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Transformation Assignment #6
Transforming What you See
Dear Friends,
Today I want to talk to you about something which is very important at this point in your transformation journey. It's time to begin to transform our mindset -- to begin to change the way we see. One of the ways we do that is to consciously focus on progress not perfection. By focusing on progress -- by seeing what is going right -- we can stay positive, confident, and motivated. And, seeing progress even helps us achieve better results faster.
Here’s why…
The mind is, of course, an incredibly powerful processor of information, but what’s often overlooked is the fact that the mind is also a powerful creator of our experience. How we work with “Mind” makes or breaks us… literally. If we get up in the morning and start looking for things that are wrong with ourselves, and others, we’ll find it. On the other hand, if we look for good things, we’ll find those too. And not only will we find the good, we’ll send out a signal with our mental energy which works like a magnet to bring us more of what we see.
“I look only to the good qualities of men. Not being faultless myself, I won't presume to probe into the faults of others.”
And so when we consciously look for and appreciate good signs of our transformation progress, we are commanding a creative process which helps bring us more progress. By changing our mindset in this positive way, we actually transform the energy of our consciousness – we tune in to a frequency of appreciation and we turn off lower energies like frustration and disappointment.
I’m certain that if you’re reading these words right now it’s because you’re still in the game – you’re doing your assignments and exercises and you’re committed to following through with your intention to BE THE CHANGE – to make a healthy transformation physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. And, that being the case, I’m certain that you have signs of positive progress all around you. And so please, take the next step here and begin to train your mind to nourish your confidence, your positive energy, and your motivation, by giving yourself credit for the positive progress you’ve already made. Focus on that progress -- see it clearly. Forget about perfection. Let go of the “need” for instant gratification. The rewards of this transformation challenge are worth working for… the growth is in the earning of it, not just the owning of it. If there were a pill to help you transform your health and life overnight, I wouldn’t dare give it to you – I wouldn’t even think of taking away all that you’ll gain by doing the work.
"A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever
the mind looks for, it finds."
What’s beautiful about this is the way each day teaches us so much – we’re learning how to overcome resistance, honor self-promises, strengthen our discipline, and to change our mindset which opens the door for complete transformation of consciousness, which, by the way, is the one thing which changes everything. We’ll get there one decision, one moment, one thought,
at a time.
Action Step
Please identify, right here and now, at least 2 signs of the progress you’ve made so far. For example, are you prioritizing your health and well being now more than you did before you accepted this transformation challenge? If so, that’s definitely worth recognizing, and you should feel good about that! Have you been taking some action each day to honor the sacred responsibility of taking care of the incredible body you’ve been given for this life? If so, there’s another gold star right there! Has accepting responsibility for your own health begun to help you live a more integrous and honorable life already? Have you gained more empathy and compassion for others who are also facing challenges in their lives? Have you exercised more in the past couple weeks than in the previous couple months? Have you been eating more nourishing foods than before? Have you cut back on things that are not good for you… junk food, junk TV, engaging in bad habits, complaining, etc.?
Okay, here’s what I’m asking from you now… Please share at least 2 signs of your positive progress so far in the comments section below. From there, please make the commitment to look for and find at least 2 signs of your continued progress each day and write them down in your journal, and/or share them in a new forum group called “Progress not Perfection.”
Until next time…
Bill Phillips
P.S. I’ll be premiering an exciting new Transformation Story Video with you by the end of this week as well as sharing some new insight which can help you increase the quality of your nutrition so you can enjoy even better results faster with fat loss while also picking up your energy and strength! It’s going to be a busy week here in T-Town so stick around!
I am seeking help with my Faith. I am beginning to turn off the logical arguing side of me and listening for direction. I am exercising each day whether I really want to or not.
Wow lets see where I can start. 1. I have not had a drink, alcohlic, in 6 weeks and I do not even feel like having one anymore. 2. I've lowered my blood pressure. 3. I get excited the night before knowing I get to get up and go workout or run. 4. I have compassion for others like I've never had before. 5. My road rage is nearly gone lol. At times I still get aggravated but I hold it inside. 6. My wife says I'm hyper, I like to say I have more energy. 7. I feel great throughout the day. 8. I look in the mirrow and see a difference in my face which tells me I'm making a difference. 9. I've made so many friends on this site that motivate me and I feel self accomplishment when they tell me I motivate them and I'm making a difference. 10. I have more energy to take care of my wife.
Confidence is soaring!!!! Energy unbounding!!! Thanks for this opportunity Bill. Andy
There are many more, but these are the most important 2 signs of progress for me right now: 1. I am willing and ready to look at the issues underneath my previous bad eating and exercising habits. I am not trying to just fix the symptoms, but actually figure out the disease, the cause, and heal it first. 2. I feel better about myself, even though I can't see physical improvement yet. I feel better just for doing the right thing for myself and taking care of myself.
PMA...Positive Mental Attitude. I've caught it. 1) First sign of progress for me is the change in my attitude. I now look at things as being capable of being accomplished instead of defeats. I see and extra mile to run as a challenge instead of unobtainable. 2) The second sign of progress for me is my ability to control my intake of food. It is amazing if one eats 6 times a day how full one can feel. I use to eat, eat eat and still not fill full. Now I am and enjoy eating healthy. I no longer look at myself as something that needs to be perfected, just in a state of progress.
1) I have stopped drinking. 2) I have started running and ran my first 5k race.
Two positive signs of progress would be, increased energy throughout the day, no highs and lows or falling asleep at 8 in the evening. Greater sense of purpose, through having a good "why".
have been doing the homework in journals and decided that i needed to write them here too. 2 signs of progress that this is working: one is of course the physical changes. I am liking the muscularity that is forming in my arms and legs and the disappearance of bodyfat. The other thing i wrote about was the increased awareness of my behaviors and my now awakened consciousness of them and looking to see why i am doing what i am doing..healthy or avoiding something else...and changing behaviors to healthy ones. a third would be a noticeable increase in joy in my marriage now that we are "on a team" to be the happiest fit grandparents and have the energy and mental capacity to deal with the life seasons we are in currently.
