INTRODUCTION
Colorado has 53 fourteeners.
"What's a fourteener?" you might ask.
It's a rocky mountain that has an elevation of over 14,000 feet. These are big beautiful mountains that reach far into Colorado's crystal clear blue skies.
Each summer, beginning when I was seven years old, my Dad would get the whole family together, including my brother and sister and Mom, and we'd all pile into our little Volkswagen and make the two-hour drive from Golden, a small town at the base of the foothills where I grew up, to the rugged Continental Divide. This mountain range is home to many of the towering fourteeners. And it was here that our family spent a great deal of time when I was growing up. In fact, climbing these mountains is my most vivid childhood memory. And by age 12, our family had climbed virtually all of them on average, a 12-mile trek which took six to eight hours each.
Looking back today, I realize that my Dad knew exactly what he was doing. He was helping me learn, by direct experience, essential skills for a successful life. For example, it's important to know precisely where you're starting from and exactly where you're going in order to get anywhere. Once you have these clear coordinates, then and only then can you choose the right path for going from point A to point B by way of the most efficient route.
You also learn to never climb alone. It's not safe and the risk of failing to make it to your destination is too high. It's also essential to properly plan and prepare for the climb before you begin. And once you get started, you have to take it one step at a time, and stay focused on the moment youre in.
Another lesson that I learned is that there is high probability that you'll experience adversity, even setbacks, during the climb. For example, the summer weather changes fast in this part of the country. It can be clear and sunny skies when you begin, but by the time you reach halfway, the sun can disappear behind rolling dark clouds with high-voltage lightening and booming thunder which echoes through the mountains. And then, of course, pouring rain, even snow in early June and late August is not uncommon. It does little good to hold on to the fear that this invokes. So you learn to feel the fear fast, let it run, and let it go. You also learn to stay close to your group, especially in times of adversity.
Beyond that, what can I say it just takes a lot of good old-fashioned work to get to the top. And there are times when you don't think you're ever going to get there its just too far to go and your legs and lungs are doing a remarkably good job of convincing your mind that you've reached your limits. But halfway up the mountain is never a good time to quit. It's then that some encouragement from your partners who are side by side with you and also embarking on the same challenging quest can help you the most. Even a few affirmative words and understanding, would always give me an extra boost.
Most of all though, what I learned which has been embedded into my mind, heart and soul from these incredible experiences is that there's no other feeling quite like reaching the top. Standing there, on top of the highest mountains in the Rockies knowing the amount of work, energy and determination it took to get there, makes it all worth it. And from up there, the view is amazing - just inspiring beyond description and the mind seems to expand as far and wide as the horizons.
Through these experiences, I learned early on that setting and achieving challenging goals was its own reward probably the most satisfying and fulfilling thing I've ever done.
Today, I'm still climbing mountains. My aspiration of helping to transform the nation from worst to first in terms of health and fitness within this lifetime, and perhaps even within ten years, is Mount Everest to me. In a way, it's a ridiculously challenging goal, and one many people say is impossible. But yet in my mind, in my understanding and belief, it is possible. I feel it and know it. And yet I realize that the only way to get there is one step at a time. And as I see it, each and every individual health transformation is a step in the right direction and a necessary one to get where we want, and need, to go. Which brings me to you, to your personal transformation journey over the course of these next 18 weeks. My intention is to do everything I can to help you successfully climb to the top of the mountain you need to climb. And so let's begin.
Audio Coaching
Listen to Bill Phillips describe in detail, key parts of this Assignment which will help you make progress this week.
Right click here and select Save As to Download MP3
Photos
My brother Shawn, my Mom and my Dad (God rest his Soul), and me catching our breath on top of a 14er (circa 1972).
Unforgettable times with my brother and Dad -- looks like we're fueling up on a peach there :)
Comments
I just posted my Week 1 worksheet in the group. I started this week.
I have been on an extended challenge since July of 2009. Thus far I have lost 78 lbs while gaining muscle tone and most importantly, I feel amazing so far! I would still like to lose around 40lbs or more but we will see where my body takes me. Right now I am down to 183lbs or so, and I feel amazing so far!!!
I am very excited to be starting the transformation process. I am currently working on week one, and it certainly has been an eye opener. I have been looking through the site, and finding out there are so many people out there committed to transforming their lives. It is good to see such a great and supporting community. Good luck and best wishes to everyone.
Thanks Bill, even though I am on week 4 I find myself going back over and over again to review each message so that I can continue to transform my thinking all along the way. I never get tired of hearing about it. Thanks for your continue effort that you put forward in all our lives. We DO appreciate it.
I signed up as well....Looking forward to getting back into shape-On week one...What a wake-up call!!
Thanks so much for this awesome assignment, Bill! It really helped me honestly see where I have been during this weight struggle for almost 4 years. Most importantly, it provided real clarity that I am a whole being, not just my physical body. It feels great to see clearly where I'm headed during my transformation. Best Regards, Nancy
Today is the first day on living my life form the inside out. I have had two kids and with each one I managed to put weight on. My first child I put on 90 lbs and my second was 60lbs. I have yet to get the 40 pound of and my second child is 19 months. I am only 31 and I want to look it. Before my children I modeled down in Miami and I knew how to diet but it seems like I can not do this tasks on my own so, here I am looking to find help. I would love to be where I was before I had kidsand I would love to be able to model once more before it is to late.
I started the official challenge on 1/1/2010. I was able to complete week 1 and that was it. I am starting another challenge (3/1/2010), It will not be part of the official challenge but it is something I must do for me. I know that I can do this and I will. The old saying that if we "fail to plan then we are planning to fail" smacked me so hard. I gained almost 10 lbs after falling off the boat after only i week. I have not been this heavy since Feb 08. I am back in and this is the "4 ME transformation challenge 2010". I may no tarrive at the finish line with the people I started with but I will be there.
