One tough lesson, slowly learned over the last year, and crystallizing for me now, is as you suggest; we carry and worry about so many inconsequential things in our day, which distract us from the small gifts of joy that are there if only we look for them. Live today, so that you leave yourself without regrets tomorrow.

...I am back to try, again...I will never give up. I pray for strength. thank you for the inspiration and hope...

Okay Bill I HATE this blog...not really. I just wish I had read this sooner. You just gave me a mental ass kicking!!! Ok so I am responsible!!! I have said nearly all these stupid statements. (not all) I am going to bed now but in the morning it is a fresh beginning and I am RESPONSIBLE for every minute of it. Pray for me as I overcome my "stinkin thinkin" and tired ass routine!! I want change. I have a lot of work to do...

truly awesome.

WOW. This is soooo true. I just received my brand new Body for Life Transformation Journal. Today I plan, tomorrow I begin. I will finish this!!!! Feel better, be healthier and naturally look better. I would love to be bicep to bicep with your team. But this site is a great way to stay motivated from half way across the country.

I'm getting it done in 90 days n that that ...I can do it! I want to look great health n bring my sexy back ...2012 is my year!

Thanks Bill - I agree. I've started Celebrate Recovery and am dealing with my depression and my past trauma i have experienced. One moment at a time! Just loving myself right now and the yoga i just finished.

Bill I totally agree with you. The world would be a better place if more people accepted responsibility for their actions. I also think there is a corollary message in that everyone should be held responsible. In our personal life we are held accountable for our successes and failures. It is the same with our health. Our body holds us accountable for the abuses and neglect. Your program, if accepted, guides an individual to raise the level of our performance in all areas to its highest level. Thanks for your guidance.

What happened to the weekly TV show? I can't find it nor any word about it.

So true Bill! So true!

Bill, thank you for guiding us! I do choose to be responsible for my happiness and health. The timing to read this came at a time when I have again committed to enhance my life. We are so blessed to have you in our lives to remind us and nourish us with positive thoughts. I am going to review my 18 week assignments and go forward with my transformation. Love, Lupe

I like this lesson in life. Such Great Advice. No Exuses. Thank You.. Coach~!!!!!!! : ) xoxoxo

Totally awsome! thank you Bill!! How true! -Terri

Awesome!

BIll, Thank you. Melanie

Right on Bill....

Bill, Where can we buy your book on CD? This recording of part of Chapter 9 is terrific! Would love to listen to it in the car. Joe

Thanks Bill for be a force for sustainable change in so many lives. I am becoming more self aware, and I am able to own up to a lot of my self defeating behaviors. I am responsible for me.

Thank you Bill for sharing. I can completely resonate with what you shared. In the past year I have felt especailly empowered as I have done some great internal work to recognize that I'm always in control of my circumstance because I always have a choice. It's so easy to get sucked into the negativity that can be all around us, so I choose daily to be mindful and work on me, work on what I can control that is within my sphere. I've made great strides to continue my learning and I'm still making the improvements. I was in a training class for work and the instructor shared her top list of books and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was on the list. I had read that book many years ago, but I don't think I finished it and to be honest, I really don't think I was ready for it at that time. I am now ready and I've commited to re-visiting and applying to my life. Anyway, I accept full responsiblity for my past choices and the choice I'm making today. Progress, Progress and more progress:) Sincerely, Lori

Getting my power back! Looking forward to meeting you one day and becoming an inspiration to others. :-) D

Once again you & the universe have conspired to bring me the absolute right information at absolutely the perfect time. Thank you! xoxo

So true Bill, I am the king of excuses!!! 2012 has to be different!!

Great Blog Bill!!!! I do agree that we should not blame others and make excuses for our failures, because we can not control what other people do or think. What happens though when a person points the finger at them self and takes credit for their failure and those failures are not excuses, but based actually on fact? There are instances where I have taken action to makes things right only to fail again. Some peoples excuses are some peoples facts. Too bad I can not write you personaly so I can tell you what I am talking about.

Brilliant - this could easily be Lesson #1 :-) Very cool to listen to Bill reading through it. 1 thing I've been doing over last few weeks is write this in an journal every single morning "Today I take 100% responsibility for this day & my life". Cheers, Dave

Thank you Bill! I'm so disappointed that I let my self go. I'm not happy with my image in the mirror. I let the pain get me down, and lost motivation. I'm glad you always keep me inspired! I can do it it!!!

