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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!
Ok, I'm doing this again, I don't know how many times I've tried the Challenge only to stop before I ever really got started. I always blamed it on my husband who is very overwieght and is always bringing chips, ice cream etc into the house. something feels different this time, I guess I'm ready to be completely honest with myself, maybe for the first time in 60+ years. I so want this and know I will need all the support I can get.
I finished assignment 1 Monday and I agree with Deana, it was an eye opener. For some reason the before pictures allowed me to see myself differently then when I look in the mirror. I was so disappointed in myself for gaining so much weight but now I know where I'm at and I'm ready to move forward.
I have to comment, assignment #1 was a great eye opener.... since I read that assignment, I did what was suggested and I was able to dig deep down inside to get in touch with the feelings I have been feeling about myself and was able to fully vision the new person I want to (WILL) become. Thank you!
When I look at my now photo, I see: FAT, UNATTRACTIVE, UNHEALTHY, LOWEST POINT EVER. What I want to see is lean muscle, sexy abs, confidence and an inspiration to woman 53 years old. I am at my highest weight ever (180 lbs.)
Just finished Assignment 1. I'm so ready to get my inner self and outer shell back to where it should be. These before photos will be very hard to post. I realized I'm in denial. I didn't think I looked like this! Here's to transformation!
Completed assignment #1. Posted my before pictures....ugh... I am so embarrassed to post them. This is my fifth time to try the BFL challenge in the past eight years!!! I would do good for a week or so then fall off the boat. Kinda funny, but I have the success journal and all the pages up to day 9 are filled out, so every time I have re-started the challenge I have to tape a blank additional log sheet on the pages up to day 9. It makes me feel horrible seeing that I failed so many times in the past. I look forward to filling out day 83! I look forward to completing all the assignments. Great tool for us to use, thank you!
Finally, assignment #1 complete. It may take some additional courage to upload the photos!
I am having a really hard time posting my pictures mostly because I can't believe I let this happen to myself. I feel ugly and fat. my goal today is to post the picture (i know I am few days late).
completed #1...a few of the words to describe how I feel...dull...sluggish...unattractive...a real sense of failure. After losing the lbs over and over again..thru hard work...I am afraid to start again...only to end up in the same place...I am hoping a complete transformation is the only way...obviously something is holding me back?? I understand the premise of this program...but how do I utilize it to it's fullest...feeling a little lost and could use some support...thanks
I just finished Assignment #1 for the second round. It's amazing how much I really have grown in the first challenge despite my lack of physical progress. I am focusing and working on going from o.k. to fabulous rather than sad, lonely, directionless, tired to happy and having a better body. A lot of internal maturity has occured and I really think I'm ready to believe I can be fabulous! sandra
STep one done - ready to get started - Can't believe how much I've haven't been seeing with my own eyes. I don't want to share this with anyone just yet - still afraid to fail.
wow, what an eye opening experience...#1 done! Off to a good start!
Assignment # 1 complete, Thanks
I just signed up! I am tired of being tired and failing myself. My menu and plan for tomorrow is written down and the food has been prepared. I am excited!
I'm on board! i just finished my 2nd BFL challenge. I'm ready for challenge 3. Starting the transformation today but with light workouts so I don't burn myself out. Making good progress but still need to work towards a better, positive, sound, healthier me.
Yesterday I prepared food ahead for hubby and me. I am excited to start again because this time I am determined to do the clean eating-the last time I did the workouts, built some muscle and lost a little fat. This time I know the healthy eating has to be priority to get the results I am looking for. Chris Winters statement about relying on clean eating to lose the weight and not on the exercise clicked with me-because last time I did 16 weeks I overdid cardio and got overhungry and overate-EVERYTHING IN MODERATION!
Bill, I have just completed this assignment for C2. I'm amazed to see how different my visions are of myself when I compare them to my C1 efforts. Transformation is never-ending and I'm so pleased you have chosen to share this journey with me................Julie
I still need to take my before pic. Right now I am reading and writing down notes for myself for phase one for motivation. It doesn't help when I have my teenage son down here telling me to just go to the gym like I did before. I told him that a person needs to be mentally prepaired as well. He doesn't understand. That is why I am on this site to get the help and support that I need because I sure don't get it from my houshold. Why are kids so mean?
Wow. I just did this assignment. It blew my mind. All those thoughts rolling around in your head put to paper. It makes them real. I needed this to face the way I have been feeling lately. I felt so great having done so well through my pregnancy(gained about 10 pounds), but faced with the remaining weight50-55lbs) from before has really got me depressed. Thank you so much for this. I feel like this assignment did what it was meant to. I can't wait to continue!
assignment one done. What an eye opener. As I start the assignment I feel older than ever. I have been sick and realizing how out of shape I really am. I took my blood pressure the other day and it was out of control 160/107 and my weight was a shocking 352.5. I am fat and out of shape. Time to get my ass in gear.See you through the journey.
I have as many positive and negative factors as you can get to propel me through this. I just lost a great friend who would have wanted me to persue this.
Wow--here I am! I am ready to emark on this incredible journey with all of you. I no longer want to live a fear-ful life. I am excited as I traverse the path ahead. Bill, God bless you for giving us the best of you. Love all of you, Aina
Ok I did it!! Assignment #1 is finally done!! I am so ready for this!! -
Assignment 1 done. It's taken my 2 wks to be brave enough to complete this seemingly simple task, but I did it - and feel a weight lifted and I'm very excited to see what the future brings as I bring forward a new me.
Bill, Thank you for this exercise! I am ready to continue on my journey towards MY transformation! Putting the words on the pages helped me own everything about this transformation and what a difference it has made so far.
Assignment #1 done and logged. Now to start exercising and eating right. I love it - this is great. Billy7
Ok....here we go. For sure now. So excited. Assignment 1 done.
Wow! When I look at these pictures I see a woman who has been through unbelievable things but still is in pain because I never feel like I am good enough. I have worked so hard from the beginning of the time that I took breath on this planet just to survive and it just pains me that I am not good enough yet. That my body needs to look a certain way for me to be a champ, I thought I already was, so today I am depressed after looking at me and finding all of my flaws and I know what grief is. My little sister never thought that she was good enough and she is not here today. That is all that I want to say.
Done with assignment #1, a little bit of a slap in my own face; but at least I realize where I am now, and where I want to go.....need the next assignment now.........
Here I am again...I WILL get it right this time!!~Kim
Assignment #1 finished, posted, and blogged. That was significantly harder than I expected it to be. Thank you all for your encouragement and support. Every nudge in the right direction counts.
Well, I have procrastinated long enough. I am going to get started with this "Transformation". Jojo
So do I have to post my before photos???
Bill, Competed in the BFL challenge back in 1999. I did real well and stayed active and healthy for about 6 years. I then opened a couple of businesses and have lost sight of the old me and the way I used to feel when I was following your plan. I now feel run down, tired, and lost. I am so glad you have continued the challenge and that I am able to get back on board. Thanks - Roy
Bill, glad I found your Website. Read your book years ago (BFL) but I know now that I wasn't mentally ready to go through with it. I'm 35 and the time is now. Thanks for sticking around, Jorge
Assignment 1a and 1b DONE. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity! I think the biggest shock was not so much my body -- but the sad, guarded look in my eyes. I am NOT a sad person -- far from it. I know that each week, my face will truly reflect the joy I feel inside...the physical transformation is simply a missing puzzle piece -- the one that brings it all together. I have fought long and hard to create a life of passion and joy -- I am not going to let my body, of all things, slow me down! :)
How to find this less confronting: go shopping for new clothes - nothing like the store mirrors, lights and having to try on double the size of clothing you used to wear. That did it for me! I'm so excited about the coming transformation. My biggest hurdle is focus on one task and patience.
Bill I read your book years ago, yet I am still fat. Thanks for your web site, I hope it is the catalyst I need for change. I have even been working out with a trainer for 18 months with little results. I just cant stop the bad habit of eating that I have.I keep telling myself that under this fat is a hot babe LOL! I am looking forward to this transformation, well all except this first assignment ! Thank you again, Barbara
Okay so i took a good look at myself and realized that today is the day to change my life,I took my pic and WOW I just was shocked.Here is to a new life.BRING IT ON
met Diane Roberson last night and I am ready to do it
I have signed up for the Challenge again. Life took a turn with my husband's health. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer; surgery on 06/06; all tests indicate it was contained. Thank God. My focus is back on me again. I want to transform, I need to transform. I AM TRANSFORMING!
Okay, I am beginning -- again! I'm glad to see I'm not alone, though! To tell the truth, I started in February, but the very first assignment was so completely devastating to me that I just didn't have the heart to go on. Looking at the "before" picture of exactly what I look like now -- no makeup, my worst features there for everyone to see, not hiding behind something black and baggy - it was painful, to say the least! However, I have had several months to get over the shock at who I really am, deal with it and finally take the next step and move ahead to the me I am inside! I am ready! I hope step two doesn't take me as long to get past as step one! LOL
Here I am again... starting over! At the beginning of the first challenge, I thought I had everything under control. Then I lost my job , and just about everything else. The last 6 months have been a "Transformation" of sorts... maybe not as much physical than it was mental and emotional. This time I have a diffrent outlook on what this Transformation will be and mean to me. Bill you are awesome! June 29th here I come...
This seems to be the KEY I have been missing. The Focus on the greater good. This is not just for me, This is for My Wife and Son. New habbits and a greater life. HERE WE GO !! Thank you all in advance for the support. Jim
I can't wait for some time to pass so I wont look like this any more.I don't know how I got here.Looking at my before pics is hard.Im so out of shape.It's funny cause everyone always says how muscular I am but it's just not true.These photes show the truth and it's not pretty.At 34 years old Im ready to face the truth and slay this dragon!
Working on Assignment #1. Did not complete TC Round #1. Self-trust is the foundation of faith - Self trust is the result of being honest with ourselves. I honestly don't know if I can do this, but I started today and will take this step towards a better future, a better me. I truly hope that I can complete this challenge. I need to.
Not fun but gives a good view of what is reality and not how we see things through our minds eye
Assignment 1 it is bitter sweet, I look at the pictures and I feel despair, depressed and weak but I am also filled with excitement and hope of where I will be in 18 weeks. It is odd feeling that way at the same time. I am focused and I must stay focused with the help of this community what better place to help you stay focused than right here. I am a huge fan of Mr. Phillips ever since he first wrote Body 4 Life, I have been on and off of the program for many years but this time I have all of you and will dive deeper inside myself than I had ever thought I would. A HUGE thank to Mr. Phillips for creating Body 4 Life and taking it to this new level, the look within oneself. With a Huge Thanks Carla
Well I did it. I posted my before pictures. the last time I did the challenge, (and when I did Body for Life) I took the picture and never really looked at it. So this is a huge step. Not only am I looking at it but letting everyone look at it. So what do I see, how do I feel...I feel like a failure, I don't fail at things, I may not be the best at what I do but I never fail. Except for this. I am sad, embarrassed and ashamed. But mostly I feel like a failure. I try to see me as others see me.I realize that I am just the sweet funny fat person everyone likes to hang out with. I once promised myself that I would never get like this. So I have failed myself. The new me will be lean, strong and proud of myself. I will wear pretty clothes, I won't get depressed when it is time to get dressed and I have to figure out what to wear. Getting dressed in the morning will be fun again. Clothes won't be too tihgt, my knees and hip won't hurt anymore and I will be happy and confident again. I can't wait.
So, since I'm going to do this Transformation and complete it, then assignment #1 seems to be nothing short of crucial. When I finish this post my before picture goes up and that is scary. I can admit my weight (261 lbs in this photo), I know I did this to myself, but to lay myself out there for all to see...that's tough. BUT...people are going to be so enthusiastic and inspired when my after pictures go up...and go up they will. So instead of rambling on and on here to avoid doing what I need to do, I'll wrap it up. Before I do, these are the words that surrounded my Before photo: Sad, lonely, has given up, a life unlived, emotionally guarded, unloved, tough, scared, confused, isolated, weak, spiritually lost, withdrawn, obese, ugly, 261 lbs, BP 130/90 The image I forsee in my After photo says: Physically fit, kind hearted, confident, loves her life, proud, loved, fullfilled, whole, God's child, happy, strong, is an inspiration to others, loves to laugh, fun to be around, a great friend Day 1 begins Sunday, June 14th - but the tranformation truly began a few days ago when I found this site. Thank heavens for this forum and all the support.
360 days ago I wrote this: "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" Now, after having a beautiful baby girl, I am ready to fulfill the rest of that dream. I can't believe it has been a year! The great part is that I am starting with 10 pounds less to achieve my goal! How? Because the Transformation did not get put on hold this last year, it just took an unexpected turn. =) I am pumped!
It's unbelievable what a picture of yourself can do to motivate you! Thank you for having us do this assignment. It means more when you write it down. I look forward to a fabulous transformation!
This is such a necessary evil! A few days ago I had my wife take my "before" pictures of my front side and back side. It was embarrassing to have to stand and look so horrible, especially in front of my wife. My 10 year old son was in the room watching and, of course, he had to make his comments! I took it a step further for myself by posting these pics on my profile. In the past when I "attempted" to do the BFL 12-week Challenge, I did a half-ass job; I didn't even take photos. Taking these pics and seeing the unfortunate state I am in makes it so PROFOUND. Hearing my son make his comments about my appearance has made it even more important to me to show HIM the power of change and the power of the old adage "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." I can't wait to show my children what can be accomplished.
Bill, I have taken my photo's and posted them for the second time in round 2. It wasn't as hard as the first time, but still I felt a little reserved doing it. Now I'm ready to get this show on the road and get started on the assignments again, but with a new twist. John
I am excited to continue down this path of transformation. Taking my second set of before pictures, I already look better than before, and i have changed so much on the inside as well I admit and recognise that I still have much work to do. My body is still out of shape, my emotions are not "fixed" but I have experienced a life changing event (finishing the first 18 weeks) and can't wait to see how much further i'll be able to push myself in the future. I posted a blog with my new Assingment #1 part A and B photo's. I'm excited to re-visit the point of focus on where I still am in this journey, and remember intently where i am headed. I'm so glad to have this transformation community to work with me! Thank you all!
It is time for me to take the next step to transform my body. My wife transformed her body through Bill Phillips 12 week challenge and she looks great! Standing next to her I can see just how out of shape I really am. I realize that I've been resisting my own transformation. So here I am taking the 18 week challenge so I too can transform my body and my body of affairs. The first assignment was one of the hardest things I've done in a long time. When I looked at my picture it brought up so many emotions. Embarrassment,sadness and anger came forward. I realize I was in denial, I was unconscious. It was not my authentic self. I cried just reading the words aloud to my wife.I then realized I want to be healthier and I want to be around for my wife,my kids,grand kids and for me. So thank you Bill Phillips for suggesting that I take a look inside. The first assignment was hard but a necessary part of my transformation. I look forward to the weeks to come. Thanks again.
Okay, Bill. That was ugly, but I can see why it is necessary. I also took a fitness assesment, which painted even a more clear picture of my starting point. I am 5'3", weigh 191 lbs., BMI of 33.3 and body fat of 39.8%. The good news is that I went to the gym and completed the upper body workout in addition to successfully finishing my fourth EFL meal of the day. Go me!
I am already feeling a 'shift' in my being. I'm having a little tech difficulty with my before photo. In the past that would have derailed my efforts already. Not this time. I will have my photo in my workbook and posted on line in afew days. I am so greatful for this experience and the adventure ahead.
OK Bill...This assignment was so not fun! Yet, I see how useful it is. I really really hadn't looked at myself in years! I mean, I knew I was fat, but not that fat! I can't believe it. I am so embarrassed. I have posted my before pics and the words I wrote around it on my profile page. Check it out. It is so embarrassing to post this, but maybe if I put it "out there" it will hold me accountable and inspire others. Beth ;)
Hello everyone. I would like to finally stick to something and completely change for the better. I have finished one body for life challenge and I was happy with the change but i went back to my old ways so fast it isn't funny. I jumped on to the next great exercise series p90x and started off fine finishing the first month but, ever since then i have been half motivated. I feel an extreme unbalance in myself i am always moody somewhat angry complacent lazy uninspired unmotivated and just unhappy. I don't feel that i am achieving anything i start out doing and i shy away from finishing any task that takes commitment. I don't want to be this way. I achieved my goals once and i would just really like to stay that way.
T-assignment 1.5: On your marks? Sunday June 14, 2009 Albuquerque NM 6:33 AM Hello every-one, My name is Iván and I am getting ready for the T-challenge. As I am moving from the contemplation to the action stage in assignment 1, I am noticing that many individuals on the transformation challenge are trying to lose weight, which weight loss is not my concern. I am underweight. I stand about 5-11 and my weight fluctuates between 140-150 pounds. I am also small framed. At this point, I don’t know what is good for my body. Right now I am 35 years old and some of my older friends suggested for me to keep my weight on the low-end because as individuals get older, weight becomes taxing for the human body. Nevertheless, I have read assignment one, and have began writing words that describe my inner condition with a dozen words and phrases. This is what I have written thus far: underweight, vulnerable, weak, frail, off balance, disadvantaged, cynical, insecure, unhealthy, selfish, depressed, responsible, wavering, inconsistent, ashamed, unattractive, missed my prime, and my all-time favorite, struggling mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am still working on the next two parts of this assignment, but this is what I was able to come up with thus far for my after photo reflections: slender but strong, Toned muscles, healthy, attractive. For the section on how would the transformed Iván would feel I wrote: responsible, balanced, trustworthy, giving, secure, serene, humble, and genuine. I am planning to begin day one really soon, but I am trying to make sure I anchor my foundation well in the above assignment. I welcome any feedback from anyone who is willing to give it. Thanks, Iván.
It's difficult for me to be the "person in the background" because I am so tall. At 6'5" and 250 pounds, I am often told that I am not "fat", that I carry my weight well. I appreciate the generous comments, but I see myself as "fat". I know that one should not be hung up on what's on the outside, but I DO care about how I look on the outside. I don't want to be embarrassed to take off my shirt at the swimming pool.
I think to actually feel accountable I need to post my answers to assignment #1 right here....I am the person you always find in the background..not wanting to be seen. Why, you may ask because I am embrassed by how my body looks and feels and I don't want to embrass my friends or family. Eventhough people will tell me that beauty is one the inside I also want to look beautiful on the outside not disgusting and unattractive. I have hit rock bottom and don't want to feel powerless, depressed or unnactractive anymore. What do I want? a healtly (was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes=my rock bottom) happy and able to accept the new body I am working to achieve. Wow I never really thought I could acknowledge all this I was so used to making excuses for myself but if I want to LIVE this change must happen......thanks for listening.
The funny thing is, I have always had the not so petite figure but I had way more confidence than any girl I knew. My friends look like gorgeous and everyone would think the world of these girls. No one would ever guess that they did not like themselves. They never could look inside and deal with the issue. Here I was the one who gave them the confidence. Lately though my body has been unwell and causing weight gain. So now I am feeling some of those feelings of not liking themselves that they felt. Now it's my turn to reflect myself in the best way possible. Today I met one of your previous body for life champions. Turns out she is my coworker and after listening to her story I have to say NO more Excuses! I am getting started right now! Mary Jennifer ( Masha)
I've completed my assignment in a notebook but didnt know if I'm supposed to post it here somewhere? I'm not very good a computer stuff. I see some have their photos and words and all that done up and posted here. I don't know how to do that. Should I just keep it in the notebook??? Thanks! breeze
ROUND 3...Here I come! They say, the third is the charm! I want so badly to capture that beautiful charm and carry it with me for the rest of my life and that my friends is what I think round 3 is about for me. It's not about the numbers, it's not about the inches or the pounds, it's not even about what I see when I look at my current photo, it's "ALLOWING my body the GRACE to transform into whatever it wants to transform....heal wherever and however it wants, tone just the way it sees fitting." This alone is MONUMENTAL for me...I'm so demanding...always about the numbers. the size, the scale....I have gathered enough confidence in my body's healing and transforming abilities, that I decided to just step aside and let it do it's job the way it sees fit! Nevermind what my goals are, God's are far greater than what I can muster up, so His transformation for me is just the same...far greater than I could ever self-impose as I have for years! I am happy where I am, I have contentment, I have some pride for my accomplishments and perseverance! I NEVER thought I would make it past 60 days....but much to my surprise, instead of getting harder or feeling harder as I expected, it actually kept getting easier as I kept getting results! Accomplished...empowered.....strong....FEARLESS...BLESSED.....radiant.....healthier.....confident.....beautiful.....are all things that I see now. What I hope to see in four more months is a completely evolved DEMI....ENLIGHTENMENT to the FULLEST.....a huge celebration of my FIRST BIRTHDAY of my NEW< HEALTHY LIFE....COMPLETE, MIND< BODY AND SOUL RESTORED! Here I come!!!! I truly can't wait! And I can't wait to see Bill in Hawaii next March! What about you? What are your goals???? Hugs from Cali and I hope I've DEMIFIED you! xoxoxo Demi xoxoxo
Well - I have completed this assignment but don't know where to go from here?
I dont have any idea where to begin. I am doing this for my wife and kids. I have gained and lost over the years but It has gotten way out of control. I have a great partner in my wife to help me make my story a success story and can not wait to share my steps with others out there.
Well, I have completed the first exercise and man let me tell ya, am I living in a different world or what? I can't beleive what I have become! I am really ashamed of myself and I am ready to get things going. I have ordered all three books and I am waiting on those to come in the mail, but I am still going to start working out this week for exercise number two. I really enjoy watching the videos of the people that have made it through the program and reached their goals. Now I want to be one of those people!
I am on challenge 2, lost 51 lbs on challenge 1 and had amazing results accross the board... so this time around my words are different.... continued: happiness, pride in achievement, inner peace, feeling empowerment, taking control... and at the end of my challenge2 - I want more of the same, moving to the next level, accepting whatever comes my way... .wanting to just give a really honest effort!
I will be 42 years old on June 11, 2009. This birthday photo will mark a milestone B.T. vs. A.T. (before Transformation vs. After Transformation!) This year I have made permanent changes inside and out, and next year this time, it will be evident! Even tho I have been moving forward and backward in circles for the past 42 years, I can see that I have been rolling along in a forward motion! I celebrate this birthday by being the change and by accepting the challenges ahead ~ STARTING NOW! I realize that if I don't grab hold of the reins today and take responsibility for my own actions, then all the advice in the world will not help me succeed. This birthday Ima' celebrate me by grabbing hold of the reigns ...not with pride but with gratitude to GOD for creating me! I dedicate this transformation to me, because I commit today to love myself first in order that I may love others as GOD sincerely desires me to.