I'm actually on week 3 of the program now, but I haven't posted anything online yet. I just wanted to say this excercise was very helpful for me. I realized a lot of my deeper goals are more about being healthy and not just being thin. This was really inspirational!
Completed week one of transformation ... Wahooo, I'm on my way. Feeling better already. I love the process and look forward to the weeks ahead. I'm so grateful for this program. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
sorry but where do we get the workbook?
This is the one baby! 2010! Feeling great and loving it! I'm thrilled to be so motivated and have such an awesome community of strong believers in setting goals and taking the challenge! God bless us on this journey. ~ Elle
I did it before and I will do it again. The first time I did BFL I did not complete the entire 12 weeks. This time I am determined. 1 week down and a lifetime to go. I feel better already emotionallyand physically. The water really helps with the skin and eating 6 times a day helps with the cravings. I need strenght training, no only for my health, but for my emotional well being. Chug the water people
2-24-10. I am ready to start week one but want to do more reading in the EFL & BFL books. I am already exercising & doing better with my eating. Hoping I can get a few friends & maybe even my husband to do this transformation with me! Good Luck to everyone on their journey.-Willy74
I'm ready to get the fat off and my mind on track I weight 254 lbs and my goal is 200 lbs. I started the challenge on Feb 22nd and can't wait to change. Last year I went on a diet and lost 45lbs just to turn around and gain it all back. That is why this is perfect for me it's not a DIET it is a lifestyle change.
Hello transformation community. I"m new but I feel very welcomed.Thank you all for your support and embracing me. I started the challenge 2/22/10 and will be posting a before picture today ( I know my real body is underneath this Michelin man siut somewhere). This is a huge step out of my box but I feel like it's now or never for me! I really feel like what I do with the rest of my life is riding on me finishing (LIVING!) this challenge. Thanks again to all of you, I see you as my new family. *Bill Phillips, you are awsome man!!! one of my goals is to meet you, a thousand thanks.
Started the Challenge on 2/15 and finished the first week yesterday. I will get my before pictures up soon. Current weight is 185.8 and body fat is 22.8% with muscle mass of 56.2%. Workouts and diet for the week were pretty good and I have answered the Week #1 Assignments. I am at an emotional low today because I failed yesterday in a terrible way in my relationship and don't know if anything can be the same again. Regardless, I need the Challenge and a Transformation now more than ever. I will push on to achieve my goals and be a better person.
I started my challenge on February 1 and REALLY appreciate the invitation to be reflective about who I am and who I want to become. My tendency is to go, go, go, do, do, do...and seldom stop to reflect. Typically, this leads me to "crash and burn" - feeling tapped out, emotionally strung out. BUT I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! I know the beginning of a permanent change is TO PLAN for success, so here goes. Very grateful for your tools, wisdom, guidance and encouragement! Many thanks, Bill! Heather
I so excited after doing assignment number 1. My heart is racing and I feel the excitement of what is to come the next 18 weeks! I have had sooo many challenges with working out and loosing weight feeling lost and confused! I believe this is going to be the way it happens for me. With strength and guidance I know I will get there!! Thank you Clarissa and Bill
Bill where do I find tracting sheets for the exercise component of the program?
Bill, I open myself up to you. Teach me what I need to do to practice the ultimate self-care. I am excited to be home and I am looking forward to transforming into someone I can be proud to look at in the mirror. God bless you and all you do and thank you for giving us this opportunity to grow and better ourselves! ~JulieBee
Okay gang! Here we go! 18 weeks of Rock and Rolling up the Mountain of Transformation! Ready, set, (deeeep breath in, deeeep breath out) Go!
PRAISE GOD FOR SECOND CHANCES!! I was headed out the starting gate with high hopes at the beginning of the year but what is normally a much slower month in past years (January) was crazy busy this year and February has been also. There was just no way to fit everything in my schedule, so I let the postings slide -- but not the nutrition or workouts. However, I did decide to start fresh once again on February 15th. I have really missed the T-Community and want to get back into being a regular participator. I had already posted Assignment #1 and I will leave it the same as it is. I will be posting my Assignment #2 and #3 within the next week and then try to get caught up. I am excited about getting back in the "groove" on here. It is so motivating. I was not able to go to the gym and work out on Monday or Tuesday due to fully packed schedule since I was only working 2 days this week and then heading to South Dakota to celebrate my daughter's & my niece's birthdays. However, on Wednesday I traveled to my daughter's (dthomsen) in Sioux Falls, SD, and she's a personal trainer now so we headed to the gym later in the day and I did a kick-boxing and body scultping class. Today we did an hour of "heated cycling" in an 80-degree room. Tomorrow we will be back for circuit training. I have posted my Food Journals and workouts so far this week on my personal Blog under Food Journals & Workouts. It feels so good to be back!
Friday February 19th I will start my 18 week transformation. I'll put up my before photo's tonight if i can figure out how to load them. they are scary. This is the first day I have not bought some beers after work in so long i can't even remember. I signed up, I printed out the first weeks plan, and I'm posting the pictures.June 26th i will be BACK!
At age 57, this past Monday, I decided to take the first step in climbing the biggest mountain ever of my life. I'm going to take it one step at a time and depend upon the Transformation Community to support me and encourage me on the way to the top. No matter what conditions I encounter along the way...with everyone's help, I WILL SUCCEED!!! I'm looking forward to meeting alot of new T-friends during the next 18 weeks. I can't wait to see what we all will accomplish together! Mark