Bill, This is the first day of reading to get ready to start my Transformation on Sunday. My first read of your Blogs AND this is exactly what I needed to hear. It's so funny how when you make the conscious decision to finally make the commitment to change, the first thing you read is perfect! "When you stop blaming others, give up the victim stories, and you accept responsibility." That is something that I never do and it has caused so much pain in my life. I am excited about this transformation. It will work for me this time. I have been treated for depression for over 12 years and nothing worked. I move to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to work for the US Navy and finally talked to a behavioral Dr. who actually listened to me and my issues all the way back to childhood to tell me that I'm ADHD. Put me on the correct meds and I am now for the first time Happy! I am able to focus my attention, and most importantly finish what I start! It's taken 47 years for this to happen. Now I know I can do anything. Thank you for doing what you do to help us. ~ Bobby McCloskey (closkeyclan1)

Letting go of control was and still is a large part of my transformation journey. When I do, life seems so much simplier. Thank you for always reminding us all that WE are in control of how we spend our Energy each day, not others. ~Mary

Bill thank you for sharing this with me and the rest of the team. I am so appreciative for all you do and this year I am committed to making some great changes with your help. Thanks for all you do. Brian

When we do, then and only then will we tap into our fullest potential and ability to change. As we continue on, we give up our excuses and fully realize it’s up to us to consciously choose how we respond and what we do in any given moment. By taking responsibility for those things that are within your control, and surrendering everything else, you will discover renewed energy, power and peace of mind. So Beauitful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!All goes back to boundaries. I am only responsible for what I CHOOSE TO DO not what others do. I ..am defined by ME and My choices not by others! Being centered in my BEING and not controled by others is so vitally important. I pray that I can transform my 2012! I choose to BELIEVE and to ACHIEVE! Loving You Shari

It's time to be in charge of my own mind and life!

This is powerful! Thank you! ~Lupe

Awesome blog!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the reminder Bill!! I really needed that!

Powerful thought powerfully spoken True when I first hear you speak them. True today. Thanks for the nudge Bill ~ david

Something guided me here tonight and I just happened to have a headset plugged into my computer that I use for my Rosetta Stone lessions. I was reading your blog and heard something coming from the headset, so I put them on and listened. I guess I haven't been on in a while. I love it!! And, the timing on what I heard you talk about tonight was perfect!! Thanks again Bill!! Love and Hugs, Ash

Yes, kind of like pointing your finger at someone else, but the only thing is that there are three pointing back at you. Thanks for the reminder!

Seems so simple, yet may be the most difficult thing to do and then to continue to do EVERY DAY. Thanks!

Thanks Bill for reminding me of setting boundaries and taking responsibility for caring for myself. I came to understand that I was codependent. I have learned to set boundaries with others but not with myself. I feel an urgency to change. I keep the serenity prayer by my computer to remind me of those choices.

Amen Bill! -Andrew

"Everybody dies, but not everybody truely lives" - Drake Can you say you've lived? Have the choices you've made in life recently forced you to look into that mirror? Are you going to finally get up and truely live? I choose to devote each day to feeling better as opposed to doing nothing to feel worse! God Bless you Bill for the post and your spirit.

Wow Bill..powerful words, I am sending this to my daughter who is having problems in her marriage and is searching for guidance...Thanks

Very true! I am so over making excuses!

Wow Bill, you really hit that one out of the park!!! I have for too long blamed or let someone else dictate my mood, life and how I view myself! NOT ANYMORE!!

WE ALL require a healthy dose of 'accepting responsibility'. Putting a positive spin on this, it becomes a process of taking ownership or staking claim to who we are in the present moment. Let's not look at ourselves so much with a critical eye as with an analytical eye. What are we doing correctly? What is in need of improvement? Once we are able to clearly see both sides of the coin we can increase value on either side and reach a place where it's always heads up ... win, win.

There is so much truth in those words Bill. It's also the same as being a product of our environment. When we surround ourselves with others who blame, gossip, complain, we become those same people. I actually chose to step away from relationships in my life because they were what I called "cancer". Those people had no desire to change and were comfortable in that place. Finally accepting responsibility for my part in that behavior and realizing I was contributing to it, I was able to walk away and choose not to live my life that way. Thank you for the lesson and the tools to do that!

There is so much truth in your words here Bill! I have been down both sides of the road on responsibility. It may be tough to swallow, but it is the first step to change!

Bill, thanks for posting this and a review of chapter 9. Much needed reminder for motivation. Sure appreciate it. Lisa =)

So needed to be reminded of this today - Thank You.

Bill, Thank you for this blog. It is a good reminder to me that I am responsible for my life and I am my own change agent. I am looking forward to training with you at the transformation camp. It is up to me and I am changing my life for the better. Lynnie

With all my heart, thank you for this dear Bill. ♥ Reading this is powerful. Hearing YOU read it is beyond amazing. I will be listening to this often and to other audios as I progress through my new challenge this year. I love you so much! Micky

I love accountability! And I'd like to add that it's never about blame. Not to others and not to ourselves either. Blame gets us nowhere. It's about looking at ways of doing things in the past and seeing what has worked and brought us joy and fullfillment and what has not, and making the decision to change our path so we're not repeating the things that don't work.

It's all about my choices. I have chosen to be this way and to keep myself this way too. The negativity, the anger, the weight, the struggle...it's all my choice. So, it makes sense to me that if I can choose to struggle, I can just as easily choose not to struggle. If I can choose to be angry, I can just as easily choose to be happy. MY choices is what has been keeping me in the state I'm currently in - and...it's MY choices that can take me out of that state too. Thanks Bill - this message was not lost on me today- it hit the target in the center. ~Julie

Great reminder! I find that if I have a persistent complaint, it's in an area that I haven't accepted responsibility for, whether it's my relationships, my job or my physical appearance. Holding up that mirror is harsh. Looking at how I treat others, looking at what I'm doing and asking myself if that's who I want to be - is the key to snap out of the old actions and start new ones. Once that old business is taken care of, or at least looked at differently, transformation is on it's way. Just one thing can lift a heavy weight that has been carried around and make my life happier.

