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Transformation Assignment #1
This Challenge to ‘Be the Change’ is about becoming a part of the solution (rather than part of the problem) to the ill health so many millions of men, women and now, even children, are suffering from at this very moment. I believe that we can each make a difference in this mission to transform the nation from worst to first. We do that by being the change. Only then can we authentically inspire others to transform.
Over the years, it’s become crystal clear to me that people can barely hear our well-intended words and advice about topics like this because what we do speaks so loudly. And so, through this Challenge, we have a great opportunity to simply make the way we are showing up in the world, and the way we live our lives, into our message to others. And what a powerful message it is when you break free from all the temptation and clutter in the modern world we live in and become truly healthy and happy. Make no mistake, it can be done. I've seen it happen over and over again… even in the most unlikely circumstances. This is powerful proof to me that you too have the ability to lift your experience of life to the next level.
Some people ask me, when I explain the above, if they can't just skip all the ‘greater good’ stuff and just get on with working out and eating right. I respond with a basic question, “If you could, then why haven't you done that already?” It’s about then that I'm asked to continue.
Being physically out of shape isn't 'cured' by just working out and eating a different way. You see, the condition of the body is a reflection of so much more than just exercise and eating habits. Truth is, our physical form is a manifestation of our thoughts, feelings, intentions… our collective ‘inner/non-physical condition.’ To achieve a sustainable and truly healthy change on the outside, we have to do the work on the inside. Good news is, when the inner transformation clicks, all the rest comes into coherence… not just for a few months either. The type of results I'm talking about feel even better than they look and they become long-term changes for the better.
And so, holding the intention of making a change and making a difference is vitally important. Selfish reasons and motives limit our energy sources to the individual will. Making a transformation to serve the greater good, on the other hand, is where the real powerful energy is at... the Spiritual Will. Tapping into that Higher Energy (HE) is something we'll work on each week as we move forward. For now, please hold that intention of being of service to the greater good in mind and in heart for the next few days and see if that feels right.
Ongoing Guidance
Throughout this Challenge, I'll be sending you messages to offer guidance and support. And I'll offer recommendations and transformation exercises (some for the body, some for the mind, some for the heart & soul). You can choose to follow or not follow the recommendations I offer. It’s completely up to you. I will say that the insight I offer is based on two decades of experience and a mountain of transformation success stories, as well as a whole lot of my personal work with all this over the years. I am certain that what I share each week will help you move successfully through the various stages of this journey you are about to begin. And what I'm going to share now is something that has to be confronted before we go any further.
A Look Within
For any journey to be successful we have to know where we are and where we are going. And that's what this assignment is all about. It's time to see where you stand. We do this with a before photo (front), and also by painting a picture of your inner condition with a dozen words and phrases. Let’s look at the example of Marty Goldman, who won the first ‘Be the Change’ Challenge recently.
Martin’s First Exercises
Marty got started by taking a brutally honest look at himself. He took a before photo, attached it to a blank sheet of paper, and around it he wrote down a dozen words/phrases that described what the man in the photo was feeling inside. Clearly, in the reflection of his physical form it was evident that this once tall, slender, active and athletic guy had become out of shape, overweight, and was suffering. Marty described the “inner condition” of the man he saw in that photo with the words, “Embarrassed. Depressed. In denial. Afraid. Disconnected from his spiritual source. Resisting God’s plan for his life. Down and out. Missed the bus. It’s no longer funny. Not just big… JUST FAT. Uninspired.” And, “On the verge of giving up.”
Next, I asked Marty to take out another sheet of paper and draw a rectangle in the middle… in that I asked him to describe what he wanted to see in an after photo; he wrote down, “Slender. Athletic. Toned muscles. A younger, healthy body.” And outside the rectangle I had him write down a dozen words/phrases that describe how the totally transformed Marty will feel. And so he wrote… “Inspired. Spiritually connected. Flowing and open to light. Strong. Authentic. A good husband, father and grandfather. A leader. Loving. Proud yet humble. Compassionate. Successful. Happy.”
Looking back now, Marty can see that without this first exercise -- a step that takes a lot of courage and is one that I've discovered most people are unwilling to confront -- he would not be where he is today. That first exercise alone brought about a transformation of his consciousness, and an awakening of awareness as to where he really was, inside and out. And his vision of where he wanted to be sparked a desire to improve, which he hadn't felt in decades.
Back to YOU
Now your circumstances might or might not be like Marty Goldman’s. Maybe you take your picture over the next few days, attach it to a blank sheet of paper (in a journal or spiral notebook) and your view is that the version of you in the photo feels pretty good. If so, describe that with your dozen words and phrases. Whether you're transforming from good to GREAT, or, if you are struggling like Marty was, there's always a next level to aim for. Now it's vitally important to the successful completion of this assignment that you be brutally honesty about how you're feeling in that ‘before’ condition. Self trust is a result of being honest with ourselves. And self trust is the foundation of faith… we'll talk more about that in the weeks ahead. For now, simply hold that idea in mind and heart and see how it feels as you do this essential exercise.
