall your attitude when you were getting rolling with this, and that's what created this Champion result for you and yours. It's been an honour to be witness to this Transformation. Re: your son's comment... I know when I took the "Leap of Faith" years back...my 7 year old thought I was an alien impersonating her mother. She perceived a deep difference. She put me through huge "tests" and even though I passed all the info she wasn't convinced. But she said, "Don't worry about it....I like you better." :)

Hi Bill. I have 2 great reasons to accept the challange. I have recently lost 55 lbs and have like 30 more to go. I run marathons and half marathon, I recently became a personal trainer so I can inspire other people to reach for their dreams. I must admit I am a cardio girl and I love to run for 2 hours or more. So that is a good reason number 1. number 2 is I really would like to get beeter or I should say more consistent at doing weights. I am really good at the cardio but lack the weight lifting on a regular basis. This will insure that I get it done, touch the lifes of all my clients while we both shrink and become fit and strong. I still love my running and would like to do both. Please allow me to do this I am upbeat, postive and pretty much a gamer in whatever the deal is...

I am dissapointed I can't make it to Austin this weekend I have an cancer fundraiser on Saturday and work on Sunday

Wonderful new champions I want to part of the Be the Change Challenge. I want to show people that even when they have some physical limitations they can transform. I want to prove to myslef that I can and will do it. I want my husband to be proud of me (although eh already is) I want to help people transform mentally and physcially. There are so many people hurting and that is why they do not take care of themselves. I have come a long way already but the transformation is not quite complete. I want t help everyone see the beauty they have on the inside. I think that is definately more then 2 but I am determined

1. Life is change. "Be the Change" means being one with life and accepting everything as a blessing. It also means that I can begin to create the things in my life instead of reacting to things. 2. "Be the Change" means to look at the change that I want to make and not to judge what's wrong with others. Judgment of others cannot transform me into who I want to be; only I can do that. Only I can be the change.

Hey Joe, congratulations! I think we could scramble up that peak behind you, I have heard there is some great climbing in Colorado, living in Washington state we have several places to hike also. I love it. And Sharen, Congratulation to you also. I would like to see Bill feeding chickens! Julia

Hi Bill, I would accept the challenge to "Be the Change" first to be an inspiration to all I meet, to show them that it is possible to change not only your physical appearance but your spiritual and emotional side also. Second to be a person walking the walk and talking the talk. It is one thing the say you are doing a challenge and another to actually transform not only your body but your life. I am ready for that life change. God gave me a body and this is not it! I will change my mind, body and spirit. Julia, Kingston WA

I am very interested in accepting your challenge to "Be the Change". 1. There is always so much adversity in our lives. It is so easy to let it bring us down. When we are down like that, it brings others down. Then it snowballs and before you know it, you have a lot of unhappy, mean people. I want to use the adversity in my life to show people you can use that as fuel. Fuel to change the bad into good. To bring you closer to your faith and spiritual well being. If we keep strong in our faith and stand strong against spiritual warfare, we will prevail. God will make sure of it. 2. In order to teach and show others around me this is all possible, I have to believe in myself. My ability to make it happen. The closer I get to my physical goal, the closer I get to having complete faith in myself. My inner self is more confident, happy and strong. I know in the last 10 weeks, with the success in my physical transformation, I have a whole new attitude. I feel like I can take on almost anything handed to me. I want to be able to help others who feel like there is no hope, people who have given up and settled for their lives as they are. I want to show them it can be done, so that they pick themselves up and do what I've done. I am still a ways away from my goal, but I am getting there and that is a lot more then I could say 10 weeks ago! I am committed and I will not give up!

My two reasons for accepting the challenge would be: to completely transform my life...mind, body, and spirit..I've worked on each piece of the puzzle individually at different times, but I've never maintained it for long because something was always missing...and the second would be to become a beacon of light for others to follow...

AWESOME STORIES! Thanks Bill for writing these great blogs and creating such great videos to inspire us. Way to go Sharen and Joe! You both look fantastic!!!

Hi Bill Thank you for doing what you do, You seem very passionate about it. I want to get in shape because I was always thin my whole life until I hit my forties. I had a baby at 40. Then I began a spiral of health issues which I almost died from a surgery. I then developed high cholesterol. At age 50, one year ago, my husband and I adopted a little girl from Foster Care. So- my two reasons are 1.My health 2. To be healthy and active for my three kids, ages 16, 11 and 8. Thank yu so much! Patti

What would make me take to and follow through with a challenge like this ... 1) It's time for me. I want to renew my faith in myself that I can accomplish the things I set my mind to ... something I've lost with years of trying/failing to lose weight and I'm sick of being unhealthy and uncomfortable in my own skin. 2) The support that you and this group provide will help me stay motivated. I know that your little e-mails in my inbox have already been reminding me that I joined this group with a commitment to myself to succeed. I've already started making some better choices - but now I really need to kick it in and participate and live it. A challenge may just be the answer. Thanks so much for caring and for trying ot make a difference in our lives. This website really shows yoru commitment. Thanks again.