#6, Transforming What You See, Focus On Progress Not Perfection Be The Change You Want To See In The World - I have this posted on my fridge and my vision board. Even beforeI found this site, those words were in my thoughts and in my home environment on a daily basis. With one change. I always think of it as "Be the change you want to see in YOUR world." We look out on the world, from inside. We see the world from the viewpoint of an individual. We change the world, for better or worse, when we change our individual selves, our individual lives and our indivual minds. We transform the world positively by transforming our selves. How powerful!!! Seeing What is Right - We find what we look for. We see what we first imagine. We create our experiences in this world by translating the information we receive from our senses. Positive translation makes for a positive experience. When my daughter was 2, we went to the park, and she climbed laboriously up the stairs to the slide. I was so proud and thrilled - until - a wild 4 year old grabbed the back of her jacket and flung her backwards from the top of the slide into the bark dust below. My hands flew to my cheeks and the air was sucked out of every grown up watching. We all waited for tears. They never came. My daughter started giggling and then laughing, looking at the sky from the bark dust. We all laughed with her in relief. i learned that day, viscerally, that we create the meaning to our physical experiences. Our senses just give us input, we are the ones who give that input positive or negative meaning. The Growth Is The Earning Of It - My husband and I have long toyed with the idea that effort itself is the grace, the gift we are longing for, the fulfillment of the physical side of our human experience. It appears to us, from years of leading disciplined, happy, productive lives, that the giving itself is the gift. Giving what you want leads to all good things. Giving love leads to love. Giving effort towards healthy habits leads to healthy rewards. The missing puzzle piece for me was in "realizing" what Bill meant when he said "give up the fight'. He didn't mean give up the effort. He meant, stop fighting the process of putting forth the effort that leads to grace. Stop fighting. Start giving effortlessly. Transformation of Consciousness - To be conscious means simply to be awake, to be aware, to be the one driving the bus - rather than riding in a bus with a sleeping driver. To transform means literally to create forward movement. "trans" = move forward, "form" = create, "ation" = the doing of. Transformation of consciousness therefore means to create forwads movement in the level of consciousness. To move forward. To change. To do something that creates a positive forward movement in your level of human awareness. When you move forward in your thinking, all other areas of your life (spirituality, health, career, relationships, abundance, emotions) follow quickly. Sending goodness and loving thoughts to everyone reading this today, Debby
This is a good assignment for me. I tend to ALWAYS see the negative in myself. The shortcomings or mistakes I have made rather than the postitive things I do. For me, it is REALLY hard to look at myself and say "Wow Amy, you are really great at this or that, or you are doing a great job" ect.....So, I read this assignment and really felt like it was totally meant just for me . Two of the POSTITIVE things I have seen happen during this challenge thus far are: 1. I am really proud of my exercising habits. I have always been into exercise and don't really struggle with making it part of my life, but the QUALITY of my workouts has been improved ten-fold. I don't just go through the motions and do things sloppy. I make every movement count, every step in my run worth doing and I don't quit easily when I feel like I can't go on. I push myself to go just a little further and a little further. I also LOVE the changes I see in my mind because of how good I feel after a workout. There is also a smile on my face. 2. I am a better mom. This one should actually be the first thing I saw. I have more energy to play with my kids. I have a greater desire to take them to the park, to play mini golf, to go for a walk or bike ride with them, to sit and read stories with them, just talk to them and remind them how much I care about them and our family. I am keeping a much cleaner home, which in turn makes a much happier family. I care about others and try to make sure my kids see me helping others so they can learn and feel that compassion towards others. I also have more friends than I have in a LONG time. It's because I am putting myself out there and meeting people and trying rather than sitting at home alone. My life as a mom is so much better and I am LOVING it! Amy
"A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind looks for, it finds." - Bill Phillips How powerful that statement is! It really hit home for me. I don't remember a time in my life that I have not suffered from depression, although somewhat biologically based, a mind disease. So I started thinking...have I and my mind, out of habit, become accustomed to looking for these lapses...is that what I am trying to see. I hope not!! I printed this quote out and placed it in my wallet, on my bedroom mirror and on my refrigerator. I want my mind to look for and anticipate happiness, joy, health and success. I have already identified 2 areas in my life where I can see a vast improvement and progress: 1. I am no longer feeding myself and my family junk. We are eating and drinking healthfully! 2. I have reduced many of my bad habits, such as watching too much television and oversleeping and in turn have found much more time to spend with my family and my work. So, here are the first 2 positive signs I am transforming...I will start sharing my others also. thanks bill. hugs tim p.s. this link is where I post my 2 daily positive signs of progress in my transformation: http://www.transformation.com/forum/progress-not-perfection/1781-transformation-6-what-you-see-pnp.html#post28540
Two positive signs of progress for me are 1. The wastline is shrinking I need a belt once again!!! And 2. people at my work place are seeing the differenc this is a great time to spread some positive energy and start being the change!!!...my workplace is loaded with negativity, petty drama, verbal gossip, jelousy, etc..etc..etc, not to mention the unhealthy habits, smoking, fast food, microwaved junk.
2 Positive Signs of Progress for Me: #1 - Even though work is incredibly stressful right now, I am not turning to comfort foods to deal with it! I get out of my chair and go for a walk instead!! #2 - I have made it a priority to complete my planned exercise and meals every day except for free day and I've kept that promise to myself! No excuses!!
My two positives - (1) I have lost 30 lbs so far and have 'excessive' amounts of energy, and (2) I've learned how to eat better and enjoy food - I no longer think of food as 'the enemy'.
1. My energy is way up from before 2. My confidence is already starting to grow
Two things: I haven't missed a workout or eaten off plan. I'm feeling more confident in who God has made me to be.