After you have taken that first photo, and painted the inner picture with your words and phrases, contemplate where you want to go from there? If you and I were sitting down, having a discussion, a few months from now, what changes in your after photo would we be looking at? And what words would you use to describe the way that future version of you is feeling? Take out another blank sheet of paper and draw a rectangle in the middle and describe that photo image you would love to see. And around that, write down a dozen words/phrases that paint the inner picture. And again, be totally honest… how would you truly like to feel then?
By completing this exercise, you are lifting your awareness, confronting where you are now, and you're also beginning to set the process of creating the new and improved you into motion. Holding that intention of arriving in the physical form you envision and going forward to feel the feelings of how you will be then is more powerful than any body exercise you will ever do. You'll discover this first hand… and then you'll know that thoughts, intentions, and feelings are incredibly transforming forces. They not only dictate your actions, but they bring into play unseen 'quantum' processes which lift your transformation results to a higher realm.
This is the only assignment I want you to focus on right now. We'll get into the exercise and nutrition in a few days. First things first… let’s gain some clarity on where we are now, and where we are going.
Please don't over-complicate this. We will succeed by being patient throughout this transformation, staying focused on the matters that matter most, and having the mental discipline keep it simple.
I'm looking forward to working with you on this Transformation, and am very excited about your potential to make a change and make a difference.
Bill
PS Feel free to discuss the assignment in the transformation forums. Connecting with others who are also transforming will significantly improve your results!
Dear Bill, My Birthday is at the end of this month and last week i gave a list of "wants" for hubby (as requested). On it i said help from him to get me back on the wagon! Help me prep food, ect. I was so excited when I received your "Transformation" e-mail. I did BFL and achieved AMAZING results. I went from a size 14 down to a size 7 and got into the best shape of my entire life, bar none. Unfortunately, after the "contest" was over, I slid back into my old habits and Then got pregnant, then again, then again. All 3 pregnancies were hard on me and my body. "high" risk is how i got labled and was on bed rest (read-weight gain). About 2 weeks ago I decided enough was enough and started back up, on my own (with hubby's help). It didn't matter to me that there was no "contest" - this is for ME. So, imagine my delight when I got your e-mail. God is good. Here's to taking my life back!
Hi all. I just did Exercise #1 now. I actually started my own makeover a year ago, and it was only a month or so ago that I found out about Bill and this website. I am probably about one third of the way towards my goal, but I am so glad to have found this wonderful place with all of you. I need all the encouragement I can get because I'm trying to overcome bulimia and overeating at the same time. I am just going on faith, really. I can't see the end of the road here, and I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I just know that I am somehow. Bill Phillips is an unbelievable person.
As mark has stated, theres something that brought me back to body for life challenge, its been 10 years since my last one, and after spending a few days reading posts and watching the incredible videos im more pumped then i've ever been going to start my #1 challenge tomorrow and can't wait. Hope to read more from everyone and also tell my tale of fitness and wellness very soon.
Well all, I finally did it, I finally posted some pictures of myself and I just did excise one. This was by far the hardest part for me because I was a little embarassed to post a picture of myself. After I did it, I felt really strange and good at the same time. It's almost like I lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. Wow :) I feel so good. Tomorrow now will be my official start date. I've been working out for the last two weeks but I was holding myself back with the pictures and posting them here. Now that I did it I'm ready to go through with the rest of the transformation challenge. I will post each week a progress picture of myself. I know now deep in my heart and mind that I WILL complete this transformation challenge and no one will hold me back. The only person that can do that is ME :) and I will not let this happen. Wish me luck Boyd P.S. Bill, thank you for this wonderful assignment. It really hit home with me :)
WoW!!..I just finished the very first transformation assignment and I'm not sure it could get any worse than that...so I'm feeling very confident that it's all up hill from here. I see the woman who I used to be and inspire to be in that photo...but i've let myself slip away and after completing the first assignment, I know that I'm the only one who can bring "me" back...I'm "SO" mixed with emotions right now from feeling awful about the picture to feeling excited about seeing the after shot!" Words can't express how much hearing about Bill's website means to me and so I just hope that my after picture will be better recognition than any words that could come out of my mouth. Thank you and I'm on my way! ApRiL
I started BFL six weeks ago. I had no idea about Transformation. I have been adding other goals along with my BFL goals because I want to improve in all areas of my life. When I heard about Transformation I knew that it was just what I was looking for. Thanks for coming up with a program that looks at the "big picture". I'm ready to start!
I found this site a few days ago, and came back today and registered. I am very excited to begin my transformation. I am ready. I need it more than ever.
I wrote on here 98 days ago. I was not ready to be transformed. I wasn't used to so much support. It was overwhelming to me. While I'm still the same person, I am going to try again. A lot has happened to me since I started the first time and I believe NOW is the right time to change myself from the inside out. Try, try, try again.