I commit to constant attention to making postive changes in my self, my home, and hopefully - my community. Reasons are heartfelt and simple: I don't want to be sad and bored anymore.

For me: reason 1. To be healthy my mother's side of the family has diabetes-it not a question of if – but when, at my present state I am a good candidate. 2. look great-at 46 I feel older than my years-my face don’t match my body-I have a better looking face than body-age usually hits your face first- me it’s my body...

Hi Bill, thank you so much for working so hard at helping all of us become better. What you're doing is truly amazing! I'd be thrilled to accept your "Be the Change" challenge. My reasons are: I want to feel good and be healthy in all aspects of my life. The past few months I've come a long way toward finding myself spiritually and now I feel like it's time to find my way to physical happiness as well. My second reason is I need to be a good example for my little sister. Within a two year span we were both diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and I have been a very poor model for her since that time. I really want to be there for her, to show her that anything and everything she’ll ever want to do or be, is possible.

Reason # 1 for taking on the transformation challenge: I want to fully discover my true self and identity. Doing this will help me to trust myself to branch out and take chances and discover my unused assets so they can do an incalculable service to my family and community and help me live the rest of my life to it's fullest potential. Reason #2 for taking on the transformation challenge: I want to learn how to hold a constructive mental attitude all of the time. Keeping all the negative thoughts of failure out of my mind will stop me from ambushing my powers to make a difference and will keep me moving forward in a positive direction.

One of the reasons why I would make a commitment is because of my disability. My Dad had always said when I first became disabled that you are a Jostes you were born to drink and you were born to be fat! At that time it didn't sink in I just ignored him and laughed it off although it stung in my heart. Was he right? I kept fighting that question for a few months. Then I realized that it's not true not with me and I'll show him. It's been almost a year that I stop drinking and 5 months since I started my new transformation. He has noticed something different about me but still makes the comment that I have a spare tire and that this way of EFL will just soon fade away and I'll be back to the way it was. I told him NO! This is it for me, I want it so bad that I had tears in my eyes and all I ask from him is just to support me why does he have to be so negative towards me always. Doesn't he realize that hurts me? I grew up without a Dad for 30 years and now that I find him all he does is criticize me and my body. Well, I got news for him this kid isn't playing anymore!!! Second reason I want to change is because the doctors, especially my pain Dr. he says that because of all the surgeries I have had on my lower back that it would be insane to even try to exercise. I was like what? So you want me to just take strong pain narcotics and that's it? Just put my hope in the medications and pray that they will work? No this I cannot do and I told him how I'm trying to eat better as well as exercise again, he is against it and I can't blame him because of all that I've endured but still I don't want that to be an excuse for me. Even if it takes me a year or the rest of my life I will transform my body. There is so many reasons why I need to do this challenge but these two are the most important ones. I know it will be a long haul with me but if you Bill Phillips can help me on this journey I will do what needs to be done and you can take that to the bank! God bless Jerome Hammond, IN.

Bill- My 2 reasons for change 1)Jack 2)Emily. After successfully completing a challenge 2 years ago, I spoke with you over the phone, I have since fallen off the wagon in a huge way. I MUST take control over my mind and body. Thanks for dedication and inspiration. Tonia

Okay, I don't think it worked the first time, so here I go again. I'd accept the challenge because in November of 2006 I became anorexic. It was an extremely hard and tiring battle between me and myself and the world, but I got through it, but with some scars (I give my quick recovery completely to God). I'm still recovering mentally because of those, but after being in that postion I want to help people all over the world with eating disorders and body image. Before I can help anyone else, I need to get healthy, physically and emotionally. Like Sharen, I believe that this will help me mentally and spiritually and give my something that I know will help me feel accomplished and help me help others. Also, I am very competitive and love to have fun. So this will be an opportunity for me to play the game, try to be the best, and kick bootay! This will be an opportunity for me to show everyone that it isn't impossible to recover from and eating disorder and be healthy. Thanks Bill Jovi

I would be honored to participate in this next step. My reasons begin with finally taking responsibility for the role that I have been given. As a mother of 2 beautiful young children and a high school teacher, I have the opportunity to influence such a critical group of young people by my actions. I need to truly walk the walk once and for all. Be the Change and others will follow. My second reason is to finally be at peace. The accumulated stress of dealing with the death of my parents, and other heartbreak has finally taken its toll on my health. This all came to a head when I tried to give blood two weeks ago. My blood pressure was 185/114! I can no longer ignore the impact that my behaviors and state of mind is having on my health. I need to transform now or I won't be here to hold my children's children, and I know firsthand the pain that causes. Thanks again Bill for creating this opportunity! I look forward to it.