I just finished writing down my feeling for both my current state and my future......I can't wait to get moving in the right direction! Thank you for all that you do.
Ugh! I guess if this was going to be easy I would have confronted myself along time ago. I dont like what I see in in the mirror. But what I see in the mirror is not who I am on the inside. I just want my mirror image and the real me to match up. I made a list of my wants too. I wonder if the list of my wants will change when I complete the transformation?
Bill, For the longest time I knew what I needed to do. The missing ingredient was the change from the inside first. There is a world of difference in knowing what to do and actually doing it. It's tiime...I look forward to meeting you soon.
Here I go!
Assignment one just sucked the energy right out of me but it was so needed. Looking at myself in that silly tiny bathing suit was hard, starting to write the first word was hard but the more I looked at my picture the words just started to flow. The second part of the assignment about what I want see in my after photo was indepth but not first by writing how I would like to see health and of course no fat stomach hanging over my bathing suit bottoms. I want to be healthy. Thank you for your support.
I have a mental block! and I'm afraid to commit so before I do I will do step #1.
I just finished assignment 1A. I'm not too happy with myself right now but I know that this is the beginning. I have been on BFL for 8 weeks now and will be starting the T.com Challenge on June 29th. I want to finish what I started and live up to my committment. This will be the first time that I'm ever doing so. Up to this point, I've definitely seen and increase in positive mental and physical energy but taking this look within opened up some things about me that I did not want to readily admit. Now that it's all out there though, I realize how much I need to work on the inside. Thank you for this assignment. I look forward to each week's progress and future assignments that will help me continue to peer within and make those much needed changes.
I just completed assignment 1. I took my before photo a couple of days ago and recently finished describing how I felt. When I first saw my photo I was horrified. But as time moved on and I studied the photo over the pass few days it was easier for me to see myself with the extra baggage. I think it's easier because I am now convinced that my current appearance is only temporary; I am truly looking forward to my transformation.
I completed this assignment two nights ago. Talk about paradoxal. I'm here because I have a burning desire to change however, the first impulse I had when I viewed my pictures was to immediately escape into my "comfort zone". Paradoxal because nothing about the picture looking back at me oozes anything "comfortable". What a wake-up-call. My internal being is a mirrored reflection depicted in my picture. I know in my heart that this will be the very LAST time I will ever feel this way. Having my husband take a self requeste picture of myself in a sports bra and work-out-shorts has been a HUGE step for me in itself. My husband loves me but it was humiliating for me to see him looking at me in such a desperate and vulnerable state. Talk about feeling no control. I can see why Bill has assigned this as the first challenge. I'm not sure how anyone else really feels but this first step has made me feel both sad and happy at the same time! Sad that I have neglected my basic needs for so long, but thrilled to the core that I am on the path to healing myself from the inside out!!!! I'm really going to do it!!!
Is the first assignment truely the hardest? I'll have to say yes to that. I took my measurements and weighed myselft the first day, however the picture took until day 6 for me to complete!! Yes, I was being a coward. At first I didn't think I could stick to the diet and excercise and I felt very negative. I'm just now completing week 2 (and I know it's early) but I know I can do this! Thanks to you, Bill, I know I can do this!
FIT TONED HEALTHY LEAN STRONG YOUNG ATHLETIC HAPPY PEACEFUL CONTENT MOTIVATED FUN SUCCESSFUL FULFILLED PURPOSEFUL REAL SELF LOVING FOCUSED EQUAL Now this is the fun stuff My intentions at the end of this transformation are as follows: I will be lean strong and healthy. I will be exercising regularly for hobby and enjoyment. I will be happy, peaceful and content. I will have and contribute happiness. I will find purpose in life and live each day with focus and motivation. I will be a GOOD example to my family and friends. My results will encourage others and I will give hope to other women who have suffered my same issues of weight gain and hormonal imbalance. I will offer them unconditional love and support. I pray that I can spare someone else the agony that I have endured. ROCK ON WITH TRANSFORMATION.COM
Assignment #1a -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I completed my Assignment #1 A last night and these are some thoughts that I have regarding that assignment. First let me just say....it is not easy for me to admit this. I do not dwell in self pity and I am not a sympthy seeker, but I find it necessary to open up and make the following admissions in order to heal:-) When I look at my before pictures I feel very sad. Sad that I have allowed my life to get to this point. I feel ugly and undesirable. My quality of life has become virtually nonexistent. My hormones are so uncontrollable that I can barely function from day to day. I have become a recluse for fear that if I spend time with my friends they will detect my depression and consider me a failure. And yet, I feel lonely. My husband and children can barely tolerate my mood swings and irritablility. They all love me in spite of my erratic behavior, but I feel like a horrible mother and wife. I am obsessed with comparing myself to other thin, attractive people and harbor a constant sense of jealousy and inferiorty. I search aimlessly for my real purpose in life. Anxiously hoping that a miracle will occur and I will once again be happy. I binge eat and drink wine in an unsuccessful attempt to numb the pain. But, it just makes it worse. I am desperate for an answer to heal all of my misery and close to giving up hope to ever be able to contribute genuine happiness to my life and the lives of my husband and children.
I completed a successful challenge July to Nov. 08 and felt like I had attained all I need to...had learned to live the lifestyle. I participated some during the next 6 months but didn't do the official 1st challenge of 2009. I am back... starting June 1 officially .Looking at this assignment is so different from the first time...so much more positive things to say on my before but still areas to work on. MY BEFORE FEELINGS: I'm happy I have maintained the weight loss, I found what works for me here and am committed to T.com. I am proud of my accomplishements, less critical of my body, ready to help others, inspired by God and passionate. I realized I have let wine drinking become to regular in my life, have lost some focus on the weights and feel a little puffy...want to tighten up. MY AFTER FEELINGS: At peace, more loving, more giving, more energetic, joy in non-drinking, radiating light, vibrant, feeling my best, sexy, clear minded, in His Spirit, Being the Change. MY OUTSIDE DESCRIPTION: Muscular,Leaner, Stronger, Bright eyed. Susan
Present~June 3rd,2009~I see~NOW~Extremely Determined!!!!!!!!!!!!Very GRATEFUL for the Woman I have BECOME and the WOMAN I AM TO BE! Embracing HEALTH...GAVE MY HEART and Soul to ROUND ONE 100 % and Ready to do the same in ROUND TWO! Full OF WORTH, Courageous and Strong...cant believe I did what I did with the ADVERISTY and SUDDEN LOSS of my PRECIOUS Mother! FOUND My WORTH...embracing health, ready to release FORTY MORE POUNDS...never will go back to the woman I WAS and EMBRACING the woman I AM and FREE TO BE ME, Grieving my mothers birth into heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!Missing my MOM SO MUCH! WORKED WORKED WORKED SO HARD ROUND ONE!!!!!!!!!!Found I am BELOVED...WORTH..and have dignity and WORTH THE CHANGE! Beauty...1/2 way their to GOAL, seeing the finish LINE....proud yet HUMBLE ....thankful to GOD and this community and BILLS prayers and LOVE! LIGHT...full of GODS LOVE and wanting MORE AND MORE of GODS SPIRIT IN MY LIFE, PROUD Of me and feeling a bit sexy. Yes sexy...wow!Tenacious..persistant...embracingHEALTH!!!!!!!!!!!Feeling Feirce about ROUND TWO! Going to take it fiercely like round one! FUTURE VISION: !!!!!!!!Champion in HUMILITY andon my face gratitude toward SERVICE to all others to find their WORTH and the GIVER of ALL WORTH and that YOU are WORTH THE CHANGE and BELOVED IN GOD as HIS CHILD period and this ENORMOUS LAVISH LOVE ..ragamuffin LOVE that loves in our humanity and sees our brokeness and makes us WHOLE. Ready to SERVE BILL and this community and deeply grateful to GOD for transformation~! I see myself athletic...I see myself ministering...I see myself strong and lean and glowing. I see myself running half marathon in Denver with BILL and MARTY and Jackie and Clarissa.... I see myself full Embraced...wrapped in GODS LOVE and overflowing that in my life. I see myself being an example to my daughter and my family. I see myself FULL OF GODS SPIRIT...I see myself stepping up my physical routine and RUNNING miles and miles daily! I see myself LIGHTER and LIGHTER and LIGHTER! I see myself on face humbled yet PROUD of the woman of WORTH I have become! I see myself helping Nathanael my son step into his ministry and call in his life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I see myself ready to CLIMB ROUND TWO~! I see my GO GO GO GO SHARI GO coming Alive. I see myself BRIGHT..SHINING and filled continually with the knowledge of GOD and HIS LOVE! I see myself as a health guide! I see myself growing in my FAITH and going to a higher level spiritually. I see myself reflecting the pearl of WORTH that I AM IN CHRIST clothed with compassioin! I see myself having FUN and sharing my message of WORTH and GODS ragamuffin LOVE! 2009, Valued...filled with continual WORTH , DIGNITY and JOY!I see myself at 169 by the end of the year....I see myself releasing FORTY MORE POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I see myself HUGGING BILL and running with him in Denver and thanking HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Showing some LOVE~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Embracing GOD DAILY and showering it onto YOU which is truly what LIFE is all about ~!!!!!!!!!!LOVING GOD and LOVING Each other!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thats the change I love to see in the world and BE~!Shari
Hi Bill, I have completed this assignment for my round 2. It was harder this time around because I really do not feel as heavy as I still am, but I am definitely lighter in spirit, heart and gaining confidence daily. Thank you for creating this community for me to learn and grow on! Love you! Liz
6.02.09 I completed my first assignment some time ago, just taking a while to learn how all this works! I'm excited about going from a "poor me" 74-year-old gal to a "Wow! look at me!" gal. Jodi
Praying for progress! Here we go, I know that I am ready.
Thank you. I just cried over my pictures that I took. I can't believe I actually look that bad! I have my rectangle on the frig which will help me to keep motivated. I need this change, mind and body. Thank you for this assignment. I really needed the eye opener.
Bill, Thank you so much for this wonderful site and Thank you for all you do--I appreciate it. T2 Assignment #1A These are the words to describe what I am feeling today as I embark on this Second Challenge. They are a lot different than the descriptive words I used on my first Transformation challenge. Understanding I am still growing and have a lot of work still do do inside and out, but with progress every day I realize my true potential and what I have to offer: Where I see myself now (May 25th start) : - In the right direction - Alive -Better in health/ lighter - Still need to Lower cholesterol level (BFL with EFL) - Lose the love-handles - Not the Heaviest I have been (Round 1 lost 25lbs of fat) but still need to lose another 25 lbs--currently at 215 lbs - Feeling Strong - Growing -Beginer Runner - Confident I can "Win" in life - Can take control and perform at a higher level - Still room for improvement for being the Best Husband and Father for my family T2 Assignment #1B Where I see myself at the end of this challenge (September 27th) : - Even stronger "I will" attitude - Stronger inside (spiritually, mentally) and out (physically) - Cholesterol level great after BFL and EFL for 18 weeks - No love-handles (cut mid section/firm) - 25 lbs lost, and cut Body Fat % to 12% or less (to be even "lighter") - Continue to grow daily by learning something new every day, and teaching something new every day - Marathon Runner - Will "WIN" in LIFE - Performance at the highest level Daily - Will be a Role model for my son, and be the best husband and father for my family. Expect the best and always positive - A leader and Coach for others - Will Inspire and Mentor others Thank You, Brian
Well... I'm going to try this again. Some bad habits are hard to break. I definitely did not look forward to doing this assignment again.
Okay---through the encouragement of so many of you including Bill Phillips, I have completed the first assignment. Hey--I am going for this, full throttle, no holds-barred! I have gifts and talents to share, and new things discover in this life. Results of the dreaded pre-op photo are: I am smiling in the picture which says, "I am willing to make myself vulnerable, to put myself out there and take this challenge because my health and well-being are SO WORTH IT! My smile also reveals my desire to be friendly and welcoming of other people . Other insights: Oh dear...those old fat lady knees and chunky arms and oh my goodness the rounded GORILLA shoulders....Where is the natural athlete? (editorial note: the first thing my dad told my husband when we were dating in 1994 is that, "Christine is a natural athlete you know"). There is a loving person buried under that fat and low self-esteem. Oh how I hate that the thick neck and chin contributes to sleep apnea . My face is so fat! I am tired and worn out. Depressed and grieving. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. Last but not least, I am making progress, this picture would have been a lot worse before I started the EFL meal plan and fitness routine on March 23, 2009 . Vision for the future : The future's so bright, I have to wear shades! In my next photo I would like to appear with a healthy glow in my face and a sense of vitality, I would like to have athletic form with visible muscles at least beginning to form in my arms and legs and a trim waist that is more narrow than my hips along with toned legs and knees. The qualities that I would like to possess are: To be ENERGETIC, ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT LIFE, A Good Example for others, Confident, SEXY, BUBBLY, Serving Others, Courageous, Less self-preoccupied, Happy , and my goal is to PROVE to myself and others that I CAN CHANGE and become fit and trim. Christine Reed
Dear Bill, I have been attempting to improve my body since the year after Porter Freeman was selected as one of the Body for Life winners. Needless to say, I never completed a challenge. I am a 68 year old retired Marine who got out of shape and will never give up until I get back in shape. With age, I have gained weight, had a mini stroke, have high blood pressure, GERD, a knee that needs to be replaced, trigger finger and the list goes on. I am taking so many meds now I feel like a walking pharmacy. I have procrastinated starting this transformation challenge and missed the May 25 by date. When i logged on to check the next round, low and behold, for what ever reason you extended the by date to June 29, 2009. I said, enough procrastination and completed assignment 1 today May 29. I am sick and tired of not completing a challenge and intend to completing this one this year. Your commitment to helping us build a better body is what we Marines called Semper Fidelis (always faithful). For your commitment, I say thank you Bill for a chance to build a better body.
Assignment #1 was edited in my blog. It was sad to see that I had done it once before and not much had changed from the 'before' portion. However, I am ready to be the change and have accepted the responsibility. No-one else can takes these steps for me. So, here goes step one.....
I completed step 1 today and posted my thoughts in my Blog. The key to me fixing the inside is going to be completing these challenges on paper or in my blog. I've always been the type of person that thought he didn't need to do that but I can clearly see that without putting my goals on paper I will never achieve them.
This is such an exciting assignment!
This is day 1 for me. I weighed and measured and took a photo. It's not pretty, but it is only a starting place. I completed assignment one while watching the Transformation Vido with the testamonies. I cried through all of them. I also created a affirmation sheet with scriptures to help me change inside. I know from experience that I will fail unless I determine to daily take the time and make the effort to change my thoughts about how I "see" myself and how I view food. Thank you Bill for putting this all together. I am embarrised to say that I remember the very first Transformation contest you did when your book "Body For Life" came out. I am ready to put a life time of failure behind me.
I completed assignment 1 for my 2nd round and I can't believe this is the same assignment I did before! When I read it before, I was coming from a different place and didn't hear the heart of what I heard this time. I'm really excited to see where this challenge will take me. I've seen a little success the first time by keeping it simple and taking baby steps. I'm now looking to toddle around a little more! Thank you for this beautiful program! Leslie
Ta-Da! I did it... put it all on paper. This is only day 4 and I am already beginning to reap the mental and emotional benefits of a physical workout. And - the thought of building great muscles again is an absolute bonus! This is an answer to my prayer of desperation. Thank you Bill! So glad we found you again!
Completed assinment 1. I am 4 days into this and feeling excited/scared because I've done numerous starts before and not followed through. Today I had a major obstacle and made it past. I felt stronger afterward and it was coming to this site and reading others successes that gave me the strength to go on. I know we all have the ability to tap our inner strength and finish, and this assignment was very productive for me to envision where I'm headed. I took it a step further and pasted my head on the before body I want to help my envision better. I chose a previous winner who was about my body height and type.
It has taken me two months to accomplis assignment #1 but i did it and i am happy for it. thanks for all the support from everyone..
I took my picture and posted it yesterday...this time it didn't take me 3 months to post it. I am going to finish what I start this time also....I am trying to change my negative attitude and see things in a positive light.
just posted pics. I am excited for round 2 of transformation!!!!!!!!!
Well i took my before photo,i took a lot of photo's and i just couldn't get a good one.I felt like crying where did my Body for life go?Who was the picture of ,then i realized its me.Its time to do a transformation.
Opps forgot to post assignmnet #1done on Monday. I think I can, I think I can, Mike
Before photo and assignment #1 completed! Day 1 has been a success!
Just finished taking my before photos,and there really is no turning back now. Looking forward to every step of the journey Jim
Just completed Assignment one! I have found this to be enlightening and look forwards to the next few weeks to gain momentum for this challenge in the future. Thank you to you all for your help. andy x
Just completed assignment 1 for challenge 2. Worthy of note would be how I am feeling inside is a little more happy and positive as oppossed to challenge 1 assignment 1. I'm in transisiton and although not quite there yet, I am pleased with my progress thus far. I have already set the intention of doing this and to be the change and I continue to do so. I'm ready to do this full steam and to accomplish even more in this challenge. It can only get better from here. - Colin
Dear Bill, I'm beginning Round 2 of my personal transformation tomorrow (May 25th). I'm both excited and a bit nervous believe it or not! My excitement stems from the last round. My results were good (not great), but my effort was the same (i.e. good, not great). I didn't complete all my assignments (got stuck on Assignment 12 I think) and I won't be sending in my packet. Part of the reason for not sending in anything is that I, quite frankly, feel I don't have anything of value to say. So, again, my excitement for the next round is really about wanting more.... I want more out of this challenge because I know if I complete all the assignments with my HEART, I will get great results and a wonderful outlook on life! A small piece of me is nervous and afraid to fail again (by not completing this transformation to its fullest degree). I have restated overall goals for my challenge and I call them my "STRIVE FOR FIVE"... Here they are: 1 - post a minimum of 5 days a week (weekends can be tough to post and I'd rather use that time to work on my assignments) 2 - have my assignments completed no later than 5 days after what I consider to be the due date (i.e. assignment #1 completed no later than 5 days after week 1, assignment #2 completed no later than 5 days after week 2 has begun, and so forth) 3 - each week, reach out and encourage at least 5 people from my group (some who may be struggling and those who are doing great) 4 - each week, reach out and encourage at least 5 people from the T-com community 5 - each week, reach out and encourage at least 5 NEW people who have decided to join the T-com community ** I thought of adding: Lose 5 lbs a week, but I think that's asking a bit much!! Anyways, my first assignment is completed and I will post it this week. I'm surprised how the wording and negativity has changed since my first challenge in January... Thank you Bill for all you do in this community and for the world! You are an inspiration to me and to others who continually work on "letting go of the struggle" and just "being"... Renelle xx
I have the picture and the comments. I just can't seem to figure out how this website works. I try to enter comments and it never seems to work for me. Jojorebar
Hello Bill and all my fellow TRANSFORMERS! I just completed assignment #1. My husband took my before photo and told me that he didn't care what it looked like, that I was still beautiful to him. Automatically my negativity came out and I said, "WHATEVER!" That is who I have become..negative, irritable, depressed and a down right jerk! I'm mad! Mad at myself for becoming this way but taking it out on those who care about me. I am so embarassed of the thoughts I have about myself that I have hidden my Transformation journal and photo so that my kids won't read it. My husband is working out with me and "Eating for LIfe" with me.....OMG that has been so helpful these last four days. Reading all of your posts have also helped me...I get choked up just knowing that I am not alone anymore. Thank you-Jeannie Brooks
Okay, so I posted my pics. That was tough. In fact I alsmost didn't do it. Now that I have I have recieved nothing but encoragment from everyone. I love this site and everyone on it. Thanks everyone, and thanks Bill for a great set of tools. Everyone that is either dreading or refusing to do this assignment, just let me say it is very empowering to get it done. Not easy, but worth it. Post it get it over with and lets shock the world!!!!! -Lee-
I posted my photos last night. To tell the truth, I had been dreading this assignment. For so long, I've tried to downplay the fact that I'm overweight, but it's tough to hide it from the world when you're 6'5" tall and weigh almost 320 lbs. But, oddly enough, posting the photos actually felt liberating, like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Thanks Bill!
It's shocking to see your photo. My photo doesn't look like the same person that I feel like inside. I want to be the person I think I am, not what I see. I am excited to see the changes that take place during this transformation. I am looking forward to making new friends here with the same goals. Thanks, Darla
YIkes! Just writing the words of what I want to be was so emotional for me. The thought of feeling that way is my motivation. I'm too young to feel the way I do and I'm excited to start making changes in my life. Suzanne
Well, I've completed this assignment. It was really hard for me to look at my photos. It's up to me to not stay there and move forward. I don't want to look like this ever again.
Well, the photos have been taken and it's time to get busy. I'm excited to start this transformation. Thanks for this great opportunity! Stacy Shepherd
This is my 2009 Transformation - 2nd Round and I am more excitied than ever. I made so many good changes in Round 1. There is always room for improvement, I can not wait to see what the next 18 weeks will bring. Thank you Bill for this awesome program! Love ya brother! -John
I started the body for life challenge 5 weeks ago and then found this website and have now extended my challenge to 18 weeks. I have already lost 6 kilos in 5 weeks and can fit into my old jeans! I have just completed my first assignment This has given me more inspiration to keep going for another 13 weeks. I still have 7 kilos to lose and now I have more weeks to lose it in.. BRILLIANT!
I completed assignment #1! Not that I'm ecstatic with all the negative stuff that came out of my mind, I just know it's going to be of immense help in the challenge and I can't believe I was able to do it....that's why I need to "Woohoo!!!". :)
Shuck your words are mine. I finished part 1a this week and was amazed at how 'weak' i view self. I put the picture on my clip board and look at it every day. It's a gentle reminder to me about who I was (am) and where i am going. I will refine A1 2nite.
Just finished assignment #1. It is interesting because for me I am certainly not where I want to be, but I have came a long way in the last several years, and even ran a half-marathon just two weeks ago. But to look at yourself honestly and to sort of "say it out loud" by writing it down that you are not happy where you are at and to acknowledge that it is time to grow again is powerful! Best of luck to all!
I've done the first assignment. I'm not sure I did it right though. In being brutally honest I felt like I was having a pitty party. I know that there is a problem. My egoic self is already pretty weak. It's my lack of motivation that keeps me back and after pointing out every piece of myself that I feel hold me back, it makes me feel even more like I can't do this. However, I am wanting to make a change and I will continue on. I hope I'm doing this right.