*** Thank you for the reminder Bill, you are so right ! This is the way we should all be living this life we are given ! =) ~Bekah ***

Thank you so much for reminding me of exactly what IS working for me in my Transformation. It is easy to think it is just about what I eat when it is really about how I think and behave. People have been asking me what diet I am on and the answer is not what they expect to hear. When I tell them I have run out of excuses they look kind of puzzled. Thank you Bill for all the tools you have given us!

So True ! Thanks for the reminder Bill ! Jane

Thanks Bill, Perfect timing for me.

Thank you! My favorite paragraph from this starts, "Accepting responsibility means taking control of the things you can and letting go of everything else..." We control our feelings, emotions, everything. This is an awesome Blog to keep us aware. I am writing this paragraph down to read daily because unfortunately it's easy to forget and slip back to old habits. Thanks again :)

I LOVE THIS BILL!!!! It is one of my favorite chapters in the transformation book, and the one I go to when I want to remind myself to TAKE ACTION. And it is where I learned that surrender meant to give up (and upwards) what was holding me back. Thanks for always sharing distilled, energetic, uplifting, motivating tips that really "resonate" truth!!! Love, Deb

My favorite line of yours was..."Three things that I am taking control of, starting today are: My Health, My Time & My Mindset"...Thank you Bill for SPEAKING to me today :)

This is my favourite chapter! Thanks for the reminder!

Amazing! I wrote my blog this morning before I heard this. It's like you are predicting the realizations that I'm currently having. Thanks so much for all that you do, Bill! - Doyle

Bill, True Transformation starts by taking responsibility for your own actions! Thank you for sharing this excerpt from ''The Transformation Solution'', ! ~ Brett

Bill I had an AhAh! moment when I read the phrase "give your power away" I realize that when I allow my past to define who I am, I am giving my power away. I can change that:) thanks\Bill

It really pushes the point home hearing you read it! Keith

This blog is a great awakening and awareness of owning up to who we are. thanks Bill!! Lovin Life-Mick

How brilliant are you Bill? Thank you so much for sharing your brilliance with us...you have made a profoundly positive impact on my life and I appreciate you and your commitment to improvement. It is life giving and exciting to be part of such a dynamic community, from such a powerful leader who walks his talk. You be the man dude. Much appreciation..and best to you and Clarissa in 2012.

Thank you Bill!! Prior to working through the 18 steps, I was the one who made excuses and blamed others for my lack of self control. When I finally took charge, the magic happened. I love this message - one of the most important chapters in your book!!

Sage advice so well spoken for our time. For all of of this is our time do we awaken to our highest purpose in life and the infinite possibility of that our lives hold or do we create our lives by chance choosing to be victims of our egoic self. I will pass this on to all that will hear.

Thank you for this reading Bill, a great step --- choosing - taking responsiblity, taking action, creating the right conditions and then surrendering and letting go are all gifts. :=). Thia

this is Such an important message and lesson. it totally changed me from a Victim to Victor in my personal perspective of Life and my relationships with others.Thank You Bill

So True

Thank you Bill. I feel more confident ever. I am just practising what you suggest regarding mind set, balance diet and exercise. And when I started I believed that I will transform if I follow your way, But had no idea how fast I will transform. Today is my 5th week, every one ask me what Miracle happen to my body. Before my waist was 37 inch and Now its 34 inch. Its all because I practised Bill said. God bless you Bill, Thank you again and again...

Amen, Bill. That message'll preach! Thanks for all you do, and please keep 'em coming. +1 to lahart's comment: The audio is a great addition.

Thank you so much, thank you thank you...... Katie

This is great, Bill. Loved the audio addition. God bless. ~ Larry

This is a great reminder and a timely invitation to reclaim our lives as we embark on a New Year. Thanks for sharing this with us Bill!

Thank you Bill. It is remarkable how the Universe sends the right message at the right time!!!! So thank you and may you have a remarkable year filled with many blessings Angela

Its great to hear your voice!!! This is such a great reminder to us all! Thank you for all you do and all you are!!

thank you

Great blog Bill! It has taken me over two years to reach a place of self-understanding to move beyond "what-was-done-to-me" thinking to a place where I am able to take responsibility, appreciate every life event - good, bad or ugly - and can see the human frailty in every face and interaction before me. Love and live gently.

"It’s unfortunate to see that so many folks waste such vast quantities of valuable energy worrying about, gossiping about and complaining about things that are beyond their control." - No where i sthis greater then inside an Emergency Dispatch Center. Bill, Your words are wise and as always timely. Much success to you with the opening of the Transformation Facility and all the good things that are sure to come. It is a syou say, "our" responsibility to make the changes and decisions for outselves. Thank you for all that you do.