Bill~ I accept the challenge. I have so many reasons but I will narrow it down to the two most important ones. 1. To get my quality of life back. I have been on a spiritual journey for many years and have yo-yoed back and forth with my fitness. I want my outsides and insides to MATCH! It is time to bring both together and work to become whole. Not just a spiritual being that can't climb a flight of stairs. Or a totally fit person that can't find there way out of the emotional storm. I want to be both fit in my spirit and my body. 2. Exercise is the fountain of youth! My parents are aging very poorly. I watch them struggle everyday just to walk, sit, move. It is startling, all the doctors are saying most of their ailments stem from lack of exercise. JEEPERS! I can see what will happen to me if I don't take my body seriously, starting TODAY! I will be at the World Wellness Weekend in Austin Texas all weekend. I am so excited that I might get an opportunity to meet you and say hello. I have been a Bill Phillips believer since 2000. I always dreamed you would show up at my door to surprise me, however I am not there yet. So I will come to you~ see you this weekend Bill :o)

BILL WHAT A GREAT YOU LIVE AND YOU ARE CONSTANTLY SHOWING US TO LIVE FOR OTHER!S CONGRATS NEW CHAMPIONS YAHOO! YOU ARE~ AWESOME MARTY

Bill, I will accept your challenge to be the change. I know I can't make anybody change, only myself. When they see the change in me, hopefully it will inspire others to change as well. The other reason is more personal, all my life I have been afraid to fail so I don't try anything new or different, if something isn't going as planned I just quit or make an excuse, never admitting I failed. I want to be a better person, a blessing to my friends and my family and the kind of person people want to be around.

My two reasons for wanting to do the "Be The Change Challenge" is 1) to inspire others to become the best they can be and 2) to prove to myself that anything is possible and the rewards are worth the hard work and dedication. ~Shannon

Bill, I accept your "Be the Change" challenge for the following 2 reasons. 1. To Maintain My Sanity - If I focus on what I CAN control, I won't obsess about things I CANNOT control. Knowing the difference is KEY! 2. To be the "Poster Child" for facing challenges "One Day at a Time" despite the heartbreak. I have two grown children who are addicts and I can't be a good role model to them unless I walk my talk by maintaining my health/weight.

I cannot wait for the BE THE CHANGE CHALLENGE. my reasons for entering the challenge are: 1) To be the inspiration for my family, to be a shining example of the spiritual and physical transformation. 2) To BE THE CHANGE and to help transform as many people as I possibly can, and to help them BE THE CHANGE! This is what I want out of the challenge. Good Luck to all of you during your BE THE CHANGE Challenge! IN HIM, Brad

I have struggled for so long, my heart just aches. I keep grasping for something to give me inner peace. I did the challenge 2 years ago, and felt good....felt good about myself. It was more of a physical transformation, and even though I felt good about myself PHYSICALLY, there was still something missing. What was missing is the inner peace. I accept your challenge. One - to find the inner peace that will make me the person I so badly want to be....Two - It starts with One. I want to the the "one" that changes people's lives. My focus this time is not going to be the physical change, but the change in my mind and soul. If I play my cards right, the physical change will fall into place. Thanks, Bill for being who you are. Look what you started! I look forward to being part of your goal..... Deb ÜÜÜ

This is perfect timing Bill! I finish with my Transformation Challenge you put forth to us here in Albuquerque at the Wellness Convention on June 15! Take a week, re-group and analyze where I am at, write down my new set of goals and continue with my transformation. I accept your challenge and my reasons for continuing on are (1) This is going to be a long road for me...38 years of negative self talk and torment from things said to me by my mother ringing in my head will take some work, strength, the power of forgiveness and God's help to get past. The work I am doing during my workouts is a deep reflection of who I really am. A strong independent woman who does not quit. It takes a lot to hold me down - I actually haven't found what that is yet! ;) (2) My direction in life has changed and at 38 I feel like I am finally heading in a direction that will help many people, and that is important to me - people mean so much more than numbers (ex-accountant). I look around and feel great sadness for the unfit, unhappy people everywhere I go, and I think if I could just talk to them for 5 minutes, maybe I could change their lives. Maybe I could make them understand what they are doing to themselves, what they are teaching their children and that on the course they are on their children will be more obese then them and probably die first! Do they REALLY want to kill their own children??? Do they understand what they are doing? : ( If I want to be a personal trainer, life coach, motivator, and inspirer then I better look the part! So I WILL BE THE CHANGE and share that change with as many people as I can get my hands on!!! PS This blog was awesome!!! I am so happy that you let Sharen donate the money to Denises family! True spirit of giving. Sharen and Joe look and sound like true BFL Champions and a wonderful reflection of the creation you, Bill, have inspired world wide. Be the Change!