I have make my commitment a little later than some of the others - but it is never too late to try to heal. I found this exercise to be very refreshing - in that it helped me let out some of the negativity, and by starting to focus on the empty square - starting to bring positive thought & feelings into my life. That is the healing part. I have yo-yo'd, losing large amounts of weight many times in the past, so it's never been about the HOW. It's always been the why. By focusing on healing myself from the inside out, I can learn to live a freer life. For me, the weight has always been a symptom of the true problem. Thank you so much. You have inspired me, and I look forward to reading your new book.
I recently found this site, and thought id give it a go, I found the first excercise incredibly revealing, and found myself being more open and honest than id been with myself for some time, and found that there were issues i had that id been ignoring and not dealing with at all or effectively anyway, the second part also made me feel more motivated and inspired than id been for somem time. Good start, looking forward to the rest,
When I look at the before photo of myself, inside I see....outside pic - Depression - Self-Hatred - Embarrassment - Someone Mentally and Physically Exhausted - Severe, Ugly Obesity - Lifelessness - Hopelessness - Someone Numb to the Outside World - An Empty Shell - No Ambition, Goals or Aspirations In the Present or the Future - A Mediocre Mother and Wife, Daughter, Sister and Friend - A Sick Person....Emotionally, Spiritually, and Physically ************************************************************************************************* What I want to see in myself in my after photo.....inside rectangle - A Renewed and Peaceful Mind! - A Healthy Self Esteem! - Proud and Blessed! - Energy!! - A Strong and Healthy Body That Will Serve Me Well In My Daily Life!! - A Clear Life Purpose!! - To See That Athlete Inside Of Me Again! - To Feel Attractive! (for the 1st time in my life) - To Feel Inspired and Be Inspiration For Others!! - To Become That GREAT Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister and Friend I Long To Be! - To Be Well....Mind, Body and Spirit!!!! - To Live In Happiness!!!! &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& When I look in on future months, I look forward to: *Seeing much less of myself physically. Seeing the pounds melting away, and the inches disappearing especially around waist, hips and thighs. *I plan to see myself strong and healthy, vibrant and energetic, working diligently toward success in life, love and spirituality. *I see myself as having improved as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, family member and friend. Striving for excellence as I endeavor to do my very best for those I love. *I see myself praising God and being thankful for all the blessings in my life. *I see myself with a clear, peace of mind, becoming free of depression and negative thinking. Positivity is taking over my life and infecting not only myself but others. *I see myself living in happiness, loving, and laughing.
We began Aug 4, we took the pics and this is what I wrote beside the "before": TRAPPED, INSECURE, DOUBTING MYSELF, CELLULITE CITY, EMBARRASSED, DULL, TIRED, FEELING OLDER THAN I AM, LACKING CONFIDENCE, DEPLETED, "How can I be so successful at some things, and such a failure at others?", DISAPPOINTED IN HOW I'VE NOT TAKEN CARE OF MYSELF!, CAN'T BELIEVE I'M THIS BIG, LOW ENERGY, LAZY, DISGUSTED WITH MYSELF, "Kids...can you get..", MY BODY FEELS SO WORN OUT. (Wow, its tough to put this up for all to see!) How I will be: ENDURANCE AT ITS BEST, POWERFUL, CONFIDENT, BEAUTIFUL, FAB ABS, ENERGETIC, MUSCULAR, GREAT ARMS, STRONG, SUCCESSFUL, VIBRANT, GRACEFUL, GIVING, SLEEK AND SEXY, "I'll get it for you..." A SERVANT'S HEART!!!! YOUNG BODY-SHARP MIND, TRIM AND TONED, TIGHT END, ENERGY EXPRESS, ROCKIN LEGS. It's been almost 5 weeks...and I'm feeling that I'm already transforming so many thoughts and feelings!
Oh my! I have just recently found this site and decided to bite the bullet and do something good for myself. So I read assignment 1 and fearfully took my pic...I NEVER thought I looked that bad. I always thought that I just had a few lbs to lose. Well I was wrong. I can't believe the magnitude of my denial...I am planning to follow along week by week. Are there any others just joining on? Thank you Bill for this powerful exercise. Chrissie
I joined this challenge and I've been doing the assignments but I haven't been posting them. I think I was afraid to post them because I was insecure about revealing my inner self to others, but I am ready to post them. Here goes: Looking at my picture, I look good on the outside, especially for someone about to turn 47. I just placed first in my first ever figure competition. Little do people know how messed up I feel on the inside. I've always been good at covering up and putting on a happy face, not showing people how i felt on the inside. The picture may fool others, but I know that on the inside I am actually feeling lonely, sad, depressed, alone, unloveable, uninspired, afraid, stuck, isolated and hopeless. I joined this challenge to change all that, hopefully at the end I will feel as good on the inside, confident, beautiful, youthful, compassionate, giving, healthy, joyful, radiant, socially fullfilled, creativ, adventourous and looking forward to life.