Im 51 and started the BFLife 6 weeks ago .I find the mental and physical benefits to be awesome I feel like im back in Special Forces Bill thank you very much Ps Marty G you got me going and im in your rear view mirror and im going to kick butt .Thanks Marty
I did the first assignment. It was easy for me to look at my picture and express how I felt about seeing myself. I haven't felt good about my image for a long time. It was good to see what other people see. I realized, I do want this transformation! I know that if I work hard I will be able to make the change to a happier and healthier me. Thank you, Ari
Bill, I just completed assignment 1. I have been thinking about this for a LONG time. Probably since 1997 when your book Body for Life came out. I bought that book when it was first published, and read it cover to cover. I signed up for the challenge, and worked out and ate right. Then as soon as I started looking good on the outside, I quit. I don't know why. I must tell you that I have been following this website since Jan 2009 and I love it. I couldn't start right away because I was taking microbiology for a prerequisite for nursing, and it was a very demanding course. I am done with that class and now have more time to focus. I am ready to get started with full strength. I just bought your Body for Life audio book and listened to it again, it really motivates me. I have completed 2 workouts so far. I actually did Chris Winter's work out and WOW, what a burn that was. I am looking forward to actually doing this, and finally getting to meet you in Denver. Thank you for all that you do, Shawn.
Ok, this was one of the hardest self-assessments I have ever had to do. I hate who I saw and from all of my comments and phrases I had to inlist about myself it is true that I hate what I see, and the outside does not come close to what is on the inside. I am looking forward to this transformation and where the next few weeks will take me! Thanks for letting me see how much I need to transform!
Wow - I just completed assignment #1 and I put the pages in my TRANSFORMATION binder I have made for myself. It was hard, but not as bad as I thought it would be. It was incredibly humbling for me to look at myself the way I needed to for so many years. But - I am confident that this person I see before me now will be slipping away, slowly but surely. I am ready for a new me, mind, body and soul!
Hello Transformation friends. I just finished my first Transformation assignment, boy was that hard. Not only did I struggle with it, the strange thing was that my before picture phrases were harder than my after picture ones. I began my Transformation last Friday (why Friday?) because that was always the first day I would fall off the wagon and revert back to all my old addictions. Weekend binges. If you’ve read my goals before I had previously noted that on day one I had a very large hematoma (monster bruise) on my left love handle. It was caused by rolling out muscle knots in my lower back. I had back surgery almost 10 years ago. So I saw my Doctor and was given some inflammation medication. Hopefully that’s all it is. Flared-up. My left foot has been falling asleep and tingling. That’s not a good sign. I thought about dropping out but decided not to. Did I herniate another disc while working out these muscle knots? My Doctor says I could have but it’s probably the inflamed hemotoma causing it. Instead of falling back into the vicious cycle of getting depressed, ordering a pizza and sitting in front of the TV. I’ve decided to keep on going. I’m grateful that I got in a good physical therapy workout and leg curls this week before it became inflamed. My quads are so sore. So what am I gonna do? Walk it out. If my back’s only flared-up - in a week or so I should be back and ready to go. Calories are calories. I don’t count them anymore but do know that on the Eating-for-LIFE program I will stay under 2,000 calories a day and have an average of 200 grams of protein as well. Even though I wont be getting in an upper body routine until I’m better, I know this is a sustainable nutrition plan for life. I’ve stolen a quote from Bill Phillips’ brother Shawn Phillips. I constantly repeat this to myself throughout the day and while looking in the mirror. It’s one of my many affirmations. “All change begins with the Strength and courage to master your own life challenges.” My bad back and addictions are my life challenges. I know I will still be able to reach my 12 pound six week goal. Hour-long walks each day combined with intelligent nutrition until I’m at full strength is the plan. Keep on Keepin’ on everybody. Jimmie On this Friday (5-15-09) Day one of week 2 for me. I plan on reviewing Assignment 2 and letting it sink in over the weekend and begin working on it Monday. That’s how I did this assignment. Oh, one last thing. It may not be 100 % accurate - but it's like Porter G. Freeman say in his book "Finally fit at 50. "There may come a day when I cannot train but there will never come a day where I have to eat crap." Thank you Porter for that book. It's like it was written just for me. Keep on keepin' on everybody.
thank you, bill, and thank you to everyone for this ultimate tool of support... i finished assignment #1 last week, i don't get online often so i am writing a week and a half later after completing #1... and, i still have this incredible feeling, the feeling of a clean slate... i took my before photo, which i will post soon and i looked at it, i seemed to have fallen off track again with my nutrition... but i was honest and brutal and accepted exactly where i am and i know that it is not a true representation of who i am truly...i had so much fun with this first assignment i even went as far to make up new words to describe what i saw...and the visualization that i went through for the after photos really inspired me...bill phillips continues to amaze me...good luck to all... i am here for everyone out there should you have any questions, doubts, need for inspiration or a funny joke (i've been a bartender for 16 years so i know many jokes)...see you in life
thank you, bill, and thank you to everyone for this ultimate tool of support... i finished assignment #1 last week, i don't get online often so i am writing a week and a half later after completing #1... and, i still have this incredible feeling, the feeling of a clean slate... i took my before photo, which i will post soon and i looked at it, i seemed to have fallen off track again with my nutrition... but i was honest and brutal and accepted exactly where i am and i know that it is not a true representation of who i am truly...i had so much fun with this first assignment i even went as far to make up new words to describe what i saw...and the visualization that i went through for the after photos really inspired me...bill phillips continues to amaze me...good luck to all... i am here for everyone out there should you have any questions, doubts, need for inspiration or a funny joke (i've been a bartender for 16 years so i know many jokes)...see you in life
May 10, 2009 PRESENT Alive, Strong, Clean, Growing, Coming out of darkness into the Light, Healthy, 226 lbs. 16.2% body fat, 36.72 lbs of fat, Beginning Runner, Light, Level Two Transformer, Non Business Owner, Potential, Can Take It To The Next Level, Fear To Take Risk, Can Apply Transformation To Other Areas of my Life September 12, 2009 Future Vision UNLIMITED POTENTIAL UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES WHY NOT ME Living, Stronger, , Greater Growth, In the Light, Healthier, 8% body fat, Lost 20 lbs of fat, Gain 15 lbs of Muscle, Marathon Runner, Lighter, Champion, Small Business Owner-Entrepreneur, Inspirational Speaker, Coach, Greater Potential, Achieved The Next Level, Risk Taker, Transforming All Areas of my Life
Assignment # 1: Well, I’ve been thinking about the first assignment for two days now. I feel sad about how I’ve let myself go, angry and frustrated. I need to figure out why I’ve only allowed myself to have partial success in the past, to be able to break through that barrier and continue on towards better physical and mental health. I always follow through with promises regarding my family, friends, and co-workers, why am I at the bottom of my own priority list? The pictures were difficult, but I’m on to a better “me”!
I signed up for the Challege in January, but for a number of reasons (cough cough excuses) I did not complete the challege so I am giving it another go. I've always believed in second chances, and when at first you don't suceed ...... So--- I am starting from square one, writing on my picture and trying to visualize what I want to see and believe I will become in 18 weeks. I am signing a contract with myself and I won't let myself down. I hope to make lots of friends and support anyone who needs help. United we stand, divided we fall.
Assignment one completed, It wasnt easy to post that before pic, I deleted it twice before finally deciding it was somthing i needed to do. I feel somthing very different inside, I know that this time I am going to make that change. This site was most definately sent my way. Thankyou.x
Round 2: Assignment #1:I feel right now... Sad that I let my self go, sad that I never believed in myself worthy enough to have a pretty disposition in life, sad that I let past mistakes hurt my future accomplishments... What I want to see is healthy mind, body and spirit... I am tired of longing for the "perfect" body, I want the whole package that the Lord designed for me... Healthy Temple, Healthy Spirit, Focused and Sure... and truly knowing and believing that I can do all things through Christ Jesus especially if it is within His will for Me... Looking forward to this with you all... God Bless
Assignment #1 part 2, What I want to see in my after pic in 18 weeks How I want to feel in my after picture Be a doer Unselfish Role Model Decisive Leader Opened Minded Confident Optimistic Humble Fearless How I want to physically look Athletic Have a 6 Pack /Abs Less Cellulite Define Muscle
Assignment #1 Height 5' 4 3/4" Assignment #1 55 years old 134 lbs. 22.2% BF What I see ? Needs Approval Insignificant Healthy % Fit Afraid of Change Discouraged yet Persistant Egotism Paranoid Proud of my Accomplishments Feel Pretty Misunderstood Let people manipulate me Not good enough
OK...I did it!!
Assignment #1 down...so excided to see all the future holds...
I tackled assignment #1 and then promptly went to pieces - not expected! I have always thought of myself as a sunny, positive person - but this not who I saw in that photo and it really devastated me. Not to mention the hit my ego took seeing the reality of the shape I am in. Okay - I am still licking my wounds, but moving through this. Thank you, Bill - and thank you ALL, everyone here, for providing that wave of energy. I am digging deep inside to find the courage to jump in and ride.
Day 1: I completed the first assignment and I must say I do not feel any better about myself . . . but I know the best is yet to come. Like many others, I do not have the courage to post my before photos. Good luck to me . . . and to you all!!!!!
Ok, when am I gonna learn to log in before I respond to something so that my comment actually shows up..lol. Sheesh. I'm finished with #1, took that dreaded before picture and am way too chicken to post it at this time. Maybe in the future, when I'm no longer that person I will get the guts to post it. That picture is necessary..wow, what a wake up call. The words that describe that picture and who I am at this time........is really not who I am or who I want to be. I can feel the real me buried deep inside yearning to get out, begging to get out, screaming to get out. Through this transformation I hope to chip away at all the ugly untruths that I've let run my life...that have limited my potential.. I hope that who I become at the end of this is someone that can break free of everything that is holding me down and finally realize my God given potential. Thanks Bill, and thank you to the wonderful T.com community for being so supportive and welcoming!! ~Shar
OK...this time. I'm gonna finish what I start. I'm not going to let apathy or inertia block my path. This place revealed itself to me because I need it and I am not going to let such a wonderful gift from the Universe sit there untapped. I have started the Challenge before in '08, then as always, just as I am really starting to feel good, I forget that I am feeling that way because I am making different choices. I take the process for granted, then end up exactly where I was before. No more. I start a new job in August. Well, not exactly new, I'll still be teaching the same subjects, but at a more advanced level, and from a much, much more visible place. I cannot go up there looking like this on the outside or feeling like this on the inside. I will be the Drama Instructor/Department Head at a large suburban school district. I will be under extreme pressure both mentally and physically to produce my very best work. I am ready for this. I am craving this type of challenge. And I need THIS Challenge to take me to the next level. I will begin working this program again from Assignment #1, because that is where I am now...no more short cuts, no more. no more. no more.
Alright, one assignment down 16 more to go! I can't wait to be the change - to get "it" so I can start giving "it" away!
Assignment 1--I think I wrote more than the assignment instructed, but I will accept myself for that ;>P What do I see: Despair, indifference to how I look. I was actually trying to smile in this picture. I thought I did. I look desperate. Weak. Unhealthy. Hiding my body with baggy clothes. Ashamed. What do I feel: Like a failure. I’ve been in therapy for a few years and I have not had many breakthroughs. BECAUSE I DON’T FOLLOW THROUGH. FEAR—I’m never good enough. Especially at work. My health condition warrants less hours and less intensity for a little bit, yet I’ve been working more. My work is my identity. It is what gives me self confidence –others have to give me self confidence because the source does not come from within. FEAR that I’m never going to get better and that I will be addicted to the pain medicine. FEAR that I will continue to isolate and miss out on the rest of my life. FEAR that I will give up and just end it one of these days. FEAR that my marriage will end. FEAR that I won’t follow-through with therapy, my health needs or the transformation. FEAR that I let others down. FEAR that I will continue to let myself down. FEAR that I won’t be able to quit smoking and FEAR that if I do, I will replace it with eating. Anxious about my job, marriage, relationships, financials, everything…. I can find a reason to be irritable and discontented. I rarely have happy moments. I can’t even stay in the moment. It seems I always think I should be doing something else or am unable to see the beauty or joy in the moment. My life has lost its color. Everything is grey. FEAR that I won’t finish my PM certification. FEAR that I won’t do well in my new job. FEAR that the others who were laid off do not like me. FEAR that I will die alone. FEAR and frustration that I don’t know my purpose in life or participate in the community. FEAR and frustration that I can’t be an individual because I let my husband control me to a certain extent. FEAR that I will be homeless—my mind feels so fragile. I FEAR the little piano wire between sanity and insanity will break and I will quit my job, leave my marriage, stop paying my bills, be hooked on drugs and end up alone on the street. GUILT that I am not a better family member, friend or wife. GUILT that my husband has to take on a lot of the work around the house because I physically can’t do it and/or too depressed to do it. I don’t love myself. I don’t think I deserve it because I’m not a saint. My mind is stuck in negative thinking. When I do something good, I never praise myself. I think that I could have done it better. I’m doing better at this, but I compare myself to others—I never measure up. I just want to be alone most of the time with my books or sleep. I’m angry that the Doctors don’t seem to care that I feel pain 24/7. I can’t have sex so I feel ashamed and guilt. I feel unattractive and old. My sex drive is nonexistent. I’m angry at myself for the decision to have a hysterectomy. I’m angry with the Doctor, although at a rational level, I don’t think any of this is his fault. Envious of people who seem to have it together. Envious of people who successfully quite smoking or never started. In awe of people who are in severe pain and get by without pain medicine. TIRED—of it all. Hopeless. Beaten. Spiritually unfit. Is there a GOD? I don’t have the energy most of the time to help others OR I go to the other extreme and do too much—enable them or go beyond what I should do and wear myself out. FEAR of the work it’s going to take to transform. CONFUSED –who do I trust relating to medical guidance, “friends”, etc? I don’t even trust myself or my decisions most of the time. GRIEF—Because of the layoffs, I’m grieving over the loss of a position that I really liked. I’m grieving for others—I want to find them all jobs ;> P I’m grieving that I never had a child. Grieving that I feel I’ll never be able to experience some of my dreams—to write, do a little acting and singing again, be a Foster parent or Big Brother Big Sister, travel to India, Europe more, Egypt. I grieve because I’ve let so much time pass by not focusing on the things in life that really mean something. FEAR that I won’t speak up to my husband regarding his future and some of the things that frustrate me. GUILT that he does so much for me that I don’t have the right. However, I don’t place importance or give myself credit for all the things I DO. What do I want to see and feel? A smile that comes from within—like I can’t hold it back. Strong and fit body—not overweight but not underweight. Healthy and defined muscles. A complexion that has oxygen---not ruined by smoking. To eat healthy foods. Confidence that shines through. Playfulness. No ACTING needed ;>P I want to feel like I can overcome obstacles-- To be strong mentally and physically. To see the glass half full—not have empty all the time. To be inspired about life—not just work related tasks. To understand who I am. To give myself credit for what I have accomplished in life. ENGERY to exercise, to give time to myself and to others. I want to feel like I can do anything that I put my mind to. To be a better wife, daughter, friend and family member. To participate in these relationships. Appropriate Fear—the fear I feel now that invades almost every minute of my day is irrational. I don’t think anyone lives 100% fear free—there are times when I am going to feel fear. However, I want the courage to face it and/or address it at an appropriate level. Not let FEAR rule my life and my decisions. Guilt free—to identify why I am feeling guilty, understand if it is appropriate, (do I owe someone an amend or have I hurt someone), take action if needed or realize it is not appropriate and I am using it to beat myself up. I will not live with constant guilt/shame/fear. To allow myself to relax and enjoy life—to have fun. To be playful again. To realize when my ego is getting in the way of relationships or decisions---I do not have to be the BEST at work—I don’t have to be the hero. I don’t have to be the one who works more than anyone else. I don’t need praise and acceptance all the time. To have confidence and be assertive but not dominate others. To accept others as they are but not enable them by contributing to behavior that hurts me or them. To not be judgmental . To be effective and follow-through on working on myself. To be accountable for my health and happiness. To be a productive member of the community by involving myself with children in some capacity. To give back. To love myself. To place importance on the things that I need to do for me. To have appropriate priorities—WORK IS NOT MY LIFE AND IS NOT MY IDENTITY. To have realistic goals. To take action on my dreams—it’s not all black and white. I don’t need to be in a movie to act. I don’t need to be Irving or Wharton to write. To learn how to save money to travel—prioritize!! To be a little more adventurous. To not feel like I have to be an expert at something before I try it. To identify the source of all this shame and start getting rid of it. To be the best that I can be and accept myself. To feel attractive (inside and out) again. To feel young again. To be spiritually centered and regain my hope in myself and the world.
Bill, thank you for this opportunity--I appreciate it!!! I am like many who did this back in January but was unaware until assignment # 4 that these were to be posted here so I am re-visiting this assignment and posting: Here were my findings when I posted my before picture in January. These were the words to describe what I was feeling then, and whie posting my picture these were the words that told the story then: Heaviest I have ever been / Lack of energy / Uninspired / Fat and feeling it every day / Emabarrassing / Uncomfortable / Body parts hurt / Out of shape / Out of Control / Did I mention FAT / Not a good feeling... And here were my words for my future vision: Confident and Strong / Fit / Better Husband and Father / A great Role model / Great shape / To inspire others / Be able to teach and spread word / Feel great every day / To have a ton of energy!! / Motivated I really want to take on this challenge so i can feel great, and be able to share my knowledge with others who are in need of fitness, and motivation help. Thanks, Brian
I love a good reality check it is good for the soul. The truth is always needed. I will simply get better by the grace of G-d
Even though I am getting ready to start week 4 of the transformation, I have just completed assignment #1. It was a difficult one, especially looking at the before picture, but I know where I am going to end up in the journey. I am getting great support from my wife to be, and I know that in the end, I will be a much better person, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you Bill
ASSIGNMENT 1 I actually worked really hard on this and had a really creative page that I made on "PAINT" program, but I could not make it big and I am just not good enough with computer technology. Oh well, my intentions were good. I began my challenge on April 27, 2009 and I weighed in at 205.5. I think it is really sad and says alot that it was very embarassing to me that my husband saw these photo's and I would be very unwilling to tell him my weight just out of shame. He is very supportive, it is just the shame that I have let myself go so much. So down to my Before feelings when I look at my before photos: ANGRY, EMBARASSED, ASHAMED, DISAPPOINTED, DISCOURAGED, DISGUSTED, FAILURE, WRECKLESS WITH MY HEALTH, FAT, HUMILIATED, POOR EXAMPLE TO MY CHILDREN AS WELL AS OTHERS, UNATTRACTIVE, FRUSTRATED, AFRAID AND STUCK. How I choose to feel and who I choose to be after I complete my 18 week challenge and continued life thereafter: FIT, CUT (MUSCLE DEFINITION), RELAXED, PEACFUL, FOLLOWS THRU, HAPPY, NO LONGER LIVING IN DENIAL, CONFIDENT, GOOD MOM/EXAMPLE, LEAD BY EXAMPLE, HEALTHY, LOVING LIFE, MOVING FORWARD, ATHLETIC, FIRM, ATTRACTIVE, KONA/TRANSFORMATION TRIP BOUND....
OH & yes I accept the challenge!! Can't wait to get started!!!!
WOW! God is so personal. The theme for the year at the school I go to is "Making a difference" & the saying goes "If you want to make difference, you have to be different!" I don't think it could possibly be any clearer that this is where God wants me. Amazing...THANK YOU!
I completed this assignment in the first of January, but i never posted it here. . . . . . . Here's to back tracking and getting this done: I finally sat down and did assignment 1. . . i wondered . what i would write becasue even though i have a long way to go. . . i was quite happy with what i accomplished last year. Even though my before pictures would make most women cringe. . . i look at them and thing. . "Wow, if I look like this now. . . what the heck did i look like this time last year when i weighed 275? Thank God i dont look like that anymore!" But break out some blank paper, glue on a before picture of yourself. . . listen to Enya while twirling a pen until the thoughts start to flow .. and i found that . . I need more paper! I know this is a competition . . . and part of me thought i should keep this to myself . . . yet sharing it may help someone understand and get up the strength to complete their own assignment 1. ... while i need some champion money .. its probably most important to help anybody that can be helped. .. so here is my assignment 1. . . you can see the picture in my Photos . . . . . . . . .BEFORE PICS. . . .[Mixed Feelings/Hope: I've come far on my own and I know I can change/Fear: That i'll stop caring again/Fear: that i will actually let my life spiral out of control again and end up at 275 lb again/ Fat/ Sloppy/ Disgust: I could look and feel so much better if i didnt allow myself to go through cycles of caring and not caring about myself. . why do I do that?/ I know what to do .and dont consistently do it . its so self distructive!/ I love my legs, though/Fragile/ two bellies/ I have a beautiful face/ Unfeminine: where is my waist? When will i finally see one?/ even though i've accomplished alot, I dont like looking at all of me in the mirror yet./ Excited: I see hints of tone, I feel better, I have more energy, I am happier. . WHY THEN DO I SLACK OFF?!?!?/Happy: If i look like this now, what the heck did i look like at 275lb?/ Determined!/. ... . . 1b. AFTER PICS. .. . . * My picture will be smiling instead of such a serious mug shot/ There will be actual cuts in my legs and arms (tone)/ My waist will either be straight or dent in .. instead of out / My neck will be more visible and shoulders will be more square / I will have such confidence because I'll feel in control of myself and my life/ I will feel like a better leader because i have taken the time to lead myself/ I will be happy because I will feel that I am giving others hope, showing them how to change by being the change./ I will tell him about the 5K i completed/ I will be a better organizer/ I will be better at following through on things/ I will feel a deep sense of accomplishment because i finished what I started/ I will feel more love for myself and in turn be able to love others/ I will have become a better friends because caring about myself makes me want to care about others . i havent figured out why that is yet . but it is what it is/ I will be more successful because i know that people who set goals for themselves accomplish more than those who dont/ I feel the me in 18 weeks will be so positive and so full of life and energy that I will have a hard time containing myself. . my soul will feel like its doing star jumps inside my body. . and it will be contagious!/ I will do a star jump with Bill!