Bill I accept your challenge! Why? Two reasons, Emily Morton and Ashley Morton, ages 7 & 3. I will be turning 40 in August, and desperately want to be in the best shape of my life so I can be there for my two girls. Not just for the special moments, but to really be there with them actively participating in their lives. One of my most recent greatest pleasures is simply going for a bike ride with my oldest daughter. I'm happy for the fact that we ride together and I'm not sitting on my butt on the sidelines simply watching their lives, but being an active part of it. So there you go, my two reasons. Look forward to meeting you on the cruise in July. Brian

2 reasons I would make the commitment and see it through. 1. To "be the change". Create a better me and therefore help others do the same. That spreads to all aspects of life. I have been a semi-committed person for a while. Time to jump off the fence and make a permanent change. 2. I want to grow in life, become better, to serve those around me. That is going to take a commitment to change. I am ready and willing!

I want and need to accept this challenge for two very basic but important reasons: (1) My health is a wreck, the worst I have ever been in and (2) My wife deserves the best I can be. And since my health and wife are for the long haul I would need to stick to the challenge and make it a life change, not just a contest.

Bill I accept your challenge! Why? Two reasons, Emily Morton and Ashley Morton, ages 7 & 3. I will be turning 40 in August, and desperately want to be in the best shape of my life so I can be there for my two girls. Not just for the special moments, but to really be there with them actively participating in their lives. One of my most recent greatest pleasures is simply going for a bike ride with my oldest daughter. I'm happy for the fact that we ride together and I'm not sitting on my butt on the sidelines simply watching their lives, but being an active part of it. So there you go, my two reasons. Look forward to meeting you on the cruise in July. Brian

Bill~ Be the Change. Change is Good! As I am nearing the end of a BFL challenge, I see that I am changing everyday. Physically and emotionally. I would like to continue on this path and become a healthier, happier, stronger, fit ME. My 2nd reason is to set an example that changing old habits and transforming into a person with new habits is possible for anyone. I hope to inspire friends, family and others who may want to transform like I am and will continue to do.

I accept the Challenge, Bill, and I look forward to Making the Change in My Life this year! My motivation is my upcoming 35th birthday this fall. After several years of sadness and life disruption, I want to be the healthiest I have ever been - physically, spiritually and emotionally - on that day. Thank you for this opportunity and for bringing to us such inspiring words and stories about others' Transformations as motivation!

Bill, THIS Transformation challenge that you ask for us to describe what it means or why? Well since August 07 when I was drawn for some reason to your site,I knew already in my heart why and what transformation was and is. It is the MOST IMPORTANT thing to me in thru Universe because,my success is the last success I desire in life BECAUSE and ONLY BECAUSE after EVERYTHING I have "made of myself " and ALL the broken family traits and chains I have released my entire family from and the family I have created ,Never having one of my own. THIS last event could give OTHERS STRENGTH in THEMSELVES to bring HOPE where there is DESPAIR,UNDERSTANDING where there is denial. Many have had "paths" & many have been tradgic. But I have overcome EVERY single "tradgity" ever faced and turned it into STRENGTH & FAITH AND PURPOSE! My purpose is to be WHOLE in doing this I am WHOLE in my words and reflection and detyermination to create ME under all odds is my "gift" to others in despare. The one thing we need to substane life is HOPE. I give that to ALL I touch everyday my ENTIRE life. This is my purpose,yours is the Challenge. I am Worthy & I will show you this ,Hugs ,Laura

My two reasons I believe everyone wants to feel that they are worth being in existance and taking a challenge like this and seeing it through makes you feel worthy and gives you so much inner strength that it shows on the outside. And by changing inside out will influence your whole attitude, thinking and way of life. I want to feel worthy and be the best role model for my son. I want to feel and have the physical evidence that I am a winner, and to never give up.

Mr. Phillips, I accept the challenge and consider it a blessing, for sure. First, because I've seen already what "Transformation" can do, and I just know somehow that God has something like this in store for me. Second, because I must get in better health to take advantage of each day to the fullest.

