I was in your same boat back at the beginning of June 2008!

I found this site, I joined up, I joined the challenge and then it was like ok now what? I didn't know a single soul on the site, It seemed like I was behind the curve because some people were already doing a challenge and already knew each other, All i knew was I was excited, and scared all at the same time and I was ready to make a change............So now what?

Are you asking the same question?

Well here's the best advice I have for gearing up for Transformation 2009:

1. Be PATIENT - Don't worry one bit, The 2010 challenge has just begun. You must register and start before Feb 15th but I recommend starting asap. Start off with assignment 1 and each week a new assignment will be unveiled. If you are brand new, Bill will send out emails and most likely blog information about assignments, rules, the challenge and every single detail you will need to be successful. YOu can also follow this link to learn more and sign up for the challenge http://www.transformation.com/challenge/ So be patient, it will come and you will have all the tools to succeed.

2. Complete your Profile Page - The self realization for me started with completing my profile page. It's a way to begin the process of asking yourself the right questions about why you want to change and what you want to accomplish. It also allows others to get to know you a bit and start connecting. Also you can Pimp out your profile page and have a little fun! I am doing mine all over again right now to do this challenge right along with everyone else

3. Upload Your Picture to Your Avatar - It is nice to put a name with a face. When I was new I held off a while, I uploaded a picture but it was just a picture. Once I put my face up people responded better. I promise you will get more support when you put your face up there.

4. Don't Be Shy - I knew absolutely NO ONE when I came here. Just go to the forums and introduce yourself.......You WILL BE AMAZED at the positive response you will receive. We are here to help each other and create an awesome community of positive change. I know it can be scary especially if you are new to forums and this kind of thing, but I promise, the folks of T.com are nice and very supportive, so don't be shy let us know who you are, just say hello. Please feel free to ask questions you may have, there will be many who will offer up their support. i will check this thread often and answer any questions you post as well.

5. Start a Blog - There is a section of the site where you can blog. Now I had never blogged before but I will tell you this. It was one of the tools I used to keep myself accountable throughout the Transformation and it works. You don't have to have awe inspiring, important things to say, just use it as a tool to report what you eat, what you did to exercise, to blog your thoughts and your journey. Work on your assignments and document your progress, You will not regret it

6. FInd a Mentor - There are Champions all over the site. Plus many others who you might connect with who have had amazing Transformations in their own right. Just find someone who has had results you would like to have and send them and email and simply tell them you like their results and ask them to help keep an eye on you and help you though your challenge. I promise you will be welcomed with open arms. Please don't ever underestimate the power of having a mentor or buddy on the site.

7. Join A GROUP! - The number one accountability group and support system is the site itself. If you post a question in any of the forums I promise you will get and answer. Transformation Central is a great place to hang out and get to know people. You will find many of the champions and those who have gone before you have started smaller accountability groups. The best way I have found to help me along my journey is to actively participate in the community as a whole. If you think you need a smaller group to help stay on track then I encourage you to look through some of these groups. Find one that looks good. Email the group leader or leaders. Again you are not alone on your journey, there are many here to help, coach, train, motivate and share what they have learned already. FInd someone with the results you want and follow them. This helps shorten your learning curve.

8. Then The Gun Goes OFF! - I had like 3 or 4 weeks before my official challenge started. All i did was I started watching my portions and I started to go on walks. I hope you all realize like I did early on. You are in a very unique position. The Transformation book has not come out yet and yet you are entering one of the very first Transformation Challenges. Bill is here! Coach Stoney and Clarissa are here, There are a host of Champions here. You will be guided through the process and you will have unmatched support. If you follow the assignments to the letter you cannot fail.

9. Order some Right or Right Light Shakes - You don't have to, it's not a part of the challenge. The site is free, the challenge is free, the coaching is free, the support is free. But for me using a couple of shakes a day has made the difference. I love the RIght Shakes. Again you don't HAVE to use them but if you plan on using shakes, go ahead and get some now so that you have them to start with when the eating assignment comes out.

10. Prepare Mentally - The best advice I can give is be ready to be really honest with yourself. When the assignments come out do them, and really look inside and search deep. Your Transformation will only be as good as your ability to be brutally honest with yourself and your willingness to change.

11. Tune In - Each and every Thursday night Bill Phillips himself host a radio show right here on the site. Just simply click on the radio tab up above on Thursday nights at 7pm PST and hear an hour of great information and motivation. Bill has special guests like former champions and inspirational stories as well as he will take your calls. Its pretty cool! Check it out.

OH YEAH - If you have not officially signed up for the challenge do so now! It totally helps your commitment level to know there is a start and finish date. Again you can click here to go directly to the sign up page. I'll let Bill talk more about positive pressure later...................

I hope this gives anyone new to the site or new to the challenge some ideas. Again these are not rules.......but rather just some ideas.

I know you can do this, you have the power to change from within. You can attain a level of success you never could imagine. We are all on different rungs of the ladder and at different points along the journey but we are all here to help one another.

For me, one thing I did was I tried to not guess what was next, just prepare now, when the assignments come and the challenge starts just do them one at a time. I didn't change my diet until the assignment came out to change my diet. I didn't start working out until the assignment came with the workout program in it. etc etc.....

I promise you this, It will all come and if you take advantage of the unique opportunity you have right here, right now you will never regret it!

I wish you all the best and I look forward to hearing about your Transformation Successes.

Yaaaaa... What he said.

Excellent Post from a guy who just had an amazing 18 Weeks here.

There is more than enough POSITIVE PATTERNS OF ACTION in this to keep us busy for 3 weeks!

Nice post, "Dude"!!!

Check out Dude's progress photos. He's been there, done that and has the shirt, now about 4 sizes too big!!! He knows from which he speaks.

*blush*

OH Dude you dont need to blush over my remarks I meant them sincerl..............OHHH you are talking about Sharen.

*BLUSH*

Holy Smokes Dude!!! Look at you!!!

Thank you for the post it was great! Plus, it looks like your proof is in YOUR pudding man! Way to go.

DUDE, you are such an INSPIRATION to this community!
Simply REMARKABLE results brother, you have so much to share and we have so much to learn from you and your transformation journey, its AWESOME!!!!

Great tips Dude! You've come such a long way. We are so proud of you!!!

What a great blueprint to get things started ! And the before / after pictures... as I've said to Shane - you guys TALK THE TALK and WALK THE WALK. I'm so thankful everyone is soooo willing to share what has worked! THANK YOU !!!
Keep Reaching!
Cat

Thanks for this post. I have been wondering about a few things and this post really helped me. Thanks again.

Great AngieB

If you have any more questions let me know I am more than happy to help!

DUDE

Great Post Dude! I think that will help many of the new people here on site. Awesome job BTW!!! You did phenomenal!
Carolynn

Now thats my kinda guy!!! Organized, efficient...to the point! No room for questions there!!! YOU ROCK DUDE!!

Dude- this is a great post. I hope all the new folks find it and read it because it is really good info. In fact when I welcome the new folks I am pointing them to this thread.

Keep leading the pack Dude!...Don't stop cause I am right behind you!...Great post!

yep...dude rocked it.

Dude,

I just sent you a message regarding everything you covered here. Sorry! lol

Have a great evening!

Thanks for the post Dude

thanks Dude
I have been half fumbling around here trying to figure out what to do
your info was great
I just read Eating for Life and Body for Life both are so inspiring
and am starting to make changes, and starting to own the reasons why I want to change to help keep me motivated when the body says "not today, you dont need this or it is too hard?"
Thanks