5/02/09- So I find myself awake last night till 3:00am looking at my pics and thinking about who I see staring back at me.... I've been putting this off as I know deep down inside that I won't like the words that go with this person. I've been so pumped this last week after being chosen for the Winters Apprentice Group that I find it easy to procrastinate. Everything else comes fairly easy; the diet, meal pics, exercise. As I begin to really focus the words start to flow and I find myself thinking about things that have happened dating back to my childhood. The feelings are as real now as they were forty years ago. This is a scary process....but something that needs to be done if I'm ever going to have permanent change. As I think about the failures and missed opportunities I am overcome with remorse. The time I have wasted on the unimportant things of life is huge! I am starting to see why I'm in this position and realizing that "I" put myself there. I have no one to blame but myself. Even as I write this more words come to mind; selfish, procrastinator, half hearted, quitter. I can now see why Bill has you do this exercise. It's not the exercise and diet that makes the changes permanent. It has to come from the inside. "It has to be you." The outward changes are just a bonus from being made whole on the inside. It's a reflection of your inner beauty. If the inside is full of light the outside will show brightly for all to see. That's my goal for this transformation. To become a bright light to myself and others. To become the change. To become what God would have me be. To be the best that I can be. It is truly a blessing to be part of this Transformation Nation. I am excitied to see what the future holds. Blessings, Al
When I really looked at the picture of myself, I was shocked. I said, "Holy shit. What happened?" After the shock settled in I was utterly and completely embarrassed. I can not remember the last time I was truly embarrassed. It was humbling. I felt ashamed and confused. Lost. I wasn't overwhelmed by it, but I felt a profound sense of sadness. I didn't cry. I just kept staring at the picture wondering where I went wrong. The more I thought about it I came to realize that I had been doing a lot wrong. The lifestyle I was living was slowly killing me. The sadness turned to disgust. I have horrible posture. I thought my arms had more definition than they actually do. Reality check. My vision of myself was out of whack. I knew I had a big gut but I didn't realize I my belly sagged or oozed over my pants. When I looked at the picture of myself from behind, I had no idea how bad I looked with the love handles spilling over the sides of my pants. I'm very unhealthy. Something positive happened after looking at the pictures when I began to write my goals down in the rectangular box. I gained a strong sense of resolve. I started saying to myself, "I can do this. I can change my life." I want to be lean, strong, and powerful. I want to see my abs. I want to be thrilled to take my shirt off when the opportunity arises, but I want to remain humble. I want a balance between the two, Pride and Humility, like Marty did. I want to be positive. I want to be a better husband. I want to be a better father. I want to be a role model for my sons and set a good example. I want to be healthy. I want to be happy.
wow Assighnment #1. The reality of how others may look at you but more importantly how i look at myself, very big eye opener, thanks bill!
I have just taken more pics in a not so forgiving light!!!!! I will be the change!!! I am accountable.
Here we go,the first step in the right direction...
Well there they are, the photos posted in my photos. They were taken last night and I weighed myself this morning. 302. I cringe even thinking about it, I sat there for quite a few minutes in disbelief actually no shock. This isn't about letting myself go, I'm GONE! I started the assignment with that one page that I just put in my journal about how I felt and the list wasn't pretty. Shocked - well this is a no brainer. But I had to wonder how I could have gotten to this, it's not like I just woke up at this weight. But in actuality I did, every morning of doing the same old thing and here I am at the obese Groundhog day. Then I started to think how I saw myself. Have you ever noticed how many mirrors in the world are set above chest height. I have promised myself that after I post this I am going out to a local dept store to get a full length mirror. No more lying to myself and saying that it isn't THAT BAD. Because it is and then some. Depressed. I know that my weight isn't the only reason for this, but I will say this that it isn't helping. This definitely is a direct reflection of the old adage, that the body is a reflection of the mind. The mind is in a state of chaos so why not the body to follow. Hurt. Another phase of the depression, or I should say another valley in that emotional roller coaster, there is so much going on inside when looking at this picture .Tears, so many tears. Frustration, this is it, all the yo yo dieting, It seems I get so far and then nothing, back to square one over and over and that in turns leads to helplessness, I feel like I am dying inside, morbidly obese which in turns leads to anger, resentment. Wow, all that negative self talk comes and screams in your ear. I can't even believe how fast this dumps me into that not so great place… can we say a touch of insecurity. These are the words and the mindset that has brought me here and I could go on and on. But right now, I want to get onto the next aspect of this assignment to get past that negative self talk. I am not running from it, but I need to harness it before it starts to spiral. Or is it that I am trying to run from it? Ok, so now I am getting a little weird LOL. But I digress. I looked at the photos once more and made that second page. Inside the shape I was more specific as to my goals. I am not sure how far I can go with this as I have never been under 200 that is. I am convinced it was a weight I was hatched at. HAHA. Well first and foremost, I want just ONE CHIN. Is that too much to ask?I don’t’ want to be known as doubles or chinny mcchin. I want to see my weight under 200. I am not sure what that would mean as I want to focus more on being healthy and I really do not have any concept of what weight I should be at. I am thinking 185. I was at my best in college at 212 and my trained said that 185 would be a good weight for me. I want to be placed on the front of a magazine. I don’t mean that to be vain, well maybe not all vain but I want to see what I am made of. I am finding there are too many what ifs in my life and that has always been a result of not going that extra step. I have been told that if a man wants something he has never had before, he needs to do something he has never done before. Part of the reason I am here. I am tired of going part way. I want to know what I am made of. Therefore I want a cut chest. I have always been a little broad here, but I want definition as well as in my shoulders, and some growth there. I want narrow hips and waist, down to what size I am not sure. The smallest I remember is 40 inches. I would like to work my arms back to where they were and uniform. Right now, my left arm is almost ¾” smaller than the right. I would like to have stronger traps and lats and better defined forearm. Most of all, I just want to be a picture of wellness. I want to feel healthy, I want to feel strong, I want to be that dad that is running by my daughters side while she plays soccer. I want to prove to myself that I can do anything. I want to find out what determination really is. Because this is that second part of the assignment, what I feel when I achieve that vision. To be that example, to show my family that you can do anything if you only want to dream and work to that dream. More on the family situation later. But that is another story for another blog. I am not sure if this is what is meant by the assignment but here I am in all that fatty glory. There is no tomorrow. THE TIME IS NOW!
When I looked at my photo's for the first time.I was shocked at my image. I saw a big body with a little head & double chin. But when I posted the pic.s, I became afraid of letting people to close to me, out of fear of being hurt. #1 paint the inner picture of words & phrases that describe what the woman is feeling inside. Scared, Frustrated, tired, heavy, pain, cookies, shocked, who is that old lady?, lazy, slow, big, lost, lack of focus, undeserving, missing out on life, who am i?, defensive, chubby, who can love me? This exercise has made me feel terrible about where i am in life right now. (yuck) I look like a victim of life. What do i want to see in the after photo. I want to see a happy woman! I want to see & be a out going woman! I want to be a beautiful woman in side & out! I want to have my husband look at me & be proud of his wife! I want to be excited about life! I want to feel safe in my own skin! I want to really play with my kids! I want to see a woman who is living her life! energy! I want to see a woman who knows who she is & is happy in her own skin! I want to see a woman who isn't afraid of being apart of this world! A woman who will walk out her door in the morning happy & ready to be apart of something great!
Transformation Challenge Assignment #1 When I look at this 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.
thank you
Seeing all of my stretch marks and disgusting rolls was straight up repulsive. I felt as though that there is NO WAY I can do this. I could not possible change an entire life or useless living in a mere 18 weeks. I began reading blogs, watching videos, and seeing success stories. I look like Shane once did and I will, I WILL have the success he had as well. In fact, I want to outdo him. Bring it on Shane, here I come. :)
Boy this was a hard one. I had to look at the last few years of my life without my spouse. Hmm thanks Bill this did help
I completed this assignment on April 9; I'll admit I used the self-timer on my camera because I felt too embarrassed to ask my husband or children to talke the picture. I can cover my body in a tankini; but a bikini....that was hard. Anyway, I ordered the body for life success journal on amazon.com to help me keep track of my workouts and food intake. When it came yesterday; I pasted the extra before picture I printed in the success journal and transposed the words I wrote from assignment one; Frustrated, sad, embarassed, tired big, unfocused, ashamed , denial and then the description of my after self: toned. slim, fit, defined, slender, happy, joyful, accomplished, loving, fulfilling God's plan, strong, compassionate, capable, fearless, role model, athletic, focused, healthy, present, kind, giving & beloved. Now that I'm 8 days into the challenge I've realized that right now, today, my feelings about my self are already matching my future success. I am transforming from the inside out!
Man this kind of hurts and I haven't lifted a thing. I'm not sure I like what I'm looking at, but I'm stoked to see what's to come. Thanks.
I had a really good friend take my front & back photos (didn't have the nerve to ask my husband to do it) and when they showed up on the computer, our automatic response was to become hysterical with laughter - but I know that it masked all the pain, disbelief and anxiety I was feeling at that moment and that she was anticipating feeling when I returned the favor of taking her photos for her participation in Round 3. So, after 3 days of leaving the photos in my car, today I took them out, got ahold of myself and completed Assignment #1. Tomorrow starts day #1 for me of the challenge and I couldn't be any more ready. Thank you Bill and thank you everyone for holding this space for me. Jennifer
Ok, I am starting the 1st assignment thanks to a long time friend of mine who told me about this....your assignment for me and my assignment for me will be complete tonight! It's a Saturday night and ALL of my friends are probably out drinking! I don't drink much anymore so I am @ home- I don't even have my daughter...she's with her dad for Easter! Well, can't think of a better way to spend my time! My assignment for me is to ORGANIZE and SIMPLIFY my apartment! Gotta go because these 2 assignments are going to take a while and I have to attend Easter service early!!!!! Thanks : )
Bill, Assignment #1 is now complete and I honestly did not expect tears but as I looked at my picture and read my thoughts on paper, I began to release tears of sadness yet relief. I am ready to face the many challenges that lie ahead. I love the second part of assignment #2 when I imagined how i will feel as I become stronger and healthier. I am not mentally and physically ready to continue this challenge and change my lifestyle for good.
Assignment #1: this is really hard, I have decided to start the challenge and participate in Round 2, i know I will be disgusted by looking at my before pic but my biggest prob is how I am going to take the pic...i dont want anybody to take it...I am too ashamed...can anybody advise me on weather taking my own pic in front of a mirror is acceptable?
I completed my #1 assignment and I have to say, taking a look at my pictures of how I look now really opened up my eyes to how much I let myself go, but it made sense as well because I didn't just let my body get out of hand, but my life as well. The two goes hand in hand. I use to be in shape and during that time I was also happy with my life. Somewhere something happen that turned me around. Well it is time to change that and start getting some organization to my life and feeling good about it. I think that the T-community is a great thing. Support is always needed.
I think doing these assignments will be more difficult than the nutrition/exercise parts for me... Assignment #1 -- I didn't just have to use my "before" picture, I can look back at many pictures taken over the past few years. I'm not terribly overweight, just really unhappy when I see how I look in photos. They just bring me down! I cannot wait to be able to add in my picture for the second half of this assignment. I think I'll post them on my bathroom mirror for inspriation every morning!
Assignment #1. I couldn't make myself complete this assignment, so I delayed really starting my Challenge for 10 weeks. Almost convinced myself it didn't really matter, that I could go the rest of my life without feeling good about myself and without connecting to others. But the support I found just signing on to T.com worked it's magic. Finally, a safe place to work through all the issues, so many issues. Much to my surprise, as I completed my list of 12 words/phrases describing my inner condition, I found a lot to like about myself that I had been overlooking, and my final note-to-self was, "You should love yourself more." Funny thing, the very next day I began making better choices and taking better care of myself. Thank you, Bill!
Assignment #1... I started doing Body for Life 6 1/2 years ago, and I've been rather satisfied and quite thankful for where it's taken me. When I first started, I did not have the confidence to take a "before" picture, and I've always regretted not doing it. So, with the idea in hand of going from good to great, I decided to take on the "Be the Change" challenge. I am committed! I took the before picture, wrote the words and posted it. I've kept the assignment in my mind all week, visualizing and focusing. Here I sit, a week later, and I honestly do feel different. I've done so many BFL cycles, but this one is different. I am truly focused and visualizing success like never before. Like the lens that focuses the light of the sun... that's what assignment 1 is all about. and this will be but one "light of the sun" moments!
how do i get assignment #1 on my home page? I really want to start assign. #1 today...
Hi Bill, Completed Assignment #1 last week and just found out how to post it. It really makes you look at yourself.Not pretty in the begining.looking forward to next picture time.
...... why am i so emotional??? i dont know? all i know is i have a goal.... to change the inner me, and to deal with issues via confrontation, facing my fears... not eating them away... all that does is push them deeper into me! I took my photos 2 weeks ago, and it was a shock! ok, i have accpeted thats how i look, and i am also accpeting that it can change! i am seen as a happy person with so much vitality, so much to offer and i want my external appearances to shine through! I dont want to hold onto all the negatives in life, i'm too young! so here we go, i believe i am doing this transfromation for a deeper reason than to look good, i'm doing it to detoxify my body from all the negative energy i have accumulated and for the negative relationship i have built with food! Food is medicine, food is energy! Goodluck to everyone else
Bill, Five years ago you talk with me through a cassette that I bought. You motivated me. I lost 30 lbs and felt great but did not take the challenge. It has taken me this long to do this. I have bought your books and loved it. However, we need more to keepo the motivation. Thank you for helping people daily in changing their lives but above all in saving their lives! I look forward to a brand new ME!
My husband signed us both up & took our photo's cause, we want to do this togather for us, our childern & grandchildern. I didn't like my photo but, I guess we all had that thought. Thanks for the help& new friends.
WOW...I could almost duplicate what kmycmpr wrote....I took my pics and then didn't want to show everyone once again, how I can let others and myself down...AND HOW FAR I'VE COME...You are all so amazing and the support I received today while posting and preping the pics from January (12-30-08 actuall) was so emotionally overwhelming!! Even though I can hardly walk from my lower body workout the other day OUCH..I went and hiked 3 miles and felt grateful and thankful that I got to do it (THANKS KEVIN) Thanka again everybody and I look forward to tomorrow's!!!!
Ok, so I completed Assignment #1 back in January but had trouble posting and let it slide. I did print the Assignment results and post in my journal so I could see them on a daily Typing the words now - see my blog - makes me realize how far I've come already. Words I used back then with absolute confidence to describe myself have no place in my vocabulary anymore. Bill, and all the members of T.com, thank you for being here - I can't imagine where I would be now if not for finding you.
It takes me a little bit of time to start on stuff so here I am I finally took my before picture and I didn't like what I seen. I am finding out about just who I am not. I am going to write down the things I see in this person.. Man what an eye opener. This is going to be so hard for me to do but I will try. Life sometimes sucks when the harshness of reality sets in. But again this isn't just a challenge it is an adventure into changing the whole inner and otter of one self's body, mind and spirit.
Day 84 March 24, 2009 Assingment One- Update Assignment One-Update I completed assignment one at the beginning of my start date and now that I have completed all the assignments assigned so far, I have decided to go back through them and dig deeper. I purchased a journal and spent a good portion of the day working on assignment one again. I taped my week eleven picture in the journal and started to write what I am feeling within and seeing: Present: Feelings, Thoughts, Perceptions, Beliefs Feel good within Feel prouder of myself Feel stronger Feel healthier Feel happier Feel alive Confidence is increasing I have a purpose I am in more control My awarness is improving When the children cry and whine I still get stressed Impatience at times with the my children Tone of voice toward children needs to be softer Need to play more with my children Not fully engaged in conversations-eye contact, listening Need to improve my listening skills-seek to undersatand and be understood Feeling of fear enters me at times I find myself focusing on my circle of concerns at times= less effective I do not fully engage myself spiritually Belly fat 245 lbs. 55 lbs. from my goal Look flabby and soft through my core Not reaching my full potential yet I have limiting beliefs to conquer Now I want to touch upon the feelings and phrases that describe my future vision. Future Vision Power Feel Great Feel Prouder Fell sexy Hot dad I am at my strongest I have deeper understanding of my purpose I am at my happiest in life In control Great awareness Increased spirituality I have a glow I have a light in my eyes I feel peace within Full of pure love Santification-Purification Clean Inspirational Inspired Filled with the Spirit Mission driven Principled Centered Healthiest Feel Joy Vision Engaged Stronger relationships Forgiving Able to accomplish Chiseled body Tan Muscular Six pack V-shape Strong muscular legs Younger looking Broad shoulders 195 lbs. Successful Victory Winner Mr. Muscle Dad Champion Great father Great husband Fully engaged in my children lives Fully engaged in my marriage
I have just completed Assn #1. I am feeling very sad right now, but I know that tomorrow my box will be overflowing with wonderful words of support. This is a special place and I am so happy to have found it. I do feel hopeful, for the first time in a long while.
Glad to have Assignment #1 out of the way. Its so easy to get caught up in the day to day grind and not taking time out to enjoy life, the little things and our health. It's very interesting to sit the photo down like a road map and say ok, this is where we are.... this is where we are heading. Thanks Bill for the inspiration to get back on track!
I completed Assignment #1 on March 8th. I found this assignment to be fairly easy. I like the saying that you can't change what you don't acknowledge. My beginning weight was 205.0 pounds. I'm committed to change and be the change.
Oh Boy! That was SO very hard. This step brought me to tears! It took me some inner soul searching to even ask my husband to take the picture for me. Writing my feelings of how I feel and visualizing how I will feel when I've gotten going was wonderful! I'm on my way! Back "on the wagon" as they say. And with this wonderful community pulling for me.....how could I go wrong?!!! Thanks and love to all! -Denise
I just finished Assignment #1. I have a lot of emotions running through me right now. It's weird because I never really looked at where I was. I've seen the before look before so I was used to that but to write out and really describe the person in the picture forced me to really see me for who I am. I'm sadder than I actually thought that I was. I guess that's good because it shows me that I simply cannot and will not live in this agony anymore. It's not me. I just wanted to share with all of you and thank you so much for being on this journey with me. I love each and every one of you! Blessings, Carmie
Lesson one was a bear to tackle. To know where you stand is one thing, but to understand where I actually stand was brutal. I am not only looking forwards to the changes but running toward the transformation. I cannot wait to see where this will lead me, Hopefully above and beyond my greatest expectations. The videos on the home page are such an inspiration, thank you for posting all of them .
Well there it is... no denying it now. I'm in full color! I took two sets of photos - front and back. Writing out how I felt was easier than actually studying the photo. When you put the two together there is no hiding from the truth anymore. Thanks for helping me to see myself so clearly!
I finished Assign #1. I did it twice. Once with clothes and That wasn't so bad. Then when I got my before pics I did it with the bathing suit and That was horrible. I was paralyzed for a week. Then I listened to your radio show and the subject was fear. I figured out that the paralysis was from fear. That was it. The next day I exercised and then sat on my bed with my computer and determined to stay put (except for meals) until it was completed, scanned & out for the world to see. The World!!! Very Hard. Mortifying. Glad I had to do it because it somehow boosted my determination. Not Going Back There!!! Never!!!!! Burning my fat clothes. Done!! Past History!!!!!!!! THANK YOU for helping to dredge up what was making me fat so I can do something about it. Love - Sherri
Ok that was the freeing...wow didn't even realize I had all those negative thoughts going on... Great Exercise thanks so much Bill for leadership skills this is exactly where my I need to be. Jen :)
WOW!!! What an eye opener. When you have close on it is hard to tell what you truly look like. I have completed assignment one. Now that I know where I am I can move forward to where I would like to (and need to) be. What a moving excersise. It may be painful, but I believe probably one of the most essential parts of the transformation. Thank you Bill, truly an inspiration.
I completed Assignment #1 yesterday and that was real hard on the *ego* self....one of the most important things I learned from this lesson is that there is alot of incongruency within myself...my physical being does not match the progress I have made over the years in my spiritual, mental and emotional health....I am ready to accomplish congruency. Thanks for your positive contribution to healing the world Bill...what a true gift you are.
I completed the first assignment, but let myself down when I did not keep it in front of me. I apologize to everyone on the site for letting myself down. I have regained my footing and I will NOT let myself down by not keeping the inportant things in front of me. The words on the papers are so powerful. I have to admit that I think Bill Phillips is the best. Sorry for the let down Bill. Now thats behind me. Time to get to work. i will begin posting pics this week.
Ouch! and Yikes! I almost burst out laughing in horrified shock when I saw the 'back roll' I wasn't aware I had... Disgust, fatigue, guilt, anger, resentment, shame, fear, disappointment, OLD!, ugly, sloppy, frumpy. No... this can not be me...ughh, but it is. No more. That's it. The fog of denail has lifted and unfortunatley it's destruction I see... (sigh)
that was brutal!
Hi everyone, this is my first interaction on the site...it is so nice to be here with you all. OK, I did it! I took my pics alone in a closed room with a timer on my camera and was terrified someone would walk in! So one of the words I used to describe how I felt was ALONE... I am sure that if I will include you all in my journey, and I will participate in yours, then I am truly not ALONE!! Looking forward to more hard assignments!
Half Way Point - Reveiwed Assignment One and Personal Mission Plan. Revamped and added Power.
Finished assignment #1. WOW! That was hard. The words came easily but looking at that pic of that sad person was hard. "How did it get this bad??", I thought to myself... I feel I'm in the right place and ready to do the work needed to get to the second part of that assignment, "where I want to be in 18 weeks". Good luck to all Challenge Round #2 participants!! It's great to not be alone in our journey...Kelly
At week eight I did it. I finally completed assignment # one. Sorry it has taken me so long.
Well, assignment #1 is all finished. After many tears, I think I know ME a little better. I know where I've been and I know where I am. I also realize exactly where I want to go. I need alot of support and encouragement. I know that things are going to get tough. I just need to keep telling myself that I can make it through. This is kind of scarey, an online diary that everyone can see. I hope I will get better at expressing all the crazy emotions that are running around inside of me. One thing I do know is that I am a child of a loving Heavenly Father. I have always known that. I just don't want to be a disappointment to him or myself anymore. I know I can do better, I just have to figure out how.
I posted my before pictures. I have been kicking and screaming about doing it for two weeks now. So today i did. When I look at that person I don't recognize her. She is not the person I ever envisioned being. It makes me sad, ashamed, depressed, and angry. Angry that I would do this to myself. But...I have taken that first step and I'll take the next and then the next until I get it right. No going back only forward.
So here I am today is day one and assignment one check.. Some of my thoughts at my picture... depressed, unhappy, boring, where has your spirit gone? I am at the bottom of the barrel here, how much farther can I go down? FAT WOMAN,( yep I put this in all caps), ugly, give up, been here, done this what makes it different. For the sheet of what I want to be and look at, fullfilled, happy, Godly, informed, healty. This was a true eye opener for me. I really did not realize what I looked like, until I really sat down and looked at the picture and thought " Oh my". I also began to think about why other attempts have failed, no accountability on my part, and now, I am going to try and change that. THanks so much...