I'm in! I'm not in the challange to win. I have too far to go for that to be realilistic. I'm in to take the next step in my transformation, (I like that word by the way). At 60 I don't have a lot more time to waste waiting to get fit. My rewards will be personal and for me that's better than money and gifts. I'm in to improve my health and fitness in body, mind and spirit. I'm in, not to just be there for my family but to there as a vibrant and positive influence, father, husband, brother and friend. I'm in to win! There is no reason number two. I'm in! -Art

Congratulations New Champions!! What Success!! My favorite quote was said by Gandhi "You must be the change you want to see in the world." I believe the world can be a place of complete peace and joy for all of us. We just have to make it so. I would except your "Be the Change" challenge for two reasons. The first 1. I want to not just be a bystander but actually make a difference in the lives of others. The second reason 2. to bring others hope. Hope of possibilities and a future full of joy peace and painfree.

Mr. Phillips, Thank you for everything! I except your challenge and my two reasons are 1) Confidence - I remember the feeling I had when I completed this challenge eight years ago. I had so much confidence and it made me a better person. I would light up a room when I walked in and it was because people that I've known forever just wanted to hear my story and how I had made the transformation. When I told my story I could just feel their energy rise with excitement and it was all because they wanted to try to transform themselves as well. 2) My family. This is an easy one. My oldest girl is 13 and my boy is 5 and my youngest daugher is 1. I need all the energy and time I can get to make sure I am the best father and the best husband I can be. I look forward to more information on your new challenge.

Hi Bill~ I am so excited about my friend Sharen winning the challenge. She is a wonderful Lady and an awesome internet workout partner! she inspires me to pieces and keep's me in line all the time. with encouragement and strength and her positive sparkling personality! I am so thrilled for her and her family. great pictures! Might I add another compliment I knew she would give her money for a wonderful cause, she has a heart of gold! and diamonds.

Awesome champions! My 2 reasons would be: 1) to prove to myself that I have what it takes to go above and beyond my normal existence for my family's sake - to convince myself I can become less selfish with my time. 2) for once in my life have balance: mind, body and spirit. It always seemed to be just 1 at a time. Just imagine the good one could do when you bring all 3 things to bear on something and they are all working together at peak performance! Now THAT is power!

Bill, I accept your challenge to be the change! First, I will commit to this challenge because I ache for peace in my life. Everyday I wage through an emotional war with food, and I am loosing the battle. I fight off migaines with caffeine and chocolate. I sleep eat in the middle of the night and wake up the next morning covered in peanut butter and with no recollection of my actions. Feeling guilty from the night before, I restrict my food during the day. Workouts have become a struggle due to residual pain and injuried from a car accident. Second, I will commit to this challenge because I want to show my father that WE can transform our sluggish, unhealthy lives into an exhilarating adventure. He too is a transformation member and seeks to attain physical fitness and optimal health. We spent our first 26 years together on a rollercoaster of fit and fat. My mission is to explore the rest of life with peace of mind, body, and spirit along with my immediate transformation team - my family. Starting with you, Dad.

I would be willing to accept a Be the Change Challenge. My 2 reasons would be 1 To be a winner in my life, constant and growing and setting an example of Change. 2.The ripple effect is the obvious second reason so often people sit back and watch to see if CHANGE in others will stick. Will the Change be lasting, what can we/they anchor to. Once again I am finally seeing that the physical is not the main reason for Transformation. Inner joy is and it certainly is infectious.

Wow 2 new transformation all stars! With Sharen I think the community will see a very clear and complete inner transformation and I know many are curious about that side and what an example to see in Sharens. Very cool ! I can see Faith has you very present with schooling you in feeding the chickens, Thanks for sharing!! ~Coach Stoney

Thank you for creating this website for us! Everytime my motivation begins to dwindle, I visit this website and my heart is renewed. Thank you for guiding us toward our highest quality of life.

Bill...I wont say thanks for all that you do.... I think it sometimes becomes energy misdirected ..... Therefore sharing your work and your life CHANGING outlook by our examples, our testimonies and the simple fact that everyone Man, Woman and Child can develop a more healthy lifestyle, Heal, Fix, and find Love on the inside is a more fitting way to show you appreciation and thanks for being the vessel through which all of this has come to light. You are a true to your faith MAN

SHAREN...sorry to barge in again, but what an amazing, selfless gift to Team Taylor. YOU look fantastic!

"The Horse. The Sharen. The Bill." I just spit my chili. Thanks for the laugh...and the update! I NEVER get tired of reading about overcomers. CHAMPIONS, indeed! ~Kevin, Springfield IL