The changes that have been taking place in me are: 1. Feeling the desire to improve myself both physically and emotionally. 2. Forgiving myself for my imperfections.
2 positive signs -- I am finding that I have lots more energy and can keep up with folks much younger. I took a cardio bootcamp class at the gym and was able to do it all. I also have said no to food that shows up without warning -- cheesecake at a work lunch, cookies at a workshop, and fried food, which I love. Taking care of me......is more delicious than the food...
2 postitive signs of progress for me: There are many changes that I have noticed and I am only in week two! But two of the biggies are 1) that I am more organized and put more thought into my plans for the next day. The BFL Success Journal has been a great tool to help me stay on track, so instead of waking up in the morning and just sort of winging it, I already have my plan in place for the day. I added in positive affirmations for each day and I read and say them several times throughout the day and that leads me to the second sign of progress. 2) I can see a change in mindset - before when I didn't do things perfectly, I would be tempted to just throw in the towel and give up. This time, even though I have had some slips during weeks one and two, I haven't been derailed by negative thinking. I concentrate on what I did right that day, look at what I can do differently tomorrow and then move on. You are so right about it being about "progress and not perfection"!. The change in mindset spills over into other areas in my life and I find myself being more tolerant of not only my own mistakes, but also more tolerant of others. I find that I wake up excited about the day and have a much more positive outlook.
2 positives... 1. I love they way I look in my clothes 2. I love being healthier, happier
My 2 signs of progress - 1st one, is a biggie, I quit drinking pop. I have been a diet-coke-aholic for years, so this hasn't been easy but it makes it clear to me that I can do anything I decide to do. 2nd one, may not seem as significant but is still important, I am going out of my way to be active. Taking the stairs, parking further away, cleaning instead of sitting, walking at work, it all adds up!
I have been logging my workouts and eating during the week. I have been packing a cooler more often and am cutting out protein bars (they were good in a pinch, but if I pack my food and don't wait to eat until I'm starving, I won't have a pinch). Liz
2 positives...I have been sticking to my eating plan in spite of the limited progress on the scale and I have been exercising more recently than I have in a long time. Thanks for this reminder about staying positive...I really needed it!
I'm never tired when it's time to go to bed, but instead of staying up late and watching TV I've started reading again. Reading is one of those things I say I love, but seldom actually do. Now I get into bed with a Book Light and a good novel that takes me out my self-obsession, and after just a chapter or two I'm tired enough to go to sleep. This has two positive effects. The first is physical: I am rested and able to do better workouts in the morning! The second is spiritual: it means I am honouring my desire to have my actions congruent with my values - if I say I value reading, why do I watch TV but never read? I'm not saying all TV is bad by any means - for me it's about getting balance into my life.
2 Signs of Progress: 1 - I recognize the value of my journal...plan it, record it, review it 2 - making my workouts a priority puts everything else in place and helps me move closer to my goals.
1) I lost a fair amount of weight (6 kgs) 2) I am able to consistently stay away from the junkfood I always had a difficulty with.
1. I'm BACK IN THE GYM DAILY & working out for the 1st time since my 2 surguries 8 weeks ago! 2. I'm SMILING again!! THANK YOU Bill!
1) I'm back on track nutritionally 2) I'm more excited about something "genuine" than I have been in a LONG time.
Just starting week three after a not so stellar week 2...back to school, rearrangement of schedules, etc... still working out all the details in my routine! But I have had a great two weeks from the aspect of consciously eating and consistently exercising. I have tremendous amounts of energy and focus right now...something that I will be needing in the year to come! This process is so much bigger than I am...I cannot wait to see the results one year from now!
#1- I've found my FOCUS #2- Confience is SOARING!
have definitely cut out the empty carbs and limited my treats. More protein for sure. Had to lay off the exercise for a bit due to a back injury but hope to be back in the swing of things this week. On my way!
There are times when I have been thinner but I don't think I have ever been healthier or more fit. I am happy and I no longer have osteopenia. l
I'm now eating more vegetables and brown rice then ever before. I've also have being drinking a lot more fruit juice and at least 10 cups of water a day.Starting to have more energy and feeling a whole lot better.
There have been so many it is hard to only pick 2. One is my association. I have ended several battery draining friendships and business relationships in the past few weeks. I now surround myself with only positive upbuilding people. If someone starts turning negative I just change it to something that will upbuild us both. Secondly I daily do a visual exercise that I learned at Lifebook and see myself being success in my life and deserving it. Thanks Bill~Annissa
I'm a little behind in responding. There have been many positive changes on this journey but I must say the number one change is my dependence on God has grown immensely. The second positive is I am training my body to work hard.
Transformation Challenge Assignment #6 Transforming What You See "A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind looks for, it finds." - Bill Phillips How powerful that statement is! It really hit home for me. I don't remember a time in my life that I have not suffered from depression, although somewhat biologically based, a mind disease. So I started thinking...have I and my mind, out of habit, become accustomed to looking for these lapses...is that what I am trying to see. I hope not!! I printed this quote out and placed it in my wallet, on my bedroom mirror and on my refrigerator. I want my mind to look for and anticipate happiness, joy, health and success. I have already identified 2 areas in my life where I can see a vast improvement and progress: 1. I am no longer feeding myself and my family junk. We are eating and drinking healthfully! 2. I have reduced many of my bad habits, such as watching too much television and oversleeping and in turn have found much more time to spend with my family and my work. So, here are the first 2 positive signs I am transforming...I will start sharing my others also. thanks bill. hugs tim
Two positives to my progress are: 1. I am happy with the healthy person I am becoming. 2. I want to spark the joy in transforming to everyone!