Well, I am finally in with the photos. Amazing that I have been working to transform for almost a year and never quite got to the photos. For this one, I bared my belly, my personal weak spot, and see that while I have done a lot, I still need to work on that last 15-20 lb. I have lost 45-50 lb., gained a great deal of strength and vitality, but have been plateaued with the weight for the summer. Portion control and preplanning. I also want to continue to develop the joy and spiritual aspects of the transformation. That is really the key. I have been visioning and journaling for years, but only now seem to be ready to transform in the way I have visioned. With your help, I hope to complete the last outward changes, and continue the life-long journey of inner changes.
My assignments Start Improving Lonely Internally struggling Alcohol infused too often Negative thoughts Sometimes unmotivated Lazy when alone Not yet reaching my full potential Not happy with my physical appearance Bothering by my lack of connection Wants better skin Wondering what should come next Accomplished a lot, but a long way to go My future Truly fit, defined, strong, enduring, thin waist and belly, muscular legs, defined arms, only one firm chin Clear skin A REAL role model Feeling connected and loved Positive self image Motivated internally and driven Striving towards higher meaning Focused on others: service work and being a good friend and relative Finding my path Clean eating Full of energy Pursuing singing Creating art and writing My transformation purposeTo reach my full potential and really begin living life. To make an impact and be a positive, strong female role model. DeadlineMy personal deadline is October 14, 2008, my 37th birthday. My transformation deadline is October 21, 18 weeks after my start date Overall: Get to 135- 137# Body fat to 15-17% Do more yoga, at least one new class outside of my regular class each month (in progress)
Just after I started a 12 week Challenge at the end of June, I learned about this 18 week Transformation and signed up. Each week I've spent hours reading the site, but haven't contributed yet. Today I decided it's not too late (I hope) to go back, get involved, and add comments....I look forward to each assignment because I know the mental and spiritual focus is what it will take for me to transform. My desire is to be at peace with myself so that I can interact peacefully with others. I want my actions to match my values - for example, I say I value my health, but then I eat junk when I am not hungry. I know I am not alone in this - it almost seems to be the human condition to do the opposite of what we want to do. But there's got to be a solution to this craziness. I am hoping this 18 week journey will be the answer I need.
Transformation Assignment #1 (Part 1) I am somewhat behind in my asignments. It's my fault of course... I can blame time, circumstances, travel, dislocation or being unwilling at some level to be BRUTALLY honest about how I'm feeling in the "before" condition. As Bill said, "self trust is a result of being honest with yourself". As I compose this, I am beginning my fourth week of Physical Transformation. I am four weeks into my first transformation. I am 35 years old, and in many ways, starting all over again, again. I have left a path of destruction in my personal life, having a penchant for self sabotage. I really would like to understand why it is that i don't feel as though I deserve to be happy, succesful, strong and responsible. I have created all of these situations and understand that God will reveal the same things over and over again, until I GET it. I am ready to move forward. On the whole, I am an optimistic, passionate, positive, loving, giving, trusting being-but often to my detriment. I have allowed myself to be run over, and then doling out that same treatment to others. I am beginning to understand that I cannot administer another's oxygen mask without first securing my own. I have 3 young boys counting on me, and I can NOT let them down. I am a much healthier person who has, as of yesterday, eliminated any negative relationships in my life. I was "conning" myself into the ideal of a 'family man" in the traditional sense. I want my boys to be very proud of who their father is, not the one that smoked 2 packs a day and lacked stability when it came to external relationships. So here is what I saw when I took the before picture: Empty. A shell. Hiding. Dishonorable. Dying. Complacent. Unremarkable. Complacent. Hypocrite. Ashamed. Unclear. Heavy. Somber. Weak. Undignified. A fake. Scrambling. Inferior. A fraud. Unworthy. Smug. Smarmy. A lie. Here is the photo that I am creating, that I see in my minds eye: STRONG. Vital. Confident. Credible. Humble. Connected. Divine. Radiant. Present. Childlike. Responsible. Consistent. Powerful. Father. Son. I am very excited about my potential to make a change and make a difference. I have moved out, and moved closer to making my dreams a reality. I no longer allow myself to be surrounded by less than like minded people. I will not let myself down.
Not a pretty sight. I just did the first exercise and I think I am still processing it all. I am SO ashamed. How did I allow myself to become so unloved. Not by others, but by me. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, so how could I have done this to myself?? Good-bye to the girl in the picture. She is old, tired looking and needs a hug! She's gonna get one.