Hi, Bill I have completed the assignment and I must be honest I am nervous and really I believe you are my only hope so I pray that by Gods grace and your guidance I will not get off track. My health issues are not getting any better so I cant fail! I am up for the Challege!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK assignment 1, DONE! It wasn't very hard for me to face myself because I am always hard on myself. My challenge will be staying positive after 10 years of the same attempt at trying to loose weight. Good luck to all of the 2009 round 2 contestants!
ASSIGNMENT # 1 - LESS IS MORE "I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us up to heaven." (Philippians 3:13-14 NLT). Assignment # 1 - 2.14.09 - I took my pictures on 2.10.09 (again), and as I looked at them, it was weird. I guess I didn't really SEE how I appeared to others, so I was trying to imagine myself as an outsider critiquing this "person" named Laurah, purely from a visual first impression. This time, I had the pictures PRINTED out, so I could hold them in my hand. There's something about holding a picture... It has more of an impact on me (personally) than looking on a computer screen. I also find this to be true in my work. When I have to proof a recommendation letter or publicity stuff, I always print it to proof. I make too many errors reading online. In any case, I think holding the pictures of myself really effected me deeply, because I was comparing them to years past, and quite frankly I wondered, "What happened to me?" I made the decision on Valentine's Day weekend to get off of some prescriptions I had been taking for anxiety and chest pressure, plus OTC sleeping pills I'd been taking for years because I couldn't sleep, etc. The combination of it all had a very progressive down turn on my spirit. I honestly don't think alot of people get hooked on stuff because they say to themselves, "Gee, I'd really like to be addicted to this stuff". I think many people take things to help them feel better in some way. It relieves the stress, takes the pressure off for a moment, makes them feel light hearted or happy if they are sad. It may or may not be an illegal or controlled substance (like sugar for example!), but whatever it is, after time and consistency, it becomes a crutch, whether it is emotionally, physically or physiologically addictive...we're hooked. Once I realized this, I did not feel SHAME talking about it openly. So, basically I looked like hell and I had acquired some very unhealthy patterns. I felt really far away from God, and it was written all over my face and my body. So I asked God to help me just stop taking the pills, so I could be close to Him again. Basically it was all I wanted - to feel God's presence, because I felt pretty numb. I had fears, many fears. How in the world am I going to get to sleep and get up at 5 am to go to work with all of this? I'm stressed! I'll be up all night! Well, it's been since Valentine's Day, and I can tell you that God is still in the business of answering prayer when we ask with an open and willing heart to be obedient to His will. I've slept like a baby ever since I went off of that stuff, and it keeps getting better (just like Stoney said...). After my initial request, I asked God to help me get off of sugar, and it's been 15 days clean and FREE of that! So I'm working on my next prayer request..., but for the time being, I'm feeling stronger every day! START: 160.50 # 5' 3" My life WAS unmanageable... Average Sad Tired Flabby Cluttered Not-manicured Unorganized Downcast Depressed Uncertain PEAR shape Stressed-out *** ...and these are things that I know about myself when I took these pictures: Frustrated about my eating disorder and lack of self-discipline Reactive Late Jiggly Frumpy Hiding Dark/black clothes and big jackets Size 12 - 14 (getting REALLY tight, but I refuse to buy bigger sizes) cellulite Good mom Good wife Good employee Procrastinator Spirit of FEAR Waffler Resentful, but I try to hide it Bitter, but I try to hide it WHERE AM I GOING? Below 130# (most likely between 125 - 128#)...but I won't know until I get there~ Inverted Triangle (a spinning top) Toned Muscular Confident Feminine Proactive Spirit of COURAGE Playful Giving Organized Active Integrity (Walk the Talk) Prompt - ON TIME Sexy Size 6 Manicured Happy Mom Healthy Athlete for Christ Have a purpose Musician Clean eating 36-26-36 15 - 18% bodyfat All Fruits of the Spirit & lots of Self-Control~ New Skill: LEARN TO ROLLER SKATE Nice legs & bottom Little black dress Loving..... No FEAR. Smiling with a REAL smile. Friendly Warm Me I want to wear a bikini this summer on vacation~ A REAL bikini~
Bill: Great assignment! I did most of my assignments in Feb. but didn't comment here. I was getting the feel of the site and figuring it's many many places to go, people to visit, and groups to talk with. Assignment #1 Comment: The hardest thing wasn't necessarily seeing my picture (although I was extremely surprised that I looked worse than I imagined). It was combining my inner thoughts with my outer image and they matched. When women are fat, they wake up miserable in the morning, unable to find anything to wear and the day is ruined before it starts. All our husbands ever hear is "I don't have anything to wear!" Before I posted my before picture with this assignment of how I felt, I showed it to my husband. I said, "you know how when I am fat that I always say, "I don't have anything to wear?" He said "yes", I said this is my inner self talking to me, this is what you don't hear and I gave him my picture from assignment 1. I think it was an eye opener for both of us. Whoever said a picture is worth 1,000 words was right !
Have been following the BFL program for two weeks and feel so much better plus lost 10! But, after reading Bill's assignment #1, I realized there is something holding me back. Do you know how many times I have had a great two weeks!! What about the other 50 where I fall off the wagon?! The picture I took told the truth...this isn't an instant fix. Today I saw the trapped person. It was scary and frightening but also sounded the alarm. IT"S TIME TO HAVE INTEGRITY ON THE INSIDE AND THE OUTSIDE.
Hi! I was very disappointed of my actual picture, I already went through assignment number one, it was very clear for me where I am right now, and I DO NOT want this anymore, in the next weeks, I will achieve to become what I want for myself, in and out….nothing will stop me to get my own TRANSFORMATION! Thank you Bill! Italymom
As i tackled assignment #1 and Completed, it was very liberating, and am happy to have taken this challenge....... Thank you bill
I posted all my assignments (1-9) on my Blog but not on here. I just learned last night that I should have put them here, so I'm doing that today. ASSIGNMENT #1 - PRE-CHALLENGE FRIGHT & EXCITEMENT! I will begin the 2009 Transformation Challenge on Monday, Jan. 5th and commit to stick to it for the entire 18 months! That's a big thing for me ... I have started many, many times to reach my goal weight and I end up quitting before I reach it. THIS TIME I WILL "RUN THE RACE"! So from January 5 until May 10th I will follow all the assignments and guidelines in this challenge. Assignment #1: MY INNER CONDITION: I have taken a couple of "disgusting" before pictures that I will post to this site before Jan. 5th (after the shock lets up). The words that describe my inner condition: SHAME, FAILURE, LOSER (and I don't mean weight), WEAK, NEVER FOLLOW THROUGH, AGING TOO SOON, LOSING CONFIDENCE AS I GAIN WEIGHT, POOR ROLE MODEL, NOT LIVING UP TO WHAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR MY LIFE, EXCESS WEIGHT CAUSING HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT I COULD HAVE PREVENTED OR PROLONGED. WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR IN THIS CHALLENGE: A healthier body, to lose 25# (or more), to complete something that is very important all the way through to the end and not give up early, to gain more muscle and lose body fat, to have more energy and vitality, to improve my memory, to be able to wear clothes without having some of it baggy to cover up my middle roll, to be proud of the way I look, to feel more confident about myself, to be able to encourage others that they can do it too, to be a role model for others who feel they can't do (whatever it is they desire), and to feel like I am being a good servant of the body and talents the Lord gave to me to use. I feel lost and a little scared because I'm not at all familiar with Body For Life and I haven't seen the eating assignment yet so I feel like I'm walking in the dark. I bought the BFL book today, and I'm going to go over the EFL book tonight so I know what foods I am supposed to be eating. I like things all spelled out for me, and right now I don't feel they are -- but I think I just need to be patient and I'll soon have all the information. I love the fact that Devin and I are doing this together. I need her for accountability, and she's actually a great role model for me with exercise. Exercise will be my biggest challenge!! I have never committed to it for a long period of time. I have enjoyed it during my "short-term" commitments, but then I have always let other things get in the way until it was no longer a habit, then it was so hard to go back, so I didn't. I took my measurements (which I'm not ready to post any time soon ). Tomorrow I will make a decision about a fitness center!! Since we've already had 50 inches of snow and the temperatures have been well below freezing already throughout the month of December, I know I won't be doing any outdoor walking anytime soon, so I have to find a gym that I really like going to. And then I will need all the "kick-in-the-pants" I can get to make sure I follow through with a regular workout schedule. I want to be able to envision my end result picture and keep that in my mind to make me go work out! I hope that after 18 weeks of working out that I will make it a regular part of my life and not give it up. I know how necessary it is at this time of my life especially. I had recently had a check-up and will try to find my sheet and post the findings here, but I know that my blood pressure and bad cholesterol are fine. My good cholesterol needs to be improved (and they prescribed exercise as the way to improve it). A few years ago when I had done Weight Watchers for about a year and had lost 40# I was feeling great and my bad cholesterol was fine. Once I lost my WW partner, we both ended up eventually not going to meetings anymore and then we went back to some of our poor eating habits. I have put on 20# over the past 2 years that I haven't been doing WW, and I'm very disgusted with myself. Now is the time to get back on track. I look forward to this Challenge and to what I am going to accomplish!
I did the first assignment on Jan 14th when I started the challenge-I wrote in my diary the day I got my pictures back and I thought I needed to go through all the assignments and share how I am doing. I was ashamed looking at my photos but they are now my motivators to keep me going. Things haven't been easy but I am ready to go the distance. I am so grateful for this community and being able to read how others are working through their issues.
This was tough, but it is done. Looking at a picture of what you are really brings home the reality of my state. Then to voice how the picture makes me feel. Well I am ready to cross the abyss and burn the bridge on the other side. Thank You! Julia
Ok I also wasn't sure where to post these things. better late that never. I can't say I was shocked or even surprised at what I saw. I think on some level I knew what was going on and what I was doing to myself and just didn't care enough to do anything different about it. ( see the I AM section of my profile for more details.) Now that I'm a few weeks into it and getting better about resisting those old bad habits, I have a lot more energy. my wife is also seeing changes in my body already ;) here we go Torrey McLean- profile "mcleanitup"
assignment one was the hardest thing , I did it it had a powerful effect, emtional aftermath , I felt determined to change but It was painful to confront all the reasons that helpped me get this way. a needed but not fun thing.
Hello All, Just completed my first assignment. I signed up for the Transformation Challenge last week and just got around to taking those darned pictures. It wasn't as hard as I thought and it certainly energized me to take on this Challenge. Some of the things I wrote that I would like to see/feel in my "After Photo" several weeks from now are: Radiate from the inside out, fit and fabulous, energized, role model, strong, happy, serene, youthful,etc. I'm really not feeling any of these right now so here we go....
What an eye opener. I always wonder why people could not see themselves getting over weight. Now I know. I didn't believe it was me and I took the picture. Great daily reminder. When I finish and get to my goal weight. I'm going to make sure I look at myself in the mirror DAILY!
OK....Assignment No. 1 DONE! Holy cow this was uncomfortable. My photos done...posted....taped them to blank page...boy that page filled up with negativity it made me cry...but also I feel lighter for doing it....seeing myself for real was a super eyeopener....I know there is a strong woman inside me just waiting to bust out. I know this because when I started writing how I want to feel ....the words flowed out with hardly any effort...it was fun to ask for what I truly desire..Thank you! Melissa
Well, I just completed the first assignment- and I have to say that it's refreshing not to have to dig into the nuts and bolts of nutrition and exercise right-away. The picture thing was hard to do, but not as hard as I thought it would be. What was hard was looking past all the surfacy stuff and really getting to the root of what's troubling me. It occurred to me that a whole lot of people look up to me- and I could be unwittingly leading them astray by my inaction. I AM BETTER THAN THIS- and I am disgusted by the fact that it took this exercise to realize it. In the end, I came to the conclusion that my family and I both deserve all of me, not just the tired, fat, lazy, "I'll spend time with you when I feel like it", me. The only problem that I'm struggling with right now is the fact that I don't know where this road will lead to. But I do know that I can't sit here, paralyzed by fear- and let yet another wasted year go-by.
I haven't started yet. But this week will be spent revising my schedule, making meal plans, printing our exercise progress sheets, taking the before photos and measurements. I'm so excited! What struck me the most is the truth in Bill's statement, "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... " All my life I've wanted to do something to help others, I can't wait to see where this will lead me.
I took the pics and with pen in hand proceeded to map what was going through my mind. It was a fantastic exercise and just the same, gave me focus and direction towards being the person I've dreamed to be. Thanks!
The biggest question i asked myself was.. WHY DON'T I CARE! I should.. My self esteem is very low and I don't feel comfortable in my own skin.. I continue to make excuses to eat..and it's sad. Is today the day I use my will power buried deep inside????
Well here I am about to take yet another"before" picture I have finished the BFL more then once how sad is that? but I did not find the inner transformation that I now know I need to make,this is the only way I will be able to change my body for LIFE it has to be from the inside out.
Taking the photo, taking a good, hard look at it, and posting it (!!) was brutal. The things I learned, though, are deep-seated: (1) I'm lonely, and it's reflected in how I've cared for my body; and (2) I have some good qualities, and I should be more kind to myself. The second part of the assignment was the BEST! I'm going to be the person I've imagined. Today, I'm going to be that person. I'll worry about tomorrow later.
Rather give birth than have to be in another before photo at 232 pounds, next before photo I take will be before the 2nd 18 weeks and I won't be as hard , Crazy How motivating it's been know how bad i look for real, working out and eatting healthy are fueled by my dislike for this picture It's an unbelivably effective excersise, just do it!!!
The last photo I let anyone take of me was in 2003 and it was a head shot. I do not like what I see in the mirror and especially to keep a permanent photo of how bad I have let me become physically. But this weekend I will take the photo and try to move on and through the rest of assignment one. I certainly hope the assignments get easier for me.
I have just decided that today is as good as any. I have read Bill's books for many years, but today I am starting my journal and transformation. Making up my mind and sticking to this is very important. I hope I can be a good contribution to the forum Surfn
I just finished assignment # 1. Looking at my before picture was scary. But I am going to get rid of this present body and get a much healthier one. My mind will be a lot healthier too I think.
I just completed my first assignment and added my pictures as well. This was tricky as I could feel the resistance of not wanting to do this. However after I did it I realized that this is what transformation is about - doing things a different way! As I wrote down the description of myself I was surprised to say the least. I was able to identify that healing my body was my biggest goal and this I intend to do by the 18 weeks. I was reading in "As a man Thinketh" last night and I realize that whatever I think I become. This is huge. Thank you and warm wishes to everyone moving forward in their life in this community! Peace!
I am having my wife take my before picture today,before I change tto much!
Correction to my below posting, I meant Bill's "Body for Life" book not "fit for life", sorry!! This was my first time posting ; )
Bill, Assigment #1 is complete! This will be my 2nd go around with the 12, now 18 week challenge. The first time was 5 years ago when I was looking for something new and I picked up your Fit for Life book at the book store, then the Eating for Life book shortly after that. I had success back then and learned some great habits and recipes!! But I have gained and lost that same 10 pounds again and again, year after year. I am now ready to make them disappear for life!! I love that you now have a website and enjoy reading about the success stories. The support that is available from the members is sure to be a help!! This time I am going to put more of a focus on the inside and really get to the root of the issue of my gaining back weight (usually in the winter). My ten pounds must seem like a minuscule amount compared to others doing the challange, but the struggles and issues are the same and the road will be just as tough, though maybe not as long! I really want the change this time and thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge with the world, I am off and running to #2.
Bill I am at the six week point and Reviewing and reorganizing my assignments-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My 18 week Goals....Deadline May 10, 2009 (Mothers Day) Physical 168-172 Lbs Body fat less than 15 % I will have also gained 5lbs minmum in muscle weight I will be 20% stronger I wiil be unashamed and unembarrassed about my body appearence I will have more control over unhealthy eating habits Spiritual I want to be Closer to God I will be helping others more I will find and be following a spiritual study path in order to improve my Knowledge & Relationship with God Mental I want to be less defensive I wish to be more content in all areas of my life I wish to be calm I wish to be hard to irritate...instead of having a hair trigger Iwant to feel less inferior to others I want to have a reputation as a kind loving man
Bill, I have completed the Assignment #1. It was done quite a bit ago, but I haven't posted it onto my profile. Check it out if you'd like. Thanks for the inspiration Bill. ~Shawn (kountrydoc)
Assignment 1a and 1b complete! 2 weeks into the Transformation Challenge and that girl in the photo is already fading from view! 1a - http://www.transformation.com/KBrooke/blog/The-Transformation/Assignment-1a/19378 1b - http://www.transformation.com/KBrooke/blog/The-Transformation/Assignment-1b/19494
I agree! I am totally fired up! Ready to make some positive life choices! I didn't realize how much I let myself go, until I looked at myself in that photo, and put words to what I was seeing. I can't wait to see a photo where I can say: "Wow! I look nice there!"
I just finished Transformation Exercise #1 and it has me fired up! Here is what I came up with for the first 1/2 of the exercise. My current descriptors are, "Exhausted and Lethargic, Old (noticing those crows feet), Pregnant (30 weeks - hard not to notice that), Relatively Fit (for an old pregnant woman :) ), Uninspired in many areas of my life, Self-Esteem swings low - Insecure, but Optimistic/Motivated" My after picture will show someone who is "Energetic, Powerful, Loving and Patient, Connected, Secure, Well into my Journey, Youthful, Good Role Model for my children, Compassionate AND Passionate, Inspired.
Assignment #1 was not as hard for me because I was so ready to change. I was willing to get it all out and be very honest with myself. I didn't like what I saw, but now I know where I am and where I want to go. Here is my assign #1 blog!! http://www.transformation.com/LisaNeal/blog/Transformation-Assignments/Assign-1-Before-Pic-Evaluations/12781
Finished Assignment #1. Wooooah. Glad it's out there - and no going back.
I have been doing a lot of reviewing this week... I did #1 and started on Jan 24th (after a false start on the 9th) I really liked what I stated in my after pic... and I am recommitted to obtaining those goals... Thank you Bill!
My Assignment #1 was actually completed on January 5th 2009, just getting online to post about it. I will eventually post before pictures, just a bit shy to do so. It was so enlightening. My first Before picture was taken in October 2008 when I started applying the BFL and EFL pricipals. By all accounts I should have been happy, I just completed a HM, but my goodness, by body sure did not resemble the inner athlete I was! something was so much deeper behind all that outer fat. My picutre includes the following phrases and words: Dissapointed Fat rolls inablility to follow through fear pain did not put myself on my own list The 2nd picture taken on January 5th showed marked improvement. But still lots of work to be done. I noticed right away, my expression turned form one of dispair to one of a quirky smirk. could that be the first glimmer of confidence showing? smaller all over. Not " Tight". feeling "good". That was January, and Wow I have come a LONG WAY baby since then! I might just be on my way to living in my own light, and how wonderful that day will be!
OMG!!! I didn’t realize how bad I look. I have to LOL because I lost about 15 lbs a couple months ago, and in my head, I thought I looked good again; like I was 40 and doing sports. I actually started carrying myself with some pride. People even commented on my weight loss and how good I looked – geez, I must have been down right scary before. When I look at the PIC, I see a closed person who thinks she can hide inside an expression. I see an angry and defeated person. I am fat and ugly; nothing left of the homecoming queen. Nothing but fat, scars from surgery, from a 3d degree burn on my shoulder when I was three, and last the tattoo – a self imposed scar to remind me that I would never let myself fall to destruction again … but I did. But, I see something left of the survivor who has always existed in me. That spirit is angry today, but in the future I see a confident, peaceful and loving person who does not live in fear of rejection. I see a strong body with battle scars from battles I have won. Thin, muscles drawing the curves that erase what have long since been buried by anger, hopelessness and the poisons I have taken in to my body. I see a “me” who will make it to my natural end with no thoughts of ending it again. I AM HERE TO STAY!!! THANK YOU BILL …
Thank you Bill & Community !! Working assignment #1 got me focused. The writing portion came easy, it was posting the before that I resisted. Once I did it, the challenge and goals for total transformation became real to me. I felt accountable - in more ways then one... Nannette
Completed Assignment #1. I posted the pictures on line, which completely blows my mind!!! I am usually so self conscience, but I feel like it is time to stop hiding and put it all out there. Now I have no choice but to change!!
If honesty is the best medicine, then I am well on my way to gettin' better. I posted my photos online, I can't believe I did it. I am doing it. It feels so uncomfortable and good at the same time to confront myself. I'm feeling the shock, but at least, I am feeling.
Just finished the 1st assignmnet. I had no idea I looked this bad! Especially from the rear. The funny thing is as I'm writing this I realize that the way that I feel on the INSIDE is what has transformed me to what I AM on the outside. Because I eat pretty healthy and workout at least 5 days a week. So, obviously something has been missing, right? I think I finally got it. Time for a change from within! Can't wait to get started! Kerri
Just finished assignment #1. Eye-opening, somewhat harsh look at reality but necessary to moving ahead!
Bill, Assignment 1 is completed! That was a little challenging - getting undressed to face not only myself, but ask my wife Sandi to take a picture of the reality of what I have become physically. Clothes are great at hiding behind, although they really didn't hide the truth of how big I really am, but I preferred to look at my shirt & pants than at my true physical self. The exercise was difficult - to get real with my self, "brutally honest" and develop a little "self trust." This is the 'line in the sand' as I begin and work on the inner transformation and the transformation challenge so that my life will begin to change and make a difference. Thank you - James
Assignment one is done ....very enlightning to say the least.
I'm actually re-doing Assignment for the second time. On January 1 I took the photos, wrote those surprising, shocking words,,,and then stuck it all in a sketchbook never to look at it again until last week's radio show and assignment review! I think the words were the hardest for me. I really did not know how apathetic and hopeless I felt. With some of the words I actually heard echoes of other people saying those words to me...parents, kids on the playground...I did not know I had been carrying around all of those negative self-talk terms all this time (embdded in the FAT?). Well, you have to be aware of the problem before you can apply the solution. And I now see that MY problem is really within. Here we go!!!
Assignment #1 completed, this exercise seems easy at first, but causes you to look hard at yourself. I started my transformation 14FEB09.
Wow, I never thought a picture could cause so much emotion inside. It really is an important step. I finally had to get real and be truthful about myself and where I'm at today, right now.