I have been feeling tired and worn down before beginning my transformation journey. I use to sleep in late. The 2 positive changes that I witnessed: I feel an abundance of energy from the moment my feet hit the floor and I am breathing clearer with no wheezing. I had been having trouble getting through my cardio. Praise God! ~Nikki
Bill's message couldn't have come at a better time. I was starting to get discouraged because it wasn't happening fast enough. Old habits! So, today is day 31 for me. I've lost 8 lbs, depending on the day. I'm able to run on the treadmill at incline level 7 for my level 9 and 10 intensity levels. OK, it takes me until the last second of level 8 to be ready to run again, but I'm doing it. I also took my measurements and I'm seeing results! I was even feeling brave enough to put the bathing suit back on for a "30 day" picture. Ya know, I'm starting to see a waist. It's been a long time since I've seen curves in the "right" places. Wahoo! Bring it on! I'm ready for it.
I have been working almost non stop since I first read assignment number 6 so here are my accomplishments. I have lost all but 3 pounds of my goal weight. I am most definitely learning that I am not perfect no matter how hard I try and I am learning to love others for who they are and who they are not. I am not expecting them to be perfect either. Learning to love them for the gift they are. Denise
2 positive signs of progress: 1) I'm able to see food as fuel for the body rather than as a source of comfort. 2) My spirit is just soaring!!!! Becasue of this: My connection to God has been strengthened like i never thought it could. I'm now able to ward of the negativity all around me. I'm better able to decide to be positive in the face of adversity. The bond between my husband, children and me becomes more and more solid as I work through this challenge. I live in the same world, but it looks so different.....so beautiful.
1)The first sign of progress I am making is the way my mind works when it comes to eating nutritous foods at home and when I am eating out at a resteraunt. When I use to go out grocery shopping with my wife the most important foods where frozen pizzas, chicken strips and any type of cookie or pastry. It is incredible the way my mind has changed. Now walking past those foods don't even temp me. We now are excited about healthy, nutritous and great tasting foods. There is not a better feeling then eating clean and having your body respond in a great way. When I go out to eat with my wife it use to be an appetizer, something deep fried and a couple of cokes to help wash it down, but its different now. I go into Denny's (one of the unhealthiest places in the world to eat) and I end up oredering baked fish and mixed veggies. WOW, I could never do that before. 2)The other progression is commiting my mornings to getting up and not missing a workout. I have always been into working out, but I would get so inconsistent at times. Since I have started this be the change program I don't miss a morning workout at all. I will work a graveyard shift the night before and before I go home and sleep I get in my workout, whether it is my weight or cardio workout.
My two signs of positive progress today are: 1) more engery each and every day. 2) more passion and desire in all that I do. I have created the ultimate passion for the connection in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the greatest reward of the challenge so far having Him walk with me through every moment of it with me. I am building a temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell in and thrive through me.
2 signs of progress: 1.) An increase in will power. My family and friends still have the bad eating habits. I actually have been able to avoid the temptation to avoid those unhealthy food choices when presented. I have had pizza, hamburgers, chicken fried steak, fried chicken, and some unhealthy choices of Mexican food eaten near me. I was able to resist taking a taste. At sometimes I was actually nauseated by the site or smell. I realized as long as I am feeding my body with nutritious foods consistently through out the day I do not want those unhealthy foods. 2.) The strength to say no. I am a big social drinker. I love to go out on the weekends and have a few alcoholic drinks with friends, sometimes one to many. As of the start and continuation of this transformation I have been able to say no to my temptation to go out drinking. A couple of times now I have gone to meet some friends. At the time they ordered alcoholic drinks and I ordered water. That was very hard to do. It is progress and I know at sometime I may fall to temptation.
Two great changes to report so far: I'm proud of how I look (haven't felt that way in so many years - and I'm now 47!), and most exciting of all is that I find I'm actually seeking out physical activity as a way to have fun (bike riding, playing tennis, etc.)...my new body feels so strong and conditioned that I don't tire out like I used to - I'm loving the new energy and the fun I'm having using it! WAHOO!!!
TWO POSITIVE SIGNS OF PROGRESS: 1) I have a renewed awareness and sense of urgency for improving my and my family's health. 2) I have realized that this transformation journey is not one to take on my own, but it is one to share with as many people as possible. I am constantly sharing my progress with all of those who will listen! Thank you to all who have supported me!
2 positive signs of progress are: 1/- I am obssessed with this girl's abs (as well as the rest of her muscles), since I got the mag that she is featured on, there is not a day that goes by without her abs flashing at least once daily in my mind's eyes. http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/V1/ ...and quite frankly and honestly, I see this as the leading North Star to my goal-destination. I intend to look exactly like her, the great rocky thing is she is a Boeing 777 pilot and I always wanted to get my private pilot's licence, I know this has "nothing" to do with this, but I just needed to still throw it in **grinning** (lol). 2/- I am getting obssessed with finding/using different bodybuilding workouts, to allow me to intensify and vary my routines. Prior to starting Transformation challenge, i was mainly a cardio person and the workouts were mainly bare hand type of workouts. I now thoroughly enjoy using weights, something I have never been into before. And the effect those workouts have on my mind is simply phenomenal.
2 positive signs of my progress since I started this transformation: 1) I've made improving and maintaining my health a #1 priority in my life 2) I feel like there's something missing and wrong if I miss a workout for any reason.
2 positive signs are my renewed commitment to exercise regularly. Before this transformation, even when doing BFL, I found it too easy to skip a workout if I had worked late, had a migraine, was too sore, etc., etc. I made the commitment to myself and to God to do this for His glory. Can't go back on that one!! So I have continued exercising 6 days a week, without fail...with a migraine headache, started the program with a pulled muscle in my back, put in 10-12 hour days at work. But I haven't missed a day of exercise yet! I'm finding I like eating clean because it is so much easier. And I feel GREAT.
hey bill, i can honestly say that adversity strikes when you least expect it, but i have great news about adversity in my life. i have discovered that since i began this challenge and started learning the things discussed, adversity has little effect on my mental stability. i used to worry constantly about everything, especially money, but no more. i am also eating SO much better than i ever have. i'm newly married, about to buy a house, working full time, starting my own business, and transforming my LIFE! thank you for this site bro, it's second to none in aiding us in our journeys. not'n but love for ya. jeremy
I exercise every day. I pray and thank God every day for that ability and the opportunity. I eat healthy in proper amounts. I approach challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. These changes have melted 12 pounds of blubber, lowered my cholesterol from 213 to 198 (lowest in years), brought me closer to my daughter who is my workout partner.