Hi Bill, I'm just now getting started. There have been complications one of which is a pc that is on its last leg. But I'm here, and I'm on board so I will be doing everything possible to be just as successful as dear Marty! What an inspiration he is! Thank you so much and God bless you for providing this for economically challenged peop;le such as myself. I am determined one day to be featured on your TTV too. It may take me longer, but it's going to happen!!! Hugs, Pami
I got the e-mail on the last day.I am behind but moving forward,I got my first workout in today.I am starting my assignments tonight.YOU LEAD,I WILL FOLLOW. Thank you for the chance
Bill, I'm the one who is helping my wife do the exercise and diet part of this challenge, but I have to admit that she's the one who got me to do the photo and the comments. That assignment was revealing, since I learned that I passed over the "before" photo without really allowing myself to have the feelings that I found I had about it. Those feelings might well be what will really motivate me, not just my dispassionate goal setting. So another lesson from the assignment is how good our marriage is. Still another lesson is that you're pretty wise for your age--and I'm not. Bobcat
I really want to participate in what I can. I'm unclear where we "blog" or "do" our assignments. I have taken my "before" pictures and just need to know where to post them and fill out my "thoughts" to complete all of these assignments. If anyone can help a non-blogger who is new on this web site. *help* ~THANK YOU!
Bill, I took my recent photo and wrote with an indellible marker phrases that describe the person I see in that photo(8x11). I printed a photo of myself when I did the challenge in 1999 (8x11)and I wrote on that phrases of what I felt like then and how I would feel about myself in the weeks ahead as I gain the body back that was once mine. These photos are posted in my bathroom wall as a constant reminder of some of the things I need to focus on. Thank you for all that you have done, not only helping me with my physical journey but my mental and spiritual journey as well
Hi Everyone....I took my "before" photo and I am trying to find where to post it. Also, when I put it on the piece "white" paper, is this in a word doc? "digitally challenged" Kim
Bill, I started my excercise program and began modifying my eating habits three days ago. I am currently working on this first assignment. I have started the BFL two times before and never finished. It seems I have always been so passionate about excerise and good eating habits and have tried to force it upon others without actually focusing on myself. My challenge this time out will be to first complete this assignment and then to work on me.
Just figured out how to take my pictures and I'm still trying to put them in my home page. Sorry everyone I haven't put on a two piece since the last BFL I almost finished 9 years ago. My daughter was helping me take the pictures. She said I don't look that bad for my age. She was just being sweet. I'm excited to be involved in this Transformation.Thanks Bill and God Bless to everyone ready for the change challenge. Cheryl4U
How do we complete this exercise? In other words, where do we type our answers to where we are now, how we feel about ourselves and post our BEFORE picture. Everywhere I click to a link, it just leads somewhere else instead of to the actual homework assignment. Brendad78
This was brutally difficult for me. I am 8 months after a figure competition and back wher I started from a year ago whicvh was 6 months post baby and the softeste I had ever been. I have been working on a BFL challenge which I finish in 4 more weeks but decided to start this simultaneusly because I believe in the power of the universe. I was brought here because this is what I need. When I look at my "beofre" picture all of what I see is inside. My physical appearance is ok, my life is ok. I have a greta life, 2 beautiful children, loving husband, one job I am passionate about but there is something missing in me that is keeping me back from enjoying it. I am not living to the fullest of my love potential. There is an aching in my heart and a lack of self love that prevents me from crossing that line to living my whole life with passion.
Hey I'm real pschyed to begin the second challenge. I just completed 12 weeks, and certainly have gained muscle tone, and feel in great shape. Like a painting, the work is never complete, and like a artist that wants to sculpt the perfection of getting the masterpiece thats what I'm using this challenge to do. It has been inspiring and I have trained another friend of mine for free as I took the challenge five years ago. I just got off the wagon, but I got back on, and it feels great. It feels great to feel healthy again, and personally, I feel I'm redifing what 40's have to look like. Thanks for providing great information over the years. Tyrone
I have read a few people here state that they started and stopped the body for life challenge so many times. Well you can add me to that roster. Living my life under the BFL challenge were the healthiest and happiest times of recent for me. I was at peace with myself. I want that Joy back and that serenity that comes from knowing that I am doing something special and "transforming" for me. I am off to take my pictures. God bless anyone that is here and up for the challenge. Good luck.
Took my pictures and wrote in my journal, how depressing! i thought i added a comment earlier so i won't repeat myself. BUT I NEED TO CHANGE!
OK here we go!!!! I am ready to get started and am so grateful that my sister showed me this site! I have been through the motions so many times on different programs and never stuck to it or really had anyone to walk me through the steps. I am going to get my pictures done today and get the next 4 assignments completed since I started late. Bill, thank you for creating this program online. I am jumping in and ready for change! Sincerely, Lynn
Just got the challenge information on 7/21 and signed up. Do you need a copy of my "before" picture immediately? I weighed myself on the first day, so I know where I'm starting. I just have to get caught up on the assignments. Paul
I finally took the pictures. Ugh! It's not a pretty sight. Maybe I should've covered up some more. I apologize to all of you beautiful young people. I know no one wants to see a flabby old woman! Many of you have never seen what an older woman's body really looks like; nor do you want to! Why the heck am I doing this? I'll be 60 years old on August 31, 2008. I've never had any plastic surgery of any kind; that's very obvious. I was once very proud of my body and health. The past 15 years have taken their toll. I just gave up. I'm not doing this transformation merely for vanity. I want to be healthy, vibrant and active. I want to live to enjoy my family and all the wonderful things I've yet to experience. Hope never grows old. I hope to be an inspiration to myself and other post menopausal women who sadly feel like their body is a failing, decomposing heap of aches, pains and flab. Can I do it? I'm surely going to give it my very best. I hope there are still some natural, regenerative resources existing within my body, mind and spirit. There's got to be some beautiful muscles down deep inside waiting to be coaxed out. Good luck to all of you!