I want to look like him. The man I was 7 years ago when I completed the 2000 body for life Challenge. That person was fearless, confident, and in the greatest shape of his life. At the age of 55 he looked better than most of the men he graduated from high school with. He was a Hulk of a man, strong and willing to take on any assignment no matter how large or small. When He worked out in the gym everyone watched just to see what he would do next. Most of the younger guy's could not believe his age or how he kept records of all of his exercises and performed them with precision. When he was through they would come over and ask advice or welcome his advice when given. His family and close friends admired him and hung on his every word. Promotions where given at work because of his abilities to combine what he learned in the Challenge about goals and helping others to set personal goals as well as work related goals. This is who I want to be once again and I will. oldasifeel Edit | Delete January 17, 2009 | comments (2) | to be a winner
Being new at this part I'm putting down what I believe Negative Feelings about myself: I'm not proud of the way I look now. I know better, I've done this all before and I hate myself for failing. I can't forgive myself for falling off the wagon no matter what the reason. I feel like a failure to myself as well as to family and friends. I find it difficult to commit to eating right and breaking all the bad habits. I have a hard time with cardio due to knee surgery and know its a valuable tool. I can't go to the beach or swim in the pool because I'm to embarrassed to take off my shirt. I'm afraid that I will fail again and fall back to the old way's like I did before. I have to much on my mind and it weighs me down with guilt and lowers my self-esteem. I lost my job in October of 2008, Will I get another in this bad economy or become homeless. I put down on my knowledge in my chosen field of work. I must not be any good or someone would hire me. I feel that all these burdens are weighing me down. Can I complete this challenge? The positive side of my feelings about myself: I'm proud that I made a decision to change. I'm proud that I was able to post my before pictures for all to see. I'm proud that even though my life is a mess and full of uncertainty, I can still get in the morning and take a breath. I'm very proud of the progress I'm making in this Challenge even though I have limitations. I'm proud that I succeeded in the 2000,2002,2003 Challenge because it will help me succeed again. I'm proud of the interest generated from the Transformation Community and my T-friends. I'm proud to know that friends and family are going to bat for me with letters of recommendation to help me in finding work. I'm proud of having the time to help my family and friends. I never seemed to have time before. I'm proud to give and not to worry about receiving. It's a wonderful feeling. I'm proud to be an American and stand up for my rights as a citizen. To change things if I can. I'm proud to have a chance to take this Challenge and be a part of Bill's team once again. The answer to the Question, Can I complete this challenge? The answer is "Yes" with the help of my friends in the Transformation Community as well as family I will succeed. Personal note: I know that I can do this and break free of all the problems that I have and become a Winner in life once again. I have nothing to prove to anyone, but myself. I know that I ask myself to accomplish a lot and give me hope instead of despair. I have changed my mental approach to life and I know that I will over come the problems given time. This is why I joined the Transformation Community for support and Information. I know they won't let me down. oldasifeel (this was done in January on my blog)
I just finished Assignment 1. It was painful to say the least, but a long, hard, HONEST look at myself was exactly the eye-opener I needed to push me in the right direction. Denial can be a powerful thing to overcome.
Well, last week I completed my Assignment #1. What was very interesting is that my before picture description words were opposite of the words I wrote around my "after rectangle. What an amazing change is coming into my life. I enjoyed everyone's assignment #1 comments (they certainly help me in my progression). Sincerely, Vonnie
Wow, this step was an eye opener!! I knew that I was fat, but I didn't know that I was THAT FAT. Those pictures do not match the person that my mind thinks I am. What a powerful start!
OK, like so many others, I found this to be a painful, yet, very enlightening experience. I'm done now, and I just stared at the photo and then tried to open my heart and be truthful with myself and what I am feeling. Among the many negative things I noted, a very hopeful and excited undercurrent permeated my thoughts. I will stay focused and positive.
On track with 2X a day
Completed assignment 1 not so easy but completed. Thank God, before pictures posted and ready to start assignment 2. Thanks Bill for sharing the knowledge of this opportuinty to change my life and as I see so many others. Blondie73
I finally finished Assignment #1, took for ever to get everything into an image to post. I'm so left brained. This assignment was amazing!
I have now completed and posted assignment 1 on my profile. It was very scarey and a relief at the same time! I am on my way. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Kerri
I officially completed my Assignment #1 on January 13th http://www.transformation.com/kathytnt/blog/Uncategorized/Assignment-1/14802
Great excercise, ther are obviously a lot of walls that need to be broken down to start a real transformation.
OKAY! Here goes....my results of assignment #1 which was done before I began this and then became buried, which does me no good, I have unearthed it a looked again....my my my. The before me:unhappy, needs a change, no self esteem, disappointed in myself, fat, unfit, unmotivated, frumpy, unhealthy, bad role model, undeserving, flabby, depressed, unsatisfied, lazy, unattractive, unworthy, restless, stuck in a rut, unfulfilled. I hate looking at that picture....I just look like all those things I described, like the feelings are just oozing out of the photograph. MY AFTER: Description of me after my transformation: lean, muscular (not too), sexy, youthful,confident, glowing, vibrant and smiling because I just can't help it and I am really that happy! How I feel in that picture: HAPPY, confident, loveable, great mom, in control of my health, HEALTHY at last, active, worthy, living intentionally, out of the rut, HIGH self esteem, HIGH ON LIFE, transformed mind body and soul! HOW I feel now at 4 weeks into it.....I feel like I am accomplishing something, I am learning everyday, I make a small amount of progress everyday....each day I take a step CLOSER to that AFTER ME and it fills me with excitement , energy and awe! Thank you Bill Phillips for all you are, you are truly a blessing and a beautiful person! Thanks, Michelle
With every pound I added to my frame over the years was another layer of hate that I felt for myself all stemming from past comments of other. I have decided to shed those pounds and step out of that cocoon to emerge a new person. The caterpillar in 84 days will transform into a butterfly.
Assignment One is done. A look at the fruit of the past -- the present picture. A look to the fruit of the future -- a vision of what can be... With great appreciation of your understanding that the outward transformation is the first step in what is truly important the inward transformation.
Well I've posted my photos and have written my Before and After Inner Person Lists. I am overwhelmed to say the least, but now I have a focus and some guidelines. I've found more inspiration and support on this website in the last hour or so than I have in many, many self-help books, groups, what-have-you over the years... God Bless Bill Phillips for creating this community and for all of you for participating. I think we are all somehow a "WInner" already just for finding this place... Shellie
a week later but i lifted the wait of my shoulders by acknowledging the riality of a man in the picture, of all the great things to come with complition of a first assigment and my transformation to a new better me .
I also completed Assignment #1 a few weeks ago and didn't realize I should post it here. I'm feeling very inspired right now and ready to complete the other assignments!
Please see my profile for assignment one completion. I didn't realize that I was supposed to post it here as well, Hop Just go to photos!
I Finished assignment #1. It was very hard for me to do but I posted them.
I took my pics last night and completed my assignment today, describing the "now" and "future". I'm on my way there!!!
Quite a bit uncomfortable having my daughter take my picture. But going through the exercise has allowed me to evaluate and realize I don't want to be this way or feel this way. Very empowering to express how I want to feel and know that the body can achieve it.
I'm 4 weeks in, and didn't find out about this post space until last week. I have 12 assignments at least starting to roll, and now want to go back and refocus on each one at a time. When I do, I will post a note. I am seeing some physical changes. For assignment one, my plan is to get out of it what I can on a weeks reread, print the photo work, and focus on it twice daily for the weeks to come.
Not only have I completed assignment #1 , the pictures are posted
I have completed assignment #1 and already feel 10 times lighter. It feels good to get inner baggage off your mind. I started my transformation Monday Feb 2nd. and I am ready to be the change.
Assignment #1 is done! Just doing this simple exersise is a huge win. I am ready to rock! Oh, it's on, baby.. it's on like Donkey Kong!
Just finished my 2 part Assignment 1. Now off to complete my profile and then over the next few days or so begin to blog. I am looking forward to being a part of this awesome community. Thanks to all of you who have sent me warm welcomes. This is going to be an incredible journey! Karen
I completed Assignment #1 last night in preparation for my start today. I took the pictures earlier in the week and will post them shortly. It was really tough to take such a close look at how I'm feeling and what my mindset is...I can see why this is such a crucial part of this transformation. It definitely showed me where I am and where I need to go.
I got off to a bad start, since I was supposed to start working out today, but I just completed assignment #1. We took the pictures yesterday and posted them last night, but just ran out of time and couldn't do the writing until today. Stayed up way to late and couldn't drag myself out of bed to exercise. I'll keep moving forward though.
I should have added "procrastinator" to my list of words to describe my "before" picture. However, I'm glad I finally took the time to do this exercise. As painful as it was to dig down deep and bring up feelings I've repressed so long, it would be more painful to continue in that depressed state of mind. With this behind me, I can focus on the next steps. Already, I feel the change within as well as without. Thanks for your guidance and leadership during this process! - - - Av8rBum
I was homeless in Denver for over a year. I lost 50 pounds and kept it off for two years. Now I have another 100 pounds to lose. I'm not homeless now, but without the energy to work (I work at home now) I worry about ending up back on the street. I have no addictions, no drinking, no smoking or drugs. My only "vice" is soda and I gave that up two weeks ago. I was drinking 64 to 100 ounces a DAY! I'm 53. I'm determined to lose this last 100 pounds and do the transformation. I'm inspired by the really big losers. Thank you.
I finally have Assignment # 1 completed ! :-)
I took my before picture- It told me everything, I really had known down deep in my heart. I had just been in denial -giving excuses for my problems. I then wrote a private message to myself promising I would change that person for my family. I am carrying that note with me in my wallet.
Pictures taken with before and after thoughts. Still facing the fear of not wanting to post them.
Just completed assignment #1. Wow the pics!! The Pics!! I pretty much have a wake up call here. I am so embarrased as to how I look, and more so, how I got this way so fast. I am 42 y/o and I want to go hopfully another 42 yrs. But not like the way I look now. Not like this. I have used excuse after excuse. Like " Oh I'll start working out on monday" then something comes up and I go " well I'll start next week" and in the meanwhile I am eating like I am stupid! Thanks bill again. You helped inspire me before. I was younger then. I guess I just took time for granted. Boy was I wrong. I am NOT gonna give up. I will be planning the meals, and the workouts on a weekly basis as well. I have to eliminate all of the distractors. #1 being my own self procrastination. CJ
Assignment #1 Ok Bill: A little late as I'm just completing week #3, but here goes.... Good news and bad news. Good news : I really love a lot of the things about the guy in the before pic's 'on the inside'. Bad news: Pics posted on the 8th really aren't of the guy I want to be. Cliche, but truth is, there are some things that I have to fix inside as well as outside, mainly outlook and attitude. The past 3 weeks have been great Bill. For me the amazing support system and motivational writings you have enabled are the fuel that stokes my fire. Although I still look a lot like the Pic's from 3 weeks ago, I feel like the 40 year old pics of you and Chris. Its now all about execution. This is life, not a dress rehersal. I'm going to do this!
Assignment #1 - 1.30.09 - FRIDAY I took my pictures Monday morning 1.26.09, and as I look at them, it's weird. I guess I don't really SEE how I appear to others, so I'm looking at these, as if I'm an outsider critiquing this "person" named Laurah~ START: 157# 5'3" Average Sad Tired Flabby Cluttered Not-manicured Unorganized Downcast Depressed Uncertain PEAR shape Stressed-out *** ...and these are things that I know about myself when I took these pictures: Frustrated about my eating disorder and lack of self-discipline Reactive Late Jiggly Frumpy Hiding Dark/black clothes and big jackets Size 12 (getting REALLY tight, but I refuse to buy bigger sizes) cellulite Good mom Good wife Good employee Procrastinator Spirit of FEAR Waffler Resentful, but I try to hide it Bitter, but I try to hide it That was Monday 1.26.09 morning at 7 a.m. I had an attitude adjustment on a few items later that day, which was actually a blessing from God called Forgiveness... WHERE AM I GOING? Below 130# (most likely between 125 - 128#)...but I won't know until I get there~ Inverted Triangle (a spinning top) Toned Muscular Confident Feminine Proactive Spirit of COURAGE Playful Giving Organized Active Integrity (Walk the Talk) Prompt - ON TIME Sexy Size 6 Manicured Happy Mom Healthy Athlete for Christ Have a purpose Musician Clean eating 36-26-36 15 - 18% bodyfat All Fruits of the Spirit & lots of Self-Control~ New Skill: LEARN TO ROLLER SKATE Nice legs & bottom Little black dress Loving.....No FEAR. Smiling with a REAL smile. Friendly Warm Me I want to wear a bikini this summer on vacation~ A REAL bikini~
Better late than never... Sometimes taking a few steps back to ponder equates to 100 bigger steps forward, right? I waited to post (the photo is in my profile as well as in a blog) this because I wanted to put more thought into it. I didn't want to give myself a short period of time to realize what it is about myself I am unhappy with. I came up with more and more as I progressed through this assignment. I am not going to say any more about it. I hope those who see this know it is ok to let it loose and put it all out there. Some of the things I put on here are meant to be humorous since that is sometimes how I like to handle things like this. An uncomfortable topic can sometimes be lightened up a bit with the funny stuff while still keeping it real. A coping mechanism maybe? Anyhow, I really am glad I put as much thought into this as I did. I learned more about how I feel than I can honestly have ever imagined! Getting stronger, believing I can BE THE CHANGE and discovering new things every day, Geoff
Ahhhhh, the relief of "Ending the excuses"! Feels great to have made this decision...now for the work. Having decided to quit smoking Feb. 1st after 36 years, this challenge supposedly just kind of "happened" into my life in a strange 32 year old case of serendipity and I hope I can continue to laugh about it all the way through the 18 week! As excited as I have been about starting for the last few days, I seem to have caught a virus and am having migraine headaches the past 48 hours and already I caught myself slacking off in enthusiasm. I just decided to balance that out by wetting down and crumbling up what I hope will have ever been my last pack of Marlboros! Why wait for the 1st of Feb.! Viva the transformation! Thanks Bill!
im about to take that first picture im not even sure what i will feel in this case the truth WONT set you free...
got my cute little book that I am journaling in and pen/paper doing the assignments"old school" I started transformation process on 1/5/09. I was on BFL tracker site and Linda mentioned this place when I first checked it out It was weird and lovey huggy and I mocked it to myself. but then I kept coming back because the community was sincere and the stories blew my freaking mind. So I am here to stay. assignment #1 was difficult I realized I never really knew what I looked like. I never looked I guess. what a shocker eye opening! now I look at myself and care about what I look like and will surprise the @#$$% out of myself when I dont quit!
Hello, I just finished assignment one. I took my before pictures myself because I didn't really want anyone else to see what I have done to my body. It is kind of like being in a prison. A lonely prison with no way out. I eat to punish myself for past hurts that someone else has inflicted on me and it's not fair! I hope that I can let this other stuff go as well as the excess load that I am carrying on my back, stomach, chin, hips, and legs. Because if I don't then I will be right back here begging to be let out of the prison I am in.
Well I have taken the first step in regaining my life - Bill I want to thank you in advance for helping this man take a hold of his life and for the way I will be transformed - It is time for me to get busy living.
Just signed up for the challenge. I haven't frequented this website though I hope to join the rest of the group here in taking charge of my health! Thanks for the challenge and support. I'm a little worried that I might not get through this but I'm going to try.
This will be the beginning(4 weeks in)of my second Transformation--officially my first because I never completed the first one due to conflict of interest(someone sabotaged me).No saboteurs this time--they're long gone!!!! Picture taken(again)descriptive words done.NOW-----TWELVE WEEKS FROM NOW------ROCK IT RUSTY!!!!!!! RUSTY:)
OK - Day #1 !!! Took those photos the other day and that certainly brought me down a few notches. Thanks for making me look at myself (not only externally) but my inside is in just as much turmoil as my outside. The words are sad but here is my opportunity to change those words to more positive ones. Thanks again ~ Rajka
Assignment 1 completed and I feel better already. I now see that I don't normally feel that good about myself. I started to rethink my perception of myself almost immediately. i looked at that sheet of paper with that picture and felt sorry for the way that guy(me) felt. Even though I was smiling in the picture, I felt like I was looking at someone else and knew a change was needed. Thanks Bill , and God Bless
Ok I am just getting started on this had my pics taken today with a picture of the newspaper on it front and back pics now what do I do with them.
t-1 is in the books. I know that it is a tough assignment for many. I think that it could have been a tough one for me but I had been looking at myself and announcing how I feel for some time
Assignment #1 complete. Strange how I thought I was smiling in my before picture, but when I printed it out and looked at myself in the picture I saw saddness. Well, it was a great assignment because I'll look at that dude everyday and know each and every day I'll grab the opportunity to distance myself from him and move towards the guy who will be placed in the rectangle of my After page.... I like the after dude much better... :-)
WOW ! What a wake up call that was to take before photos and actually see what other people see. YIKES !! This body is history! Good luck to everyone else also! We can do this !!!!
Bulletpoints of Assignment #1 12 words/phrases that describe the person I see in the picture: 1. Unhappy 2. Much better than my before picture in 2003, but still overweight 3. Thunderthighs 4. Cottage cheese butt 5. Less conditioned than I want to be 6. Overall, physically still not where I want to be 7. Poor posture 8. Lack of confidence/Insecure 9. Insincere 10. Someone I don't like 11. Someone who doesn't try hard enough 12. Someone who needs help in my relationship Where I'd like to be after completing the Transformation: 1. Toned 2. Athletic 3. Not just happy, ELATED! 4. Hot :) 5. An example for others to follow 6. Confident 7. Someone who exudes inner peace 8. A good listener 9. Healthy 10. I will be a good partner (listener, helpful, etc.) 11. Organized in home/work/personal life 12. A knowledge SPONGE! Goals: I will run the Knoxville 1/2 marathon on March 29th I will set at least 30 minutes/day aside for my partner (no distractions) I will have a good set up for organizing things (filing system, etc.) I will weigh 150 pounds in 18 weeks (May 14, 2009)
Assignment one done..... confidence? Will work on that one day at a time.
Completed #1. It was worth the time and effort to do it! I like being able to focus on the changes to come and the progress that will be made. I have a setback for now, with bone spurs and need surgery on my right foot soon. But I hope to be able to do exercises that will not aggravate the conidition. I may have a set back but I am still up for the transformation. I want to put radiance back into my life and spirt. Thank you for this chance! :)
My first Assignment, wow! sobering, reality check and now I'm ready. Ok, the first assignment is complete and I am ready to attack. I had a good first day! Was easy to get my cardio in after looking at the before picture! I need to do a better job on my eating habits still but ate three healthy low carb low cal meals today. To succeed long term i must get on the eating for life plan! In just under 18 weeks from today I will be turning 40 years old. So this challenge could not have found me at a better time or place in my life. I am heavier than I have ever been in my life weighing in at over 254 pounds this morning. On top of that my health and energy levels are dangerously low. This is why I am ready to face reality and put it out to the world! Its not easy but I need help and I know it. I am committed to giving myself the best birthday present I will ever receive. My LIFE BACK! I will be 195 pounds and in the best physical, mental and spiritual shape of my life when I reach 40! And, it starts today, right now, right here.
I started my Transformation on January 5, I sort of completed Assignment 1. I took my before picture, we recorded measurements, calculated body fat, and weight. I wrote down some feelings and recorded my before in a journal. I've saved a "goal picture" from a magazine and posted that in my journal. I need to write down my goals regarding how I feel about myself. For me, the thing is this...being thin and fit will not make me happy or make my life perfect, but it will give me the confidence and energy to make my life better and move toward perfection. And I doubt we can ever reach perfection, I hope there will always be more to do, more to learn, room to grow, so that perfection is a journey, not a destination.
I had my mom take before pictures today. I realized a couple of things. I hide behind clothes for a reason, and reality is a shocker. Thank you. I am one of those people that has a thinner picture of themselves in their mind, and avoids the reality at all costs. On the positive side, I see this false picture as simply a vision of what is to come. I can't wait to keep moving upward.
Well I'm late chiming in here but this was done back on the 28th of Dec.
I posted assignment 1 this week. Man that was really hard for me. Really looking forward to the one's to come. Thanks!
Wow! I really dreaded taking those first pictures but I did it. I had my husband take several photos of the "before" me. Now, I am picturing the "after" me. With all of the posts that I have been reading the last several days, what inspiration :), I know that I can do this. Thanks to everyone!
Yesterday was my 53 birthday, I indulged in food, wine and song. Today is day 1 towards a more healthy life style. I took my before pic and gave myself a good look over.
Got my 1st assignment done a couple of days ago - very difficult to face reality and then literally put it out there. Didn't realize after completing that dreadful, scary step, just how empowered I felt. I'm so ready to begin the 'new me'!! Thank you for the inspiration! Grace
I finally completed assignement #1...after over a week of procrastinating. So hard to take that honest look at yourself. I spend so much time thinking negatively about myself I really didn't want to SEE all those thoughts in a photo. Putting down how I feel inside and then how I want to feel was a very positive experience. My goals are a whole lot clearer now. I 'm filled with hope & gratitude at what is possible for me and looking forward to moving forward!!!!! Thanks!
Hi Bill and all fellow transformers, I just remembered that we were asked to comment after each assignment. It took me about 6 monthsafter first learning about the Assignment to get the picture and post it. The hardest part is having someone in my family take the thing, looking at it the first time, being honest about the inner condition and then to post it for the whole world to see. First assignment is done! I find myself not wanting my kids or partner to see the words that I wrote. What's up with that? I enjoyed pulling an old lifeguard pic of myself to imagine as an after image(altho that was 30 years agoLOL). I have become more accepting of myself in the picture which is surprising. Thanks for the amazing help, Rhonda
Thanks for the warning not to over complicate Assignment 1. I found myself wanting to do just that. I actually did this Assignment on January 3 on paper. I just wanted to have record of it on my profile's Blog, too, Since I see so many others have done so also. I'm winging it here. I've never really done Blogs or put much into a profile page, so I'm learning as I go. Now if I can just figure out how to put one of those music things on my profile.
Assignment completed. This assignment was difficult, especially when you look in the mirror and you have a certain Ideal that you do not have all that much to lose or that I only have a little excess here. Sitting down and analyzing my before photos was definately an eye opener that will motivate me for the next 18 weeks.