I have consistently eating healthy and exercised 6 days a week, Which I haven't done for ages. Also, I used to have trouble with depression, but I made a conscious decision to be happy, and leave all that behind me.
Two signs of my transformation: #1 I love myself inside & out more than my desires to endulge and eat food, that would only satisfy my own selfish needs (self-control) #2 I see the progress in my body, both physically and results wise (bodyfat mesurements) and other's see it in me. I've come down in waist size, and I feel ten years younger :)
Simply put, I've made fitness and nutrition a priority in my life. I've also involved my children in workouts and we've had a ball. Secondly, I've started to be more organized. This is just a start!
After losing 180 pounds and having only been eating a total of 1200 calories a day, I was frustrated by the lack of losing weight since I started Transformation. I guess that I will have to look at the positive that I am exercising 6 days a week, I am getting my work done in a more positive manner for my business. I shall let the world work itself out and make the best of Transformation.
1) It's amazing to see how within the last couple of weeks, focusing on progress, not perfection has changed my current outlook not only in my physical transformation, but more importantly on how I've been viewing other aspects of my life. 2) Regardless of how cliché it may sound...it's nice to see how working out can be "just the perfect medicine" for me ...and in reading many of these posts...seeing the last Transformation video, I can see it's been the same for many others! PS: there couldn't have been a better time to listen to this beautiful song by the Beatles...can't wait to see things after the sunrises!!!
I started the challenge last month to be in the best health of my life by my 70th birthday (Nov24). It is just a coincidence that my 18 weeks is up on the 23rd! (Which is also the day of my big party with many friends and family). I just returned from a 11 day vacation and I lost 1 pound of FAT while I was gone! I had my annual physical today and the doctor was amazed at how healthy I am. I've lost 6 pounds of fat and gained i pound of muscle sine I started. My goal is to lose 36 pounds of FAT. I have weaned myself off sweets since I started the challenge. I am now also helping a 74 year old lady friend who is doing the Body for Life challenge.
one. i am determined to make this transition from unfocused middle-aged woman to a focused, healthy and vibrant woman. want to look and feel the best i have ever looked/felt. two. i have been doing alot of introspection into what blocks me and how to overcome those things. mostly realizing that fear has never been a good motivator or mentor...and most of the things i have feared have sucked life from me while they have never happened. setting my sights on becoming more peaceful and trusting in God's plan and protection.
Two positive signs of progress...One reason for entering this challenge was to become a better role model for my children (ages 2 and 4). 1. My 4 year old asked me, "Mom, did you get your workout in today?" At 4 years old, he's already noticing how I'm prioritizing and spending my time. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to inspire my children to live physically and spiritually connected lives. 2. This challenge has given me the incentive to push my workouts harder than I ever have before. I look forward to working out on my lunch hours, and I'm so excited about life!!
We are in the middle of this challenge. Middles frequently turn into the doldrums. However, I have learned the following: 1. Not to be upset when my plane is delayed for 24 hours and I ended up spending the time sitting on the plane most of this time instead of the Jersey shore. And, as a result of the delay, my husband and I missed the Jersey shore altogether. I just as much fun as possible under the circumstances and forgot about the rest. 2. I was in Starbuck's getting an iced decaf americano when I saw a man beside me buying himself a treat. Then, I went to Publix and there was the same man ahead of me in line buying himself another little treat from the bakery. That used to be me! A tipping point for me, I saw how the cafe americano was enough of a treat and that I didn't need the pastry at all.
2 Signs of Change: #1 - I am so full of the right foods that I am not eating the wrong ones! #2 - I am seeing my long lost muscles again! Yeah they are there afterall!
I love this forum. I love all the comments and positive influence you all are on me to help me stay positive. The biggest #1 I want everyone to feel as great as I do. Tomorrow I meet with the 100+ staff at my school to start the challenge here. I've had many positive strokes from coworkers on being ready to take the challenge. #2 The enegy: like Marty stated: doing things that I couldn't have done physically in the past. #3 is better organizational skills. I get excited each day I wake up to finally be in control of the body that I've never had control over. I've never fit into a size 6 before and I'm not done doing the physical finishing yet, let alone the spiritual and mental finishing that needs to be done.
Hey Bill, Just wanted to say thanks for reinforcing the fact that our MIND is our most POWERFUL tool. How we choose to use this incredible device is entirely up to us. It can function as an inspiration and support us in all our endeavors or it can take on the role of the enemy and destroy us. The choice should be obvious to us all! However, we may need to recondition our thinking so it will function to our advantage. At this point in my transformation challenge I was faced with a gym injury. This totally altered my planned routine. It even made me consider withdrawing from this challenge, that being the easier route. After much consideration, I decided to move forward and recalculate my plan. This, to me, is progress. I am working at a deficit and can't expect to see the bodily changes that I had previously anticipated, but that's O.K. I am fortunate to salvage my motivational drive (using my mental tool) and proceed. I have also made an effort to modify my eating pattern. Portion control is a major issue for me. I have become more AWARE of the amounts of consumption.
I have told myself I am worth this journey! Writing positive afformations about myself & listing small steps I will take that day has helped. I am also learning to reconnect with my inner self and with GOD through quiet time, meditation or prayer. Jackie You are all an inspiration! Kudos to you!!!