Bill thank you for all that you give for others to get back in track to live a better life. I can only imagine how rewarding must be to see so many successful stories and how they multiply by the examples listed in your books and blogs. Looking forward to become one more success in this challenge. My best reward will be to live a more fruitful life and hopefully inspire others as well. Ian
Bill You represent Daniel 12:3 to me....Shine on, Buddie! Thank you, Shawnie
Bill, I have never completed a Body for life and I tried 3 times. I always start off great, lose 20 then stop half way through only to gain even more and losing everything accomplished. I am going to try transformation and maybe, just maybe I can make it this time. God bless you brother for what you do, Mike
I am ready to go with this new transformation inside and out michelle
wow I can't wait to get started!
Joining the transformation challenge is my gift to myself for my 50th birthday. I've decided to stop whining and wishing I could get my muscles back and have a better, more healthy body composition and just go for it. Anyone out there want to form a "Started July 21th Group?" Thanks, Bill, for all you do.
Just got the email today, so I'm signed up, and will be completing the first assignment this evening!!! -D
Bill, didn't get to the e-mail until today, which just happens to be the LAST day to sign up! Am 5 assignments behind but I'll catch up! Did the BFL challenge in 2002, but 'things' and business got in the way so we (my husband and I) didn't finish. Both lost more than 25 lbs back then and have managed to keep MOST of it off. Now, after 6 years of letting it all go, we're determined to finish what we started back then! Thank You - Kerry
Thank you! I was excited to get your email! I have been trying to enter BFL for years now! Everytime I said I was going to do it, something happened to prevent me from starting or finishing...Pregnancy (twice) or sickness or my knee needing a MRI. I just kind of gave up on ever getting back to the way I wanted to be after having 3 kids. Now I feel like there is hope and support for people like me. Thanks again! I will be back in a size 6 by the end of the Challenge!
I just accepted the challenge and did the pics and writing. Hard work. Brutal at points. "Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?...The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow..." or as Robert Frost said "The only way out is thru". I wish you all a successful and HAPPY Transformation.
I just made the Challenge deadline today. I am soo ready to start. I just took my picture. Amazing what writing down your thoughts & goals will do for opening your eyes to the reality of your life. I know know my goal of 100lbs by the end of 2008 will be done!
I am getting in right before the closing date. Just found your new website today. I just did 1st challenge. Excited to be a part of this and make 2008 a transformation year.
Okay......Here I go, I am scared to death of failure, and yet it seems to be most farmilar. I have been lerking, I read and know this is the right place to be, I, too, am a sprak person, but just feel something is amiss. I am going off to take my picture now, and to start my first assignment. I can do all things thru Christ who is in Me. Lynne
'BE THE CHANGE' GOES WITH THE SERENITY PRAYER! IT KEEPS US FROM COMPLAINING! IT HELPS US GROW COURAGE MUSCLES! WHEN I SEE SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, INSTEAD OF GETTING UPSET...I AM JUST GOING TO BE THE CHANGE! WOW! IS THAT EVER POWERFUL! POWERFUL STUFF ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE SIMPLE! I'M IN ALL THE WAY...BOTH HANDS, FEET, AND SPIRIT TOO!
Well I finally took the picture and will do the homework tonight. I know i need to lose weight but always thought I had a good attitude about myself, but seeing the picture laid bared and taking an honest look about it makes me realize that I was just putting on a mask that held in my true feelings. Thank you bill for being who you are and giving me the courage to take the picture in the first place. I'll do assigment number two when I finish number one today.
Really hard to look so deep at your own self. I have my 12 and thank you once again Bill!
I'm finally here! I can't wait to get started. My oldest brother would have been 50 today and I thought to myself...SELF! what could you do to honor him? I can still honor him even though he's not physically here. I have a couple of months to dedicate myself to being physically and mentally fit. While I search for a new career, I will also find the real me. Thanks so much for STILL being here for me after all these years Bill. I first became interested and bought the book in 2002. Stephanie
Finally I'm in. I didn't realize the denial that was there, and how strong it really is to not do what I must....tranform! Your 2nd assignment got through to me. I'm at day one......this blog is now 20 days old.and I'm 3 assignments behind....but I'm on the trail coming up from behind, as quickly as possible.
Bill, I saw you this weekend in O.C. and was floored, I am obesse and scared I won't be around to see my beautiful little girl grow up. When she was first born I couldn't walk from the bedroom to the front room without getting winded. On my own through changing my habits and eatting I have been able to lose 80lbs since Jan. 07 which has brought me down to 310lb. I will embrace this program with all I have because being able to see my little girl grow up is all I want to do. For so long I've struggled with weight, fear, anger and things that brought me to my knees. I will commitment to taking your lead, PLEASE HELP.........