Assignment #1 - Faith, Hope and Love I am a caregiver by profession, which means that I take care of the elderly and disabled so that they are able to continue living in their homes and enjoy the quality of life that they so deserve. For over 2 years now I have been caring for a dear, sweet lady who is now 93 years old. She has Parkinson's disease and the symptoms have become increasingly worse to the point that she is literally just waiting to die, and she tells me everyday that she hopes that death will come as soon as possible. This is really heartbreaking to watch and as I spend 62 hours each week with her I have noticed how much her attitude has affected my own life. As I have been working on Assignment #1, taking the before picture and writing the words around the photo to describe how I feel, I soberly realized that I have been feeling exactly the same way as my client - I had given up on life and was basically just waiting around to die. When she would cry and tell me how she wished that her family would agree to physician-assisted suicide (this is legal in Oregon) - I would listen sympathetically, pat her on the back and find myself silently agreeing with her, silently wishing that physician-assisted suicide included depressed, hopeless, morbidly obese women. I am 31 years old and until beginning my Transformation 5 days ago I was waiting around to die with a 93 year old lady suffering from Parkinson's disease! How terrible is that?! Taking my Before photo with my huge, scarred stomach exposed was one of the most vulnerable, terrifying and horrific things that I have ever done! And then to sit and look at that photo and use words to describe how I was feeling inside...it was very emotional and extremely challenging! But the hardest part of the assignment for me has been coming up with realistic goals and envisioning my success after I have completed my 18 week Transformation. I have basically realized that my mind has focused on so much negativity for so many years that it has become difficult to even imagine what life will be like with a new, more focused, goal-driven POSITIVE mind. It is really exciting though! I am only on Day 5 of my Transportation and I can already feel my heart opening up to the possibilities. I mean, really, in 5 days I have gone from wishing I would never again wake up in the morning, to waking up to a 5:30am alarm and jumping out of bed, EXCITED to go to the gym, EXCITED to eat my 6 healthy meals and drink my 10 cups of water, EXCITED to meet and encourage my new friends on the Transformation site. The possibilities feel endless to me right now! And to top it off, my girlfriend Angela (sh0r7cak3) was on the radio broadcast last night!!! Bill Phillips and Coach Stoney talked about her Assignment #1 and how great she expressed herself, how brave she was for putting up her before photos - and we were both so excited that we jumped up and down and called everyone we knew to tell them about it! We looked at each other and said, "We can DO this! We can totally DO this!!! We have to do it now because Bill is watching!" hahaha It was really awesome! I have a video that I put away a few years ago because I couldn't bring myself to watch it. The video is of me when I was 24 years old (7 years ago), 130 pounds lighter than I am now. I had been a Christian missionary with Youth with a Mission for 3 years and I had traveled the world, spreading a message of hope to people who were impoverished and dying. I was lucky enough to live in Perth, Western Australia and travel with groups of my peers from Australia to the countries of Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, East Timor and Thailand, where we would spend 3 months at a time in each country doing volunteer work in the orphanages, teaching English in the schools, implementing community development projects in remote villages, et. It was a very exciting and inspirational time in my life. I was an extremely spiritual person then, seeking God each and every day for direction, following His plan for my life. I was so passionate about life and hopeful for my future and those internal feelings manifested themselves into my physical. I have been heavy my entire life, since I was 8 years old, but for those 3 years of being a missionary, making new friends, spreading hope to myself and to others, I lost almost 100 pounds without even trying, and I felt like I could walk on air. I called those years my "glory years". And until 5 days ago, I let myself believe that that could never be me again. I believed that my season for happiness and fulfillment in life had passed. I don't believe that anymore! In fact, I am going to look for that video today and watch it. I am not going to watch myself in that video and think wow, I was really cool and fun and beautiful once. I am going to think, "WOW! I am going to find that person again! I am going to find that hope and faith and passion that I once had!" And this is a HUGE step for me but I am not afraid. As of today, January 9th 2009, I am full of hope. Life can and will get better. I can be whoever I want to be!!!
Yeah... Assignment # 1 This was difficult but necessary. It took me a little while, but I am glad that I am on to the next assignment. Thanks for the mirror, it was my wake- up call. Now let's get healthy!
wOW, First off, theres never any way to lie about back fat...it is what it is , just not like you can say, your back gets cold alot so you keep socks back there! That was very difficult , but its done, Im excited but sacred, but my desire to change will crush the fear! Assignment #1 ....offically completed....praise the Lord!
Great Lesson Bill, I know one of my main problems has became a feeling of dispare and the same old everyday schedule. To get the best results I need to have a clear mind of where I am going in life and what I want from it.
Thank you Bill for this assignment. It's impossible to create something new when something old is occupying the space. In a very real sense, you've had us get clear about what's so, what's already in the space. Once that's acknowledged, it creates a space in which to create something new, the AFTER! In visualizing the future it becomes tangible, something to move towards - a created life. What a blessing.
This assignment wasnt as hard as i expected it to be, but, this could be because i already had a pretty good picture in my mind of what my current state was. Getting it down on paper was just confirmation to me. Congrats to everyone who completed assignment one. Its a huge first step!!!!
Wow that was really hard. Got thru it though. It's hard to believe how deceiving our own mind can really be. I never though I looked or felt so horrible til I had to do this exercise. Now on to exercise 2 and 3 working out and eating healthier!
I had completed assignment one and put in a notebook. I thought I was done, that there was nothing more to be said, until I went to transfer that image to an online image so I could post on my photo section. There were even more thoughts and words that have come to surface as I have had the last two weeks to contemplate this. This was a humbling experience and left me feeling sad and ashamed. It changed though as I began dreaming of what I would become and the words I found to describe my new self inspired me. I am filled with hope and energy as I look to the next 16 weeks. Traci
Since I decided to do a BFL challenge 10 days ago I've been planning my first two weeks and feeling very motivated and excited! And then I sat down to do Assignment 1 and saw that dreadful picture and thought--is that me? I didn't have a hard time describing who I am now because my acknowledgement of of the hard facts is what motivated me to pursue BFL...the hardest part was remidning myself that the "new me" will be completely different! This was a great exercise!
It was very hard for me to see a before picture that reflects the same picture I took four years ago. I have completed the assignment and the words that uttered out of my mouth is hard to hear myself say about myself. It is time to forget about the past and spring forward! I look forward to a splenid soul, mind, spirit and pysical transofrmation for life.
This is so exciting...I actually think of these words every day. They go through my head when getting dressed and my pants have seemed to have shrunk for some strange reason. I can't wait to look back at this.
Namasté Bill, I have completed assignment 1 and blogged about it. Now today I start the challenge. My first personal assignment will be to work on self love. I'll let you know how that's going :) The picture was extremely hard for me, but I got it done. YEAAA me!!
I was putting that off for the last moment and wow its like a slap in the face.. saying yes this really is you what happened??
Ok that officially sucked! Talk about your reality checks. Just glad that that part is done.
I just finished Assignment #1 & put it in my Blog. There are an awful lot of things I want to change about myself in the next 18weeks. I think one thing really should be to like myself more. Thanks for the eye opener Bill.
Wow, I really didn't think that writing out the "negative" items that I feel would be such a good thing. I have always thought that you should focus on the good things. To do that, was a complete honest representation of how I feel, and it is not a good place to be. It should motivate me to NOT feel as I do, and strive to make the positive changes in my life that I will need to succeed. Thanks Bill, you are truly an inspirational leader.
I just finished my first assignment and it was more emotional than I expected. It made me realize that the one person I don't keep promises to, is me. I'm a caregiver for two kids, a husband , and an elderly mom. I realize that my first challenge is to realize promises to myself are just as important, critical really and that I deserve it. Okay, well I'm working toward the deserving part!
I just completed assignment 1. Embarrassed and guilty are two words that come to mind when I think about my photo. I totally believe that how well you take care of yourself and your body is a reflection of how you feel about yourself, your innerman.
I wrote in my journal today about my picture- it was so hideous. The words that came to me were weak, flabby and undisciplined. I have felt weak lately regarding other areas of my life- food, disciplining children, smoking cigarettes. I need to radically change my way of thinking. My new picture will be radiant, refreshed and strong. I desire to be a strong woman that is unafraid.
w. Reading through all these comments really opened my eyes to the potential of this exercise. My before page isn't what I had hoped for, but it is what I needed to see before I could really start in the direction of real change. On any journey you have to know where you are starting from I guess. I'm ready now for the next step.
Looking back in my journal here is my response to Assignment #1. In my picture I look old, tired, stretched out, big, and still look pregnant. In my rectangle I want to look young, tightened, energetic, tiny, and a shock to others that I have 3 kids under 3 years old. I need to transform to make this happen.
I took my piic a few days ago and was so ahamed. I just forced my self to get me feelings on paper. I have always had a negative dialog with myself, so the insults flowed. Then reading them I couldn't beleive how badly I realy felt about myself. So changeing my inner dialog is new on the list of things to change. My first workout after seeing my pic was so hard. I have never pushed myself this way. Change starts now, no longer will I say someday Ill work hard. When fear knocks at my door I will gladly let it in, no more giving up and hideing. I cannt get any lower than I was when I saw my pics. So bring it on fear, I am not afraid of failing this time.
Hi Bill, Just spent the day doing assignment #1. My jaw dropped when I saw the pics that I took from my camera. I set the timer and when I went back to view them, I almost passed out. I was actually frozen with fear and disgust. I just had to sit down for a moment then check the curtains to make sure nobody could have ever possibly looked in. Surprisingly no tears it was just a real eye opener and who has time cry when there is work to do! Thanks so much for letting me be a part of this transformation. You are the best! Liz
Hi Bill Sorry - I didn't realize til late that I should comment--Iam so excited I can't believe it- the before pictures are more painful than I expected- but I will persevereand envision the results- this is an amazing challenge and you're an amazing person. thanks so much Lil
Did assignment #1... wasnt pretty, but got through it. Looking forward to what is in store next. Thanks Bill!
Finished Assignment #1 on 1/8. Very emotional, my husband helped me a lot and even let me cry like a baby afterwards. I feel much better now though. I had to do this so I can move forward!!
I have completed the first step, very eye opening.Man what denial, ego seems to be at the core of my issues. Hard to be honest with yourself when you get right down to it... Im ready for this...
A friend enthusiastically loaned me Body For Life over a year ago and in early December, reminded me that I still had it...oops. The day after my 50th birthday, I finally cracked it open and started to read...I'm SO ready to start on my own Transformation - ready for my next FABULOUS 50 years!
Ok - I planned to start the challenge last week. It would've been for the second time in my life. I successfully completed the BFL challenge back in 2001, but since that time I have returned to my old ways of mediocrity and slipped away into a world of empty distractions. I was set back last week with a terrible flu (and boy, what a message about the value of good helath that was!) But now I'm feeling better and ready to begin. I wish everyone out there success and joy.
Hey All...Im packing my bags for this exciting journey I'm about to embark. Finished BFL about 8 years ago but the inside does not match the outside. Alot of "gunk" to clean out. Wishing you all a fantastic journey, a great 2009 and an incredible LIFE!!! Blessings, E
I'm so excited to be joining this team! I look forward to becoming a better me by following the activities! Thank you so much for giving such hope and for being so positive.
I just signed up for the transformation challenge, I am excited to be doing something about the way I feel about myself. I used to be slender and full of energy, now I am slightly overweight and feel rundown. My sister is doing this same challenge so we are really going to be supporting eachother all the way. Thank you.
What an eye opening experience. I'm so ready for this challenge. I'm tired of the person I see, and try to hide from, in the mirror. I've lost all self pride and self confidence. But just looking at that blank rectangle and knowing, not thinking, but knowing who I am capable of becoming brings a tear to my eye. I am determined. I will do this.
I feel tired. Old. Too flabby to wear shorts or a bathing suit. I'm tired of the daily frustration of caring for my 5 year old ADHD diagnosed grandson. I'm tired of my work, my time limitatins, my excuses and my cellulite. I'm tired of having to take a statin every night to control my cholesterol and a fosamax every Sunday to control my osteoperosis. I feel stagnant, saggy and a little scared. I looked in the mirror and asked, "God,Sue; who the hell are you and what have you done with me?" When I take my after photo, the changes I would like to see are a smiling, confident, strong, happy, content, spritually connected person with a strong, balanced, lean and healthy body. I want to be radiiant! I want my husband to look at me and say, "I want some a dat.......As I continue, I want to become a person of excellence. Renewed, content, goal oriented, respected for my leadership and follow-through. Accomplshed. Humble. A generous giver. An excellent grandmother to Cameron. An example of a whole person, nothing broken and nothing missing.
Hi Bill, Assignment one takes me back to the meeting that you had with the first Body-for-Life finalist during the meeting when they had to write down one word that represented what a person needed to do to be successful in a transformation in your "Body of Work" video. I still watch that video to keep myself motivated all the time. Thanks for all your inspiration.
Great job! Thank you for the heart-felt inspiration. Katinka
Bill, thank you for your radio show the other night. I had taken the pictures but didn't see the importance of posting them until that night. I have since posted them and have written out my goals in my blog. Thanks for everything Bill!
Better late than never...finally faced up to it and got it done! Bill, there are no words to express how grateful I am to you for helping me turn my life around. Lisa
XPosted from my Blog: (After listening to the Radio Program, my freestyle reactions to my photo. I'll add the photo tomorrow ifIcan) I hate the way this woman looks. That simply can't be me. I can't believe I let this happen. I messed myself up so badly. Nobody else put food in my mouth. I did this to myself. My life is in a trap of fat. I am a prisoner in this body. Is it too late for me? My knee is blown. My lungs are lace. Is it too late for me? But what else can I do? If I sit down, I'll never change. This body is killing me. PS This has to be more than a physical journey this time. I think that's the bottom line. I lost my faith, and I got sick and fat. That's not a coincidence. It has to be an overall change.
I just completed Assignment #1 - a little scary to be so honest with myself and recognize what I am feeling that extends beyond the image in the photo...I am looking forward to changing that!
Thank you Bill for helping me see the real me and making me see what I want to be!
I'm happy I join the transformation this year.
going into the second round of Transformation the words i saw with the pictures this time were not negative like the first Befores (uninspired,fat,tired,...) instead i see a woman that is alive and glowing with joy that is still unfolding more layers of potential and spiritual growth and connection to the world...its all positive and growing better each day. my "end result" vision is even MORE wonderful and i must pinch myself to see if i am dreaming this....thank you for this opportunity to change...and reach out to so many others to help them find that spark in themselves to change...payin it forward. Thanks. ~maryann
It's been a week since I completed the forst assignment and the impact has been more than I originally imagined it would be. This has been a very, very difficult week. It started with the photo, which sucked, but it was more than that. I found myself really looking at several aspects of my life and discovering just how unsatisifying it all was. I found it very painful and dissapointing to realize just how much i have been wasting. Its also very depressing. It has been a struggle to not give it up and not carry on. I now realize that this has been the hurdle that I have been unble to get over with my previous BFL challenge attempts. But, I now realize that this pain has to lead to somewhere. I have to have faith in that. If you had the kind of week that I did, I hope you can see by this that your not alone. This has to be the first step, as painful as it is sometimes. Hang in there
I feel so humbled to be apart of a warming social network that supports one another in making positive changes in our lives. :-) http://www.ShawnDrewry.com
Assignment #1 was completed on New Year's day. Ugh!! The challenges of these last two years seem to jump off the photos. But hey....it'll motivate me even more so!
It amazing how different my belly looks in a picture than from above. I new my pants were tighter but HOLY COW! Ok, that pic combined with my measurements was a reality check, I've done (started) BFL before but never really focused on the after picture from the beginning. This is the time to change. - Brian
Ok that was really horrible.I hate having my picture taken and definitely don't like staring at the darn thing.Can you say torture OK maybe IM being mellow dramatic ,But I'm glad that assignment is over .Onward and upward.
This is my third day being on the program...I Love it..I feel Great already since day 2 when I woke up with no back pain, which I believe was from the weight that I am carrying. I'm fullly motivated and ready to shed this crazy weight. Thanks, Tina
Took the photos yesterday, did the writing today..took me a good 24+ hours to be able to look at the photos again. How humiliating to see myself hiding in that body! This assignment is amazing and I recommend everyone to jump in! Look into your own eyes in this photo, are they really yours? When you do the second page..which you know will soon hold a photo of a whole new you...dream! Let yourself see the you that you want to be, pray to see the you that Jesus wants you to be!
Bill, I just completed assiginment #1, it was very humbling. Thanks for the look in and the look ahead.
Ok after writing all that and looking at my photo I feel like I never want to eat again! I can't wait to start losing weight and getting into shape!
Mission accomplished! I love/hate this exercise because it really makes you STOP and LOOK at the slob you have let slip into your skin. It also causes you to "dream" about what you want to look and feel like, the person that you know you are deep down that has been bumped to the sidelines because of other things. It has to be about YOU for a while now so that it can continue to be about others that are important in your life. Respect others by taking care of yourself! Good Luck to all of us Transformers and God Bless us ALL on our Journey in 2009! PEACE!
Ok, assignment one is completed and posted. I noticed I have mixed emotions compared to my first challenge- now there is hope- progress
I am on a journey that started six months ago...206 lbs and thoughts of how I hated myself and life in general. I have always been "BIG" I come from a family of aunts and uncles weighing 350-500 pounds. My mother is 5'2 and 350 lbs. I thought I looked OK as I was "Big" boned. And I weighted much less than the family members. My highest weight was 260 my lowest is right now at 158. I just finished a 6 month program and lost 51lbs. Now I do not know how to live in my new body as I have not weighted this amount since I was in Jr high. I want to do the challenge to lose more weight and tone up.So I will like what I see in the mirror. I keep waiting to wake up and see the "OLD" me. So this challenge is the tool I need to not go back to 206 lbs. And to like the new me.
I completed assignment 1 two days ago. Today was day 1 of eating right, right now is my most difficult time...not munching in front of the TV. I WILL DO THIS...I WILL CHANGE! I WANT TO BE AROUND FOR MY KIDS! I did some extra work around the house today but tomorrow starts an actual work out! Joe
Mission accomplished. It is a hard thing to do to admit you have to change, but it is also very liberating. I am definitely not that person, now I have to get my mind to start believing it. Bring on Assignment #2, 3 and so forth!!! Time to dip into some of that untapped potential!! Once I posted my picture and thoughts, my day started getting better. I FELT better. Just feels good to accomplish something.
Assignment # 1 completed. It was hard to look at the photos, but I will do it everyday.
This was a humbling experience, to stand in that moment of reality waiting for the camera to snap. I internalized a resolve that day - to never ever be there again. Blessings, MaryPat
I see a lifetime of sadness, but I am very ready for change! Thanks for creating this website
Taking the pictures was probably the hardest thing I have done in a while. But I did it and now I ready to change!
This was not as easy as it seemed it would be. I think we always feel like we still look the way we did at our best. When I saw the picture, from all angles, it might have been worse than I thought. I look forward to making the new picture and new me.
All Done! What an eye-opening experience; both in taking a hard look at the physical aspect and through taking an honest look at the emotional and spiritual side of things
This has to be one of the most difficult things I've done. I have a way of seeing myself thru "rose colored glasss", and this picture was astounding. I see a sad person looking for a lifeline. I'll be focusing on this assignment whole heartedly. *~Tinkle~*
Completed.
I've been taking a look at and progressing with the inside for a while now, but have not pulled the outside along with it... I am looking forward to Joining in with everyone... I am going to start assingment two today. I printed out the BFL "Upper Body Workout Sheet" and am going to the Gym....
Thanks, I just completed the first assignment and how painful it was. Will be writing about it in my blog
I have just taken my photo and it shows all that I have been closing my eyes to for too long.
I just took my before photos. I knew I looked bad and felt bad, but I had no idea how bad I really looked until the photos. I have never been more ready to tackle this challenge. This was a very powerful exercise!
Just completed assignment #1. Looks like I needed to reassess where I am, and it's not pretty. I know where I am now and looking forward to where I'm going. It's going to be an awesome 2009 and glad to be apart of the transformation.
I just took my before photos. I knew I looked bad and felt bad, but I had no idea how bad I really looked until the photos. I have never been more ready to tackle this challenge. This was a very powerful exercise!
Thank you, Bill! I find it ironic that I've spent years clucking my tongue at the weight condition of our country, and the whole time I've been part of the problem. DUH! I feel a sense of responsibility now. I feel the duty to inspire change in my community... not just to change myself.
Hi Bill, I took those nasty photos. I look awful! Adjectives I used were ugly, tired, depressed, sad, no tone, old. My goal is HOT, joyful, toned abs and nice delts, energized. Looking forward to this transformation. I hope I am not expecting too much. I want a change in a lot of areas of my life. I feel this will be a start. Thanks for creating a place to do this.
this is my second trip thru the T-Challenge. I took my pics and did the assignment #1, The words I used to describe what i saw in the BEFORE pics weren't negative like before, in fact, there really weren't ANY negative words there at all...but in my "empty" box that will be filled in with a rockin' photo in May i have so many new and exciting promises and fulfilling things I am not so sure that i will be able to sleep tonite as my Challenge#2 begins Tomorrow Morning! Thanks Bill for takin us deeper and further than we dared to go before!(and the challenge to take as many with us to that point too...HOW FUN!)
Ok...took the pictures front side and back...I don't even have a bathing suit....my after pictures I hopr to have a nice white 2 piece......wow I can't believe I have let myself get this way again...but I can only lay the blame on me...Ok GAME ON....I am ready...
Bill, Thanks for adding a spiritual and self assesment approch from your Body for Life program. I took your twelve week Body for Life challenge back in 2001 and I realize that it is much more than just the physical sense of change, that it is the complete package. as you say, Mind, Body and Spirit. This going to change my life if it's the last thing I do.
Bill - Assignment 1 was a tough one. I've got it done - I hate looking at that picture! But it will remind me why I'm doing this and why it's worth it. I'm excited to see what that blank page with all those positive phrases will look like with my updated picture in 18 weeks - thanks for opening our eyes! Angie
Bill, my before photo's blew my mind. I'm not a guy that really likes to take pictures of his unhealthy body. I was shocked! This program will change my life on how I view everything. I've already learned lots talking on the chat.
Bill, I got it done
Finally did this. Whew...
done
Wow, this was harder to do than I thought.