So far two positive signs for me are: my most critical workmate is saying that I'm shrinking again. And I am because I can feel it! Another is that I'm saying I love working out. Out loud. Because I do. I used to go to the gym 6 days a week after working all day and a train ride home and I felt great! I lost that feeling over the course of 20 or so years. I want to feel this all the time. Thank you Mr. Phillips for this place and thanks to all the wonderful people who inhabit it! It's great here. Awesome song btw... :)
Ok, I am proud and blessed to still be in this game! The first thing that I am proud of is making exercise part of my daily routine, and not something I have to make time for. The second thing is that I am seeing now that I have to eat to live and not live to eat. That is a big deal for me..
2 positive signs of progress for me:#1 I decorated a cake this evening and didn't lick my fingers even once! #2 I didn't even want to lick my fingers while I was decorating that cake! These might seem silly, but to sit there smelling frosting for 2 hours and not wanting any was a miracle for me!
I can think of more than 2. When I started my Transformation I was not in a very good mindset. Just today....my wife called me and told me of an article about the Knights of Columbus having a spaghetti dinner to raise money for a dyavox. It's a hand held device that speaks for you. My son has one. He has progressed with his speach so he's not using it. I called to donate it. A speech therapist called me back. The boy, Joseph, is too old for mine, but she is going to find someone who can use it. She is going to give my # to an autism group where I can really help out. Kind of long winded to say I am always looking for a way to help now. The second change is a big one. I've beat Depression! I've gotten closer with God and myself! Bill, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. This IS going to be an incredible journey! -Doyle
I look foward to exercising. I feel more energetic. I would rather take my bike for a leisure ride than to watch television.
The first positive sign of progress can only be described as clarity. Things that seemed important are not a priority anymore and those things that have been pushed to the side are being given the attention that they deserve. Second, is the fact that I feel much better after a decent workout. I also have really enjoyed reading positve stories by amazing people. Its great to have a positive place to go in a negative world.
2 positive signs that I am transform on the physical end have been an increase in the amount of exercise put out, and the amount of crap taken in. On the mental side, I have put a focus more on the positive.
2 things that have changed for me: 1) Hearing what my body is telling me and actually stopping to listen to it! Our bodies are amazing and if we would just listen to them they would tell us how to take care of them. I now stop eating as soon as I feel satisfied and at the gym I push myself but if I start to feel a weird pain I stop & make sure I have proper form and if needed scale back a bit. I do not want another injury! 2) I feel a commitment to the long run! Its not about getting just this last 20lbs off I've been struggling with since high school. I realize it won't be over then. I am creating life long patterns now and life long habits that are positive and healthy and that will carry my soul in a strong beautiful body for the rest of my life on this planet & thats the ultimate goal!
2 positive signs of progress for me. 1) I cant stop smiling. 2) I really LOVE my life, my health, well-being and mental attitude improve daily! It is the small disciplines that lead to great accomplishments!!! GOD BLESS!
Well since I started my transformation I have been sent to Reno Nevada,Hilo Hawaii and northern CA so the road has been a little bumpy.The more work that gets pilled on the more focused I become,I have never been more focused.I pay stricked attention to my diet,I make sure to eat healthy and right not just at home but on the road,which is were I spend most of my time.My training is set up from thursday night through monday night,so if my job goes long I use every spare minute to make up for any lost training time. You have always been an insperation to me,since the first time I heard what you had to say.The gears have been turning.I have always tried to help others,I have always been focused on the outward not the inward. I will not get side tracked this time(Bill)this time its for LIFE. 100% POSITIVITY and FORWARD MOTION Thank you
2 positive signs of progress for me is when I went on vacation I did not stray from the plan and I was eating healthy and still excercising. The next positive sign is that I have been cooking all my meals ahead of time and I have been doing a great job with portion control and eating healthy! I have not felt this good in quite awhile!
First, I am grateful to God for everything I have today. It is important for me recognize it and appreciate it daily. Secondly, I am taking my health as my number one priority: eating healthy and exercising is a must- not a choice anymore.
Wow. There are definitely more than two, but here are the first two that come to mind: 1. My kids are now eating the healthy things that I'm making and not complaining at all! Nor are they asking for any of the old snacks that used to occupy my pantry. 2. Not only have I been eating clean and exercising according to plan, but now I also want to get out and do things, where before, I just wanted to stay in the house and waste time on the internet! That's huge for me! It's liberating in more ways than one. Thank you so much:)
To positive signs of progress for me: Diet...I am learning how to cook nutritional, satisifying meals and love it! Excercise...One day we do cardio and the next weight training. This has been the most challenging for me too. It helps so much that my better half is also doing this challenge. Together we are making a true LIFE style change for us both, physically and in many ways mostly mentally. I have to say I actually look forward to the weight training excercises Rich has us do. Thanks...we ALL are on the ROAD to success!!
I'll have to narrow it all down to the two most important things. 1. Although I already immensely love my wife and kids, and cherish every moment I have with them, I have reached a new level of patience, love, and appreciation. It's like an awakening. They are all so amazing. Watching my children grow is the most awesome experience on this Earth. I am taking the advice of every parent with kids older than mine: "ENJOY THEM...THEY GROW QUICK!!" Nobody can put into words the feelings a parent experiences as we watch our children learn something new, experience something new, laugh, play, talk...etc. 2. I have been making great strides towards my physical goals. My plan is to do two weeks of bulking (eating a lot of healthy food, mostly weight training) followed by two weeks of cutting (eat less food, do more cardio). I will keep repeating this pattern in order to build muscle, cut fat. I did two weeks of bulking already, and this is my first week of cutting and I feel GREAT. This is the first week that the "point of all this" is coming into perspective. The transformation is taking effect on me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. FOR ALL OF US HERE, WE MUST PUSH AHEAD...WE MUST CONTINUE TO INSPIRE EACH OTHER. WE WILL ALL SUCCEED. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE INSPIRATION!!