HI Bill, I am doing Body for Life through my employer. Started today. I started Transformation today as well. I took a full 2 weeks to prepare by reading everything and starting a trial week on the diet and the exercise program. I did fairly well on both, got in all of the workouts. Writing everything eaten in the journal really helped me see where I am falling short. What a great tool! I am looking forward to changing my mind and body !!
Bill, I just completed assignment #1 and I have more than 15 words and phrases instead of 12. Should I cross out three of them? Boy was I ever in denial! I didn't know that I was this fat! Tomorrow is day one of clean eating forever! My running shoes are by my bed! Thank you! I am excited about honesty and wholeness inside and out! I am excited about becoming who I was meant to be...for the Glory of God! Bless you! Becky
I'm In!! I started BFL in Jan. I did great for about 2 months. I don't know what happened, life, stress, etc. I let myself down. I'm not the kind of person to do that. I'm grateful for another chance to prove to myself I CAN DO IT!!
Starting July 13. 10 years of not doing it with BFL. I WILL SUCCEED IN THE TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE!
Bill, Thank you for this site and the difference you are making in this world. It is really a joy to read about so many people who are on the path of real self-transformation. I realized during my first BFL challenge that it is more an interior journey more than a physical change. Thank you for being willing to put yourself out there in such a transparent manner about the inner transformation.
Just joined. Both excited and scared. I have lost 50 pounds with sparkpeople.com and in looking for a more mind, Spirit, body approach, found this site. My transformation begins! I hope my before photo can have an ocean background. I don't have a white wall or a place to set up a white background. I just returned from the beach and have a photo that I think will work well for a before shot. Not to get it on a disk so I can load it here.
It is July 8, count me in. Thank God I found you.
O.K. got my pictures taken early this morning before starting my day ONE (upper body workout) of the 18 week T Challenge (and just read assignment one and working on that now). All Aboard! July 7th Starters! We've started a July 7th Group for anyone here starting today who wants to meet and keep in touch with others sharing the same 18 weeks of the T Challenge.
so amazed i found this. lost 45 pounds and many inches 9 years ago on BFL - gained it back and more over the last 5. will take the picture this morning. ready to move on from the bloat, the booze, and the depression to the REAL me. i GET to work this hard. i GET to have my passion, i GET to help others, i GET to be an example. thanks for the story. i get it. love. b
Okay - second time writing this. Wow what an interesting experience. The first hurdle was having my husband take my photos. Embarrassing to say the least! I didn't want him to know how fat I have become, as if he hasn't noticed, we have been married 19 years. That out of the way I posted my photos on my site and sent them to Costco for hard copies. When I picked up my hard copies my head was cut off of all but one photo. This was interesting as for the past ten years I have only looked at my face in the mirror and have ignored the body below the neck. Now I faced the body below the neck - wow what an eye opener as you promised. I can focus on the negative but instead I choose to believe what you said is true, now that I am equipped with acurate information about myself I am ready to move forward and am excited about the possiblity of transformation. I anticipate great changes so that I will be of maximum service to God and those around me, that is the utimate goal. I am thankful my higher power placed this transformation challenge on the path of my current journey. Thank you for being of service!
Thanks Bill! All I can say is "how did this happen?" and "who is that old, fat woman?". I'm done with that person- bring it on!
Bill, I do not like the girl in the picture. Looking at that body no one can see who the girl is on the inside. To see that picture is to accept the fact that I stopped caring about myself and did not care enough about the body that God gave me to honor it and take care of it. I know He didn't intend for me to abuse it the way that I have. I need the help you are offering and I accept the hand that you are stretching out to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Done! Not only that, I am so done with that girl in the picture. Good grief is that ME? Great excersize=Great hope!
I just completed my first excercise and it was very sobering. It felt good to organize and put all my thoughts and feelings down in front of me! Thank you!
Wow! I still can't get over how emotionally overwhelming having the "before" photo was. My husband took the photo for me. I broke down and wept. And THAT is so unlike me. But this is the first time in my 44 years I have EVER reached out for help. This should be an interesting journey
I have taken my first step in my transformation challenge. My photo. It is a bit daunting to have to describe myself on paper. I am going to take a very long look at myself and write down what I feel that my picture represents. I find this first assignment to be a very useful tool.
I'm taking the first step!!
I never took an official challenge--but following the BFL may have saved my life when I lost 90 pounds with the help of your BFL book. The last 2 years have been filled with difficult transitions and it is time for me to get back on the wagon to continue the transformation. Thank you for all the good you do for others. Keep it up.
All of your comments are so inspiring to me! Our days of self-destruction are over...we deserve more, every single one of us. I took my picture - ouch! But what did I really expect? Garbage in, garbage out. Let the transformation begin! I will be praying for all of you ~ Blessings, Noreen
I just signed up for the challenge, and I am so ready. I start as soon as hubby and I get back from our summer vacation in just a few weeks.