Hi Bill. Thank you for all that you do. I've just finished assignment 1. I'd been thinking about the assignment all week and finally sat down to do it today. It was eye-opening to sit down and write the words to all that I'm feeling about where I am today and where I am going. What a wonderful exercise. I am really looking forward to this journey of inner (and outer) change. Thank you again! Lisa
I was told about this website and the 2009 Transformation Challenge by one of my close friends and I am so very grateful to her! I just completed assignment #1 and I know that it really is the first and most important place to start. I have been on the rollercoster ride of losing and gaining weight for about 20 years but I only concentrated on physical exercise and food intake, never my inner self . I am so excited for a real breakthrough. I want more than anything to love myself, not just my physical self but my inner self as well. Thank you for creating such a positive & welcoming community.
Bill, I took my before photo on December 28th so that i could psychologically move forwards in every way... In the photograph, the words are written: insecure, lazy, procrastinator, unhappy, failure in achieving potential, ashamed, lethargic member of life. Not proactive. Incredible. Low confidence and self esteem. Panicky. Full of excuses. Low confidence. Feeling fat, looking fat faced in photos. LOSER! My after photograph will demonstrate: Lean body, Muscles, 6 pack abs, radiant skin, More confidence, Early riser, Happy, Proactive, hard worker, Someone who acts to change, Optimistic, Control of my life, Motivator. Happy with face in photo. Thank you for the emotive task and the chance for the challenge ahead.
I finished this assignment yesterday and it's still bringing tears to my eyes. What I see in me is not what other people see in me. That's hard. They see a hard, organized worker and I see someone who can't even get down to pick up a dropped pencil off the floor. The see a gutsy determined woman dancing in fundraising shows and I see the woman who can barely make it up the steps to the studio to practice. This is changing. This year. I'm changing. I'm done with the me you see in that picture.
Hi Bill, I wanted to get pop in and say that last week I managed to get those pictures done. They remind me of a child putting her handprints in concrete and then coming back when she's older - hard to believe she was ever that small. But in this case I'm going to be coming back and wondering how I could ever have been that big. The pictures I've taken are all folded up - I'm too sick to see that I actually look like that. But the word picture I've painted is so encouraging that I keep that out to keep my eyes focussed on the goal that is set before me. Hope you have the best of days. Your friend, Joyce
Just completed assignment 1. Did not want to but sure glad I did. Writing down my expectations and desires for the after pic makes me so excited. I cannot wait to see the results!
Wow! Just finished A1. How revealing. It's amazing how once the pencil hits the paper it takes a life of it own in your inner most thoughts and feelings. So very thankful for you Bill, Coach and the whole Transformation Team. You Rock!
Assignment # 1 Complete. January 1, 2009. Look out! Here I come! - M
I had the pleasure of seeing Bill at the Rich Cleaner Conference. My wife Dana and I have just completed task #1 and sat and talked about our fears and past...Wow. This is an exciting time for both of us and am excited for 2009! Dave & Dana
This assignment was more difficult than I imagined. I found it very hard to come up with positive words. I would like to look at myself and like what I see. I would like to be less self-critical....Hmmmm, additional goals, perhaps?
A1 accomplished! Was hard to do. Took me days to finally do it. But it felt so good to write the "After" story. I feel there just might be hope that I will honor my eslf promises this time. Thank you Bill for further developing the BFL program. Did that - didn't succeed. Transformation has what I really need. Here's to returning to life!!! - Nanna
Okay...Here's my story...after all you asked for it. I have taken a great deal of time looking at the reason for my wanting to 'Transform' and what I discovered is nothing short of remarkable. This assignment did more than help me find my purpose for "Being the Change" and lose weight. I have discovered how to love myself again and not only that...I can respect and trust me too. I am a father of five...a "Father" not a "Dad". There is a great difference. Any man can be a Father, but not anyone can be a Dad...that was me. I am guilty as charged. I also have not been a good son. The bottom line is I have been self centered for as long as I can remember. That has also attributed to my being grossly obese for 20 years. What I discovered on this assignment is what will make the difference for me whether I am successful this time or not. I have failed at almost everything for most of my life...mainly because I did not pay attention to anything or anyone but myself. I did not even pay attention to what I was doing to my body...inside and outside. NOW, I have to pay the price, which is less than the alternative. I need to work hard and I must start form the inside and make changes on the outside that don't even yet require me lifting a single weight. This is something I already started. I will explain...Just in the last month I have mended a relationship and ended a long estrangement with my terminally ill mother. I have become a DAD to my two eldest daughters whom I have been estranged from one for 12 years and the other most of her 28 years. I have mended a relationship with my 14 year old son. I have become a fantastic uncle to my 2 nieces who at one time could not stand me...and that there is more, but you get the point. What I have realized is there is so much more to a 'Transformation' than eating right and exercise. I truly believe that for the first time...EVER, I can actually transform my life and actually 'BE THE CHANGE'. I don't know if this was Bill Phillips intention or not when he wanted to Transform people...but I owe him a great deal of credit and gratitude for sharing his knowledge, love for others and the desire to help people to be the best they can from the inside and outside. My life will never be the same...Thanks to the kind hearts of Bill and his team of experts. I can not ever thank them enough for their willingness to make this part of their life's work. I wish everyone the success I have had so far. Now I pick up the weights and start my physical challenge. I start on January 1st 2009. Blessings to all. and have a FANTASTIC NEW YEAR! As Dr.Laura Schlessinger says...I am my kids DAD...Now! Thanks for listening...or reading.
Thanks Bill!...I just completed A1 and I am feeling good. I have been folowing your work for years but never comitted myself to anything. I want to change all of that. I am 35 yrs old and have alot of time to make a change. I hope to meet you some day and maybe even work with you somehow. I have alot to give. Maybe we will meet in Denver as I plan to run with you guys this year if you are going to do that this year. I hope I can make it. Thanks again ....Dan
Bill, I am SO ready for this challenge. Thank you so much for mustering all these great examples of personal dedication for the benefit of all the new challengers like myself. I want to join their ranks!! Joe
Revisited assignment # 1 on this first day of January 2009. I have several friends who have decided to join me on this adventure. Actually, they challenged me to a Transformation "Throw Down"! I am ready, willing and able! Here's to Transformation in 2009! - M
I just revisited and updated the Exercise One that I completed in August...all goals remain the same. Need to focus on the eating and taking time for myself...so much has changed, yet need to turn that final corner. I am so much stronger and healthier and able to handle so much more...health issues in my family...taking time to eat lunch and make sure I plan my meals will be the key area for focus. I have been inspired by the Zumba fitness videos and now my gym has added the class starting next week and the third week of January I have signed up for the class. I hope to be able to step it up to that level to be the success story and inspire others at work and in my personal life.
well the new year its really is a time for change and I want to thanks Bill. and everyone that have supported me this far. I must agree with with alot of you. putting up that before picture was hard. I have been trying to do it for a month now. at midnight last night. I walked into the bed room put the camara onthe bed and said. "just do it take the pictures" after that moment past. I was alright with it. we all have to start some where. so good luck to all of you out there and I hope that this new year brings us all a very welcomed change. Travis
2 Days ago I completed assignment number 1. I wasn't surprised at what flowed onto the paper, because I live those feeling every day. I am excited at the prospects of feeling the things I wrote on my "after" paper...I've lost weight before, but I've never "transformed". I'm trying to have faith that if I follow the steps and fight the fight, I'll get there. I'm starting today...pictures will be posted later in the day. I'm ready to go...for me and in honor of my Tom. Best wishes to everyone as we embark on what will hopefully be for each and every one of us and amazing and successful journey. ~Lee
The anticipation of the Transformation start date got me all excited and now it is actually here. I finished assignment #1 as the new year 2009 brought forth new energy and challenges. I was surprised at what flowed forth onto my paper. What an eye opener. Thanks to Bill and all the others who have inspired me to start and complete this transformation no matter what. Ron...
T #1 Tuesday 12.30.08 Q1 - WHERE AM I TODAY? Well, the good news is that I am in a better place than I was 7+ weeks ago on November 10, 2008 when I committed to the program. Today my word and phrase painting looks like this: Below 150# (148# - 149.50#) yesterday & today...lost at least 7 pounds over Christmas (PROGRESS! This has NEVER happened in my LIFE!) so something must be changing... This is how I "see myself".... Sedetary Mediocrity (from Amadeus...) Afraid Flabby Procrastinator Spirit of FEAR Waffler Cluttered Reactive Always LATE Jiggly Frumpy Hiding PEAR Semi-stressed but getting better Dark/black clothes and big jackets (still afraid to show off shape) Size 12 Nervous Mom, but getting better Don't match my husband Joe's physique Disorganized Eating clean cellulite Good mom Good wife Good employee Measurements: Neck - 13.50" Bust - 36.50" Biceps - 11.50" R / 11.25" L Waist - 31.00" Belly Button - 35.75" Lower Hips - 40.50" Saddlebags - 42.50" Thighs - 25.00" R / 25.00" L Knees - 17.00" R / 17.00" L Calves - 15.00" R / 14.50" L Bodyfat ???? Cholesterol - 168 mg/dl HDL Cholesterol - 83 mg/dl LDL Cholesterol - 73 mg/dl Triglycerides - 58 mg/dl BP - 118 / 68 Pulse 62 / minute Vision: WHERE AM I GOING? Below 130# (most likely 128#)... ACTION! Inverted Triangle (a spinning top) Toned Muscular Confident Feminine Proactive Spirit of COURAGE Playful Giving Organized Active Integrity (Walk the Talk) Prompt - ON TIME "match" my husband Joe's physique Sexy Size 6 Manicured Happy Mom Healthy Athlete for Christ Have a purpose Be the MUSICIAN that I am! Clean eating 36-26-36 15 - 18% bodyfat All Fruits of the Spirit & lots of Self-Control~ New Skill: LEARN TO ROLLER SKATE Nice legs & bottom Little black dress Loving.....No FEAR. Smiling with a REAL smile. Friendly Warm Me. WHEN? NOW. I finally started my Transformation on November 10, 2008 when Sharen introduced me to an accountability partner, Traci. With her support, we have helped each other and this has made all of the difference in the world to my walk, having someone else to share my journey. I would encourage everyone to get an accountability partner, or get in an accountability group. We all need people and others to support us for some reason at some point in our journey. I've had 7+ weeks of "learning" and introspection, tears and joy, ups & downs, but definitely forward motion and much progress, especially on the inside. I started my "official" Transformation feeling "happy" even though there are many things I want to change and I'm working on. I am a continual work in progress, and I know I will never stop learning. WHY AND HOW? I am really "ending a relationship" with sugar, because it doesn't serve the same purpose to me as a coping mechanism as it once did. Instead, it became a crutch, and I don't need crutches in my walk anymore~ I have to work out my salvation from this through my faith in God, prayer, eating clean, lots of aerobic walking and exercise, weight lifting, journaling my thoughts and feelings, and sharing with others~ I want to be obedient to God, and what I do is self-destructive and not honoring the body and temple that God made.
I never knew how much I could hate myself. I didn't realize I was harboring all this anger and it was directly effecting my family. Thank you for the tools to make the transformation Bill!
Well - the photo's are in the camers, I need to post them before Monday. I've done the assignment and now can't wait for the "AFTER" photo's!
Bill, I was surprised in finally meeting myself (My Real Self) and with a moment of pain followed by the excitement of the ensuing change to follow if I will but remain focused, seek support and fulfill my goals.....Thank you for the awakening I am ready to board the "T" train for a rocking adventure. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
Can someone email me on how to download my before pictures? RobMorganti@gmail.com
I have been contemplating the T1 assignment for a couple of weeks, but was uninspired until today. I pushed thru, took the pics and printed them. I was amazed how quickly and passionately the descriptive words and phrases started to flow. I found the process, strangely enough, quite liberating. I went back about an hour after I finished and looked them over. I was so excited at the possibilities and wonder why I wouldn't move heaven and earth to live the way I described in my "after" assignment. My best to all of you - Kat
Holy Cow! I did it! I posted my before picture and my blog on my profile! Wow, it's like a relief is already being lifted off my shoulder, like I’m already on my way~ I pray that I keep motivation, and keep on moving in a positive direction. Tomorrow I will draw out who I will be when I’m transformed, along with the phrases that describe who I want to be... But for tonight, one challenging assignment, and one blog later, I am ready for sleep! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful opportunity with us!
Bill, I've completed assignment #1 and wrote a blog about it. This was one of the toughest things I've ever done but I feel so much better, like a weight has been lifted. I'm ready to leave the old me behind and transform into the new me. I'm ready to start this journey!
BILL - Assignment #1 completed, blogged about it. I didn't realize I have so much loathing for myself bottled up inside. I have a lot of work to do on the inner me.... Resalyn
Assignment 1~December 28th,2008 Sharis assignment: BEFORE PICTURE what I see:Woman who is living behind a shadow...ashamed...disgusted...fat ...cant believe she got this way...years of denial..worn down..undisciplined...insecure..timid...frightened I am going to get heavier...not energetic...not living to my full potential...FAT ..FAT...cant believe how fat I am...desperate for change and hungry for change,lacking courage and motivation...desperate for HOPE. AFTER: Vision I have for the NEW ME: Energetic and fully EMPOWERED by God. Graceful and poised,fit and happy,full of laughter,slender and sleek,sexy and atheletic, sharpminded and self embraced, showing compassion TO ME,self loved, soul nurtured,self embraced and kind hearted to me. Confidant,disciplined,sparking and glowing,spiritually happy with ME,successful and not intimidated,Proud OF ME and yet humble Glowing and Empowered to be the Woman God created ME to be. I am a PEARL inside and my body is awaiting to be aligned UP with what created within my heart! Fully loved Child of God...full of faith,hope and love and being an overflow of that LOVE and JOY to help others!
Completed assignment #1 and blogged about it. It was very enlightening to see that before pic (now posted online).....as well as very motivating. See you on the other side of this 18 week transformation. Melissa
I just registered and I'm really excited. I just found my first assignment. Im imagining myself doing this... and i just cant imagine standing there letting it all hang out? Do I relax everything? Or do i stand as if im getting my picture taken in my skivvies and only let half hang out or half suck it in? Oh well, whatever i do, I'll keep it consistent. Good Luck to Everyone!!
Participating in the Challenge feels like my last hope. I have failed again and again... too many times to count, so I'm hoping and believing that this challenge holds the answer.
I am scared yet excited for this up-and-coming challenge. In '06 I completed 3 BFL Challenges with phenominal results, but honestly I never dealt with my inner self during any of them. It's amazing how from the outside view, people can think you have it all, yet what they don't know is on the inside you are falling apart. In a divine way, '08 has been preparing me for this challenge and it's time to work on my being, not just my body. I want to say no matter what comes my way I truely love myself.
I have done Bill's Body for Life program an it works. I can tell you that I started at 230lbs (5'7") and I ended 12 weeks later at 179lbs (still 5'7"). My whole life changed, I was happy with the way I looked and felt. I was proud to be me... But 1 divorce later and several injuries later, I am back to the heavy weight loser (225lbs) that I told myself I would never be again. I am committed to being the real me, making a lasting change, and finding out who I really am. To all the transformation challengers out their I wish you the best of luck, it is our collective change that will bring Bill's goal to fruition. May you all have a wonderful Christmas and a safe New Years! Aloha from Hawaii ケネス べラル
so I am a little unsure, do we have to just take a picture or do we have to post it on our site for all to see? That is not just scary but in my case "yuck". if that is the case, I guess that is part of what I am here to change. thanks for any input. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a awesome New Year.
It is sad really! However I see hope. As I sit here thinking about how I feel inside and looking at my photo...it really hurts. I never thought that would be my reaction. I can't believe what i have done to myself and those around me. I was at one time in excellent physical condition. It has however been 20 years. What I just realized is somewhere along the way...my poor inner condition was what stopped me from maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Bill's suggestion for the first exercise is more powerful than anything I could have come up with on my own. The myriad of feelings are priming me for a successful run at the transformation challenge. Both the contest itself and me as a whole person again. I love the power of positive thinking...there is nothing more powerful. Blessings to all, good luck with your personal transformation. Happy Holidays to everyone. Let the changes begin. The road less traveled is about to become strewn with determined travelers.
i really cant wait to get things going, im very excited about it, and going to be working with a friend who is also in this group
I am getting ready for my first assignment. It's harder than I thought to take the picture. I am worried about a recent back injury but am taking steps to be healed by Jan 1st. I need this more now than ever.
I just finished doing a 12 week body-for-life challenge and I am excited to do this challenge and do the soul work. The soul is where I get hurt the most after a long day. Mona
Bill, I'm so excited to be a part of this community! I am truly inspired and ready to do the internal work....the caterpillar becomes the chrysallis-----then emerging from all that internal work and preparation....a butterfly emerges. I want to take flight!! Melissa
I am getting ready to do assignment #1, well, I have had the phrases slogging through my head for awhile now, but it took becoming a part of this transformation community for me to face them. I still haven't written them down, but I have felt them. I have to admit I am a little afraid, I haven't fely very confident in myself in a long time and I'm not sure of what kind of support system I'm going to have at home.
just starting 1st step gave it some thought and finding out my self emage is not so great.so im glad this is here for us all thanks DAVE
WOW! Alot to comprehend. BUT, I am excited and I see the process as very important and awesome. WAY Better than the original EAS BFL challenges I loved before. Thank You so much for upping it to the mentality of it all...ALOHA, LEAH
I didn"t understand how horrible I felt abut my weight and how many negative thoughts I had about myself until I took this first step. The minute I realized this and decided to change that thought pattern and take the challenge, people at work started asking me what what I had done different lately. I said, well, I am wearing makeup. No, that's not it he said. Then I realized and said, I'm starting to find my inner happy again. That was all the proof I needed for myself. It's amazing to me that without any physical change, Someone else can see a difference once you have that determination and the motivation to succeed.
The Secret's out. I am a fatty! Once I take that picture and post...I can't hide any longer. I prayed today, for the first time in a long time. A deep, heartfelt prayer for guidance and help in losing weight and sticking with my fitness goals. I went about my day and decided I needed to get caught-up on e-mails, etc. It seemed like the same-old, same-old and then I SAW it. The 2009 Transformation sponsored by Bill Phillips...is it the answer to my prayer from earlier?...I registered and actually feel some excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.
I just received the email today and i will be doing my first assignment tonight. I know this is not going to be easy but i am tired of failing at everything and everyone including my lord, my children and of course myself i am tired of hurting and this is the fight of my life to find my self and a inner beauty i have not felt or seen in forever. Lets get ready to rumble with my demons within.
I took my picture and I have been working to rid myself of some of my bad habits. But I have to tell you, I scared. I am very terrified. I know I shouldnt be, I know I am strong enough to do this, but I'm sitting here tonight scared to death. Is this normal?
I took my picture and I have been working to rid myself of some of my bad habits. But I have to tell you, I scared. I am very terrified. I know I shouldnt be, I know I am strong enough to do this, but I'm sitting here tonight scared to death. Is this normal?
Here goes something! Let's do this thing...
Hi Bill, I'm a newbie and I', 38 going on to 39 on march 3 next year. I want to live a great live and really need discipline to take care of my body for the rest of live God provides me. This first excersite tells me I need to do something to achieve what I want. I trust you and your team will show me the way. I did the written part of assignment No.1, not I need to take the before pic to see the reason why I'm not happy, energetic and vibrant right now, and to remember I want to be that way on March-09. Thanks Carmen.
Well assignment one complete ! Now I have to just build up the courage to post my before picture for the whole world to see. yikes!!!! that's a hard one
Well I just completed exercise #1. Its truly incredible how I invision myself in relation to my pictures. I used to hide behind a uniform, and now that thats gone its just me, myself , and I !! Im not to sure how I arrived at this here and now, but one thing is forsure, Im ready to begin this JOURNEY. The words that came to mind-overweight, fat, Im not happy, poor health, certainly not living up to my potential, somewhat broken, I have certainly been depressed, Im taking 3 types of medication. I have chronic Inflamation, and the list, if I dig deeper I probably could come up with more....I thought I was suppost to be the temple of the Holy spirit. Well this guy that Im all fired up about is about to change!!! I need this........Ken
I have been visiting the site on and off for months and had to re-register a second time. I am looking forward to starting the transformation. Right now I am still in the thought process mode. I think about it all the time. I am hoping to find clarity in my emotional, mental and spiritual self throughtout this transformation and if the physcial happens to change too, then kudos for me!
Ok ~This is Shari and just started this exercise. Took my pics. This was hard! Looking at my pic I see~someone who has hid behind her weight...ashamed...felt not worthy...hasnt taken care of herself...undisciplined...insecure..inferior..unconfidant...worn down...disgusted with me...how could I let myself get this bad...frightened to get heavier...desperate and hungry for change...lacking courage and motivation....self rejection....Now the VISION of WHO I want to be: sleek and slender...vibrant and energectic...fit and happy...graceful and poised...sharp minded and SELF LOVED...soul nurtured....self embraced....kind hearted TO ME...confidant...disciplined..sparkling spiritually happy with ME...successful....not intimidated...proud of being ME yet humble...compassionate to ME not just others...glowing...fullly empowered to be ALL GOD has made me to be and Lacking nothing, sexy,ahtletic...example to my daughter and son of caring for me. Achieved....servants heart! wow this was hard to do! Shari.... very powerful however! I want to be ALL GOD made me to BE! Wonderfully made...wonderfully loved and wonderfully Embraced Child of GOD! All aspects of me! Hugs Shari!
Bill, Thanks for your incredible website and ALL that your doing! What a blessing! I am a newbie and preparing to start the challenge Jan 1st. Preparing! Many hugs and blessings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shari!
Bill. today is my birthday and i am 40 years young. I am going to start my transformation tomorrow on Dec. 1st 2008. I just finished the first half of step one. I found this to be one of the hardest things that I have had to do when thinking about myself, it really makes you look deep into your soul. Thank you, Tom.-
I've been trying this for years. I have a VHS of "Body of Work". I have ALL the BFL books and a pile of Muscle Media. I've even entered the BFL challenge a few times and never completed it. I've got my self in shape a few times threw those years but never stayed on the wagon long enough to get real fit. My first tour in Iraq I worked out daily could bench 300 but as soon as I got home I went down hill again. I weigh 230 lbs now and can't pass my physical fitness test. I have the upper body strenth to pass my push ups and sit ups but I can't even run 2 miles under 20 minutes. Pretty sorry for an infantryman and a leader of men. I started 40 days leave on the 26th and I am determined to change. I'm going to quit smoking and transform so I can get back to being the person I once was. I look forward to any encourgement and guidence. Thank you Bill and evryone at this site.
Not sure where I am going with this, but ready to complete assignment #1I first need to get that first photo. At 78, I will need as much encouragement as anyone can offer. Papa Nui, aka, **Da Pops**
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,
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)