This comes at JUST the right time for me :) Two signs of progress that I've seen are: 1. Losing inches. While haven't lost much in the way of the scale, I have seen my measurements change, and my most recent pants are fitting funny and I fit into a pair of jeans that I couldn't zip in June! 2. I am eating well, and that has impacted those around me. I am at a point now where I don't even want all the rich food I wanted before- it kind of grosses me out, even. My huge fear going on vacation was that I would lapse and start eating badly, but instead, I ended up influencing the family around me to eat better! I have also seen a change in how my husband is eating. I need to keep working, and keep remembering these positive things to get me through the lapses and past the little whine inside. The positive is bigger and better than the negative, and so are we!
Two things that have changed since beginning the transformation journey are: I am taking time for myself every day to make sure I am doing something for my health. Eating of course we all have to do, but I am making sure that what I am putting in my body is going to help my body have energy to get me through the day. I am taking the time to exercise. Let me tell you what a wonderful mindset change has happen. I am on the treadmill or elliptical with visions of where I want to be instead of "OH MY GOSH AM I GOING TO LIVE THROUGH THIS". Second, my children, my husband ... I am changing my attitude. I am not giving focus to the things that usually irritate me. I am focusing on the good. And through doing so, my tasks for the day seem lighter. I took my son to the fair over the weekend. Usually I sit on the sideline, afraid of doing. This time I told myself I would be a willing participant. I rode every ride with him. We laughed so loud and through my fear of heights I just smiled and kept thinking about what was beautiful around me. It was wonderful. He said something that stung, but also made my heart glow. He told me it was the most fun we have ever had together. I want that to be a statement that disappears. I want him to say, "my mom and I always have fun together." I don't watch the news or read the horror in the news anymore. I am finding that doing that makes me not focus on the bad case, instead we are focusing on the good. It really feels good to wake up, feeling like "I can do this". Instead of "What else can go wrong".
Two Positive signs of progress for me: 1. Before transformation it was a big struggle for me to choose healthy foods. I would just GULF down the sweets for breakfast lunch and supper.Now, I literally enjoy the abundance of new healthy foods i can create for me and my family....2. Exercising before transformation was little to none existant. Now , i CANT go a day without walking or jogging, weights, or aerobics...I truely LOVE how i feel after exercising...Thank you all for the support...judy
The first sign of positive progress is that I make that conscious effort to pay attention to life for the moment, right now and not thinking I'll do "that" (whatever it might be) tomorrow. The second positive sign is that I'm actually doing "it"... now.
Two positive signs for me: 1) I am honoring the commitments I make to myself and others - no more excuses. 2) I am taking conscious action each day (in addition to physical exercise) to make a difference to someone else, even if it is simply holding the door for a delivery man. I'm doing it consciously! Compared to others here, this is pretty simple, but it means a lot to me.
I have begun to feel more stable more able to bring something good to any encounter. And I've begun to open up to the incredible loving and supportive people on this site. Baby steps....
1. Paying more attention to what I eat 2. More motivated to exercise...well, more likely to actually do the exercise.
1. Better control of what I consume. 2. Better control of planning my day. I can keep going too! 3. Stronger desire for my challenge. 4. increased my work out program. 5. Made some new friends here. Etc. Mark
OOPS..I think I was supposed to tell you the 2 things..I had written them on a thread so I thought that was good ..LOL...1 I FORGOT all about is IMPORTANT too..I GAVE UP COFFEE COMPLETELY after YEARS of drinking a dino size(32 oz) EVERY am about 4:30 ish and then ANOTHER at noon-2 pm ..I NOW have a Right Light Shake at this hour and eat 5- 6 x a day (usually) I am still some days working on that part. The other 2 things that I wrote were basically that when I want to quit or get bummed out over peoples reactions to me or comments etc I realize it is usually due to a insecurity within me that I need to release to the Universe. I have released many "fears" of mine to the Universe at this point..LOL..Also I accept more so than ever before that not everyone will like me and that I can't change that & that I have a better acceptance for others and their ideas and stuff. I think this is more than 2 things but I been here 1 year this month so ALOT of stuff happened..LOL..The last thing I will add is that I did not have ANY involvement with my mother at all..none ,zippo,zilch..for most of my lifetime (41 yrs) I was not able to even discuss her or think of her wihtout my blood pressure boiling over. I have ACCEPTED my mother for WHO SHE IS and NOT who I want her to be..this was easier said than done. I forgave her & myself in January and it was the 1st time my kids even really got to see her and enjoy her for who she is ..I have since had ayard sale with her 1 weekend and had here over a couple times and drove her to the airport and when she told me to SAVE the dollar for a month for the toll when I picked her back up I didn't even get offended...I just laughed..especially when the toll was 50cents MORE than what she gave me..so now instead of holding a dollar I guess she owes me 50 cents..lolololol...I will never have a 'mother" in my mother as this is not a magic thing after 41 yrs but I have opened my heart to her and accpeted her for who she is and I have not once had the feelings like I had before of hurt,anger or saddness or disappointment..these feelings WERE with me my lifetime up until I meet this group of ANGELS..Thank You Bill,Diane,JanM,Kevin,Carlo,Brian,Blue,& Richard....(&Coach Stoney)You will never know how much you mean to me..Love Laura & Baby Reggie xoxoxo
"the growth is in the earning of it, not just the owning of it" WOW!! LOVE this post Bill, thank you! Progress is slow for me but............I have made the decision, committed & WILL go the distance. It's Body For LIFE kick started with an 18 week challange, 1. I have not missed a workout in the 4 weeks. 2. Whilst a personal transformation journey could be a very self centered, selfish thing, I am more involved with more people through this website than I have ever been! Love Fi xx
For one I haven't given up hope. I often start things and don't finish them, but this time I've decided that no matter how many times I mess up I'm going to keep trying. The second thing I've noticed is I feel better. When I make it through a day eating right and exersizing it's amazing how good I feel.