I'm in
ok man.....Im going to do this! I feel great now, but I know i can improve....spirituallly,mentally and physically. Can I use a photo from 3 months ago? Or is that cheating. I believe I need to focus more on my spiritual life. I must say I have made a dramtic change in that aspect but lately at times, when I feel I need to move forward spiritally I have got lazy. ACTIONS NOT WORDS! ~Bobby Grimes
OK, I delayed the inevitable enough! I took my Before Pictures, and all I can say is: WHY DID I LET MYSELF GO THIS MUCH!!! How could I be this unhealthy, and until I saw the photo, I really thought I wasn't "that big around the middle", but I look like a teapot on legs. It stung so much, that I lost every last stitch of wanting to make excuses to start tomorrow...I started IMMEDIATELY! This was just the WAKE-UP CALL I needed! Harsh reality! I can't wait to show veveryone, especially myself, my AFTER PHOTO! Thank you, Bill, for giving us the exercise to open our eyes! (Please forgive my long-winded comment).
Okay - Assignment done. What an eye-opener. Here I thought I'd been making progress but I was sadly mistaken. I did alter my assignment a little. Instead of drawing a box and imagining what my goals would be and how I'd feel once I accomplished them, I used my final photos from my BFL Challenge about 6-7years ago. I KNOW what I can do. I have proof I can do it. And I know how good it felt.
LAST NIGHT I DID MY FRIST ASSIGNMENT. AT FRIST I DID NOT LIKE LOOKING AT THE PIC. BUT I REALLY GOT INTO IT. I GUESS I HAD A LOT TO LOOK AT, I MADE THE PIC. MY BEFORE AND THE 2ND SHEET MY AFTER. IT NOW HANGS IN MY BATHROOM SO I CAN SEE IT EVERY DAY. THANKS BILL FOR MAKING ME LOOK?
Bill – guess what happened? I am sure you have heard it before. After a two year absence from your BFL principles and life style, I feel back into the “rut” of bad habits. I’m back in the saddle and signed up today! A toast to you for all the people that you have helped with your BFL programs and a toast to my friend for sending me the link to your Transformation Website…. I am in again and this time FOR LIFE
I'm in
Bill, I really admire your dedication to a healthy lifestyle through the physical, emotional, and spiritual unit and I'm really excited to be a part of this forum and challenge. After doing Assn #1, it is amazing but also difficult to see how you see yourself visually and verbally. I always had these thoughts in my head, but in some way writing the phases and words down really help and give you a sense of relief. I look forward to the next challenges. Thank you, Vicky
Excited to see lesson one although haven't completed it yet... I had much success with BFL and unfortunately also slipped backward over the last five years to where I was when I started. I think the wholistic approach will do wonders and looking forward to sharing the struggles and most certainly successes with others. Thank you!
Dear Bill, I was so excited when I received your "Transformation" e-mail. I did BFL and achieved AMAZING results. I went from a size 18 down to a size 2 and got into the best shape of my entire life, bar none. Unfortunately, after the "contest" was over, I slid back into my old habits and gained all the weight back, over a two year period. About 8 weeks ago I decided enough was enough and started back up, on my own. It didn't matter to me that there was no "contest" - this was for ME. So, imagine my surprise when I got your e-mail. Pefect timing!! Sonsa
I am looking forward to inspiring all those who have tried and failed...many times. This is going to be great. My body and mind are ready to do what my spirit has desired for so long. May you all be blessed and successful! -Sarah Beth
I just signed on to the program. Is it too late to start?
Hello Mr. Phillips, I finally took my picture and did the first assignment. I just joined this site and starting my challenge today. I cannot tell you how much this made me cry. I am grateful for this awakening experience....Looking forward to this long journey....
Thanks Bill.Picture is ready.I can't wait to see what twelve weeks looks like!!!!! Rusty
Thanks for adding Lesson # 1 to the blog. Hail to the wise web masters!!!!! ~ Pete ;)
Bill, Thank you, the first assignment was extremely difficult but I needed it. Can we post our results from our assignments? All the words and phrases brought some truth into my life, for years I have tried to avoid mirrors and pictures. If I did have to take a picture I made sure I cropped it to show only my face. I can't hide now, I am tired of hiding in my prison..... Prisoner was one of the words that described how I feel. Priscilla
Bill, I am new to this web page and have never done a "challenge". There seems to be a reason I found your community. OK, I am ready! Lets do this! Thanks, Mark
Thanks again for all you do Bill. I sure hate to see you trash those wheels for a marathon though. At least it's for a good cause...
Bill, isn't it amazing what the mind is capable of after staring a while at a piece of paper with just a rectangle drawn on it??? This single exercise is so powerfull and inspiring (and confronting).... I can't wait to see what you have cooked up for us next. Thank you, Alejandro.-
Thank You - Jaki
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