I would have to say that my motivation level is rising :), in regards to completing my tansformation. Another thing, is my energy level is up! I have more energy that I didnt have before which is great. I still have a lot more work, but I am ready ,willing and able! jay
The biggest positive so far for me is that my husband and I are doing this together, so we're spending quality time together exercising and planning healthy meals. I am also more energetic in the mornings which leads to a more positive daily outlook. Thanks everyone for keeping me on track!
The two positive progresses that I've made so far are...#1- I'm being more aware of my nutrition...eating every 2 to 3 hrs 6xa day and also what I'm eating..#2- I'm also more consistent with my workouts..I just make it a part of my life and it's part of my daily schedule...I'm very happy about my progress and except to continue...Being a teacher and summer break coming to an end soon...I'm going to have a real challenge implementing my routine of eating healthy and working out but I'm only going to think about it in a postive way and make it work....Good luck to everyone and talk to you soon....Vicky
Wow, this is an easy one thanks to the program! I feel so much more positive and energetic. I'm also already showing signs of losing my gut and toning up. I'm no longer at the bottom of the abyss I was trapped in a few weeks ago. Is that more than 2? Oh well . . .
I have started a new eating pattern,I'm starting to fill more energetic. Better about myself,can't wait to continue. Jerryb
Progress 1) Thats easy---i'm still here. Any previous diet or change i have tried to make has failed by now. Progress 2) i'm learning to adapt to change. I have even joined a Gym signed up for 3 years and using it regularly. My determination has not failed and nor will it. I have faith in myself and also faith in this community to spur me on all the way :)
1) I am more conscious about the needs of my 3 year old daughter. I think more just because I have been focusing on it than because of any big changes I have made yet. I am less resentful about the amount of time she takes from me and more focused on the lovely child she is. 2) I have been somewhat more focused on the way I treat my wife. She has her own issues and I have made some small progress in being less judgmental and less controlling. I still have a long way to go with both of these things but by keeping them in my radar I feel I will continue to improve.
It's hard to just list two, but here it goes: 1) I've noticed that I don't even know what week of the challenge I am on, because its just become my normal habit now, to exercise six days a week, and eat healthy six days a week. I could tell you what day I was on for the first 12 or 13 weeks, and now I have to actually look at my calendar to see what week I'm on. 2) I now look at myself in the mirror with pride and accomplishment rather than disgust and shame. Even though the physical transformation is not complete, I am so proud of myself for sticking to the program and feeling the positive effects from it. Thanks for Everything you are teaching us!!!
This is a great post. This is an amazing community and has the potential to change the world - one person at a time. WOW where do I start. Narrowing down to two is very hard. But, I will try. 1) I am noticing that Eating for Lifestyle and Exercise is becoming a habit. When I open my eyes in the morning I am downstairs and working out practically before even open my eyes. 2) I am noticing people asking 'me' for advice on health and wellness. People are noticing my progress and asking me for specifics on how I am doing it. They see the twinkle in my eye and the smile on my face. It is contagious. Lets make it happen together. Chris
Two positive signs: My blood pressure is heading back to normal and I no longer need salt shaker. And I have learned that Being the Change is not chore but a matter of life and living. Anita
Well, I am defininitely doing a few things to change myself during this transformation. I am really trying to focus on "eating to live" instead of "living to eat". I have always loved comfort food and way too much of it. I started working in a restaurant this year where I am around food constantly and I think this helped me not focus on food so much if you can believe that. I just don't look at it the same way anymore. I have also stopped worrying what I look like at the gym. In the past I would have been piling on the clothes to hide my body, or maybe I just wouldn't go at all. I was worried I would be the heaviest person there and being very self-conscious I just stayed home instead. I was so wrong in my assumptions. There are many people at my gym who seem to be at the same starting point as I am and I definitely feel right at home. My goal this year is to make a friend or two at the gym to keep myself on track. I know I need to be around more like-minded people to stay positive. Melanie
My 2 positive signs of progress: 1). I'm more confident. I feel more like myself and I stand a little taller now. I feel like my goals and dreams are within my reach instead of the frustratingly fleeting things I felt they were before I began to transform myself. 2). I just plain feel better. Without all that junk food in my system... I feel so much lighter. The bad food I used to eat would just sit in my stomach forever it seemed and weigh me down. Now I feel free of that. And because of that I feel more capable to physically do things that were such a drag before.
Number 1 - I look forward to going out of the house! In fact I have a plan for each day and going to the gym - I have not missed a day and the panic has been replaced with anticipation and excitement. Number 2 - I have actually joined classes at the gym and have started to make friends there - I don't hide in the corner - I will actually initiate a conversation with others! - both of those were unheard of only a few short weeks ago and they are only the tip of the iceberg. So for me it is not here comes the sun - but the sun is shining in those areas - Thank You - Love - Light and Gratitude - Jaki
This is unbelievable...#1- I have been motivated to give up alcohol for the month of August and am doing it. Who knows where that will lead me? #2 - I BELEIVE I can lose this weight. I had gotten to a point in my life where I wasn't sure I wanted to work that hard on the nutrition...that my age (52) was keeping me from losing. I don't believe that anymore. Thanks to this powerfully motivating site!!! Thank you Bill and all the people here! Susan
Wow, well- I have lost 9 pounds in the past 48 days and I fit into almost all of the clothes in my closet now. I eat very healthfully every day and I exercise more now than I have in the past ten years. My friends tell me I seem different- more energized, upbeat, and more positive. I am focused more on my health and well being- I just went to the doctor and got a shot for my sacral-illium joint pain, and for the first time in 7 years I don't have pain and tension in that lower back area.
Great topic to keep us going. Since starting the transformation on July 21st, I have been doing more cardio then before. I am currently have a bad cold and I am staying focused and listening to Joe Vitales Zero Limits to keep me focused and seeing and feeling the postive in my life even though I had to take a week off from my illness. Eating habits are slowly changing. Enjoying more fruits Vegs. Thanks for the inspireing me. Julieann