by andy.christiansen on December 28, 2011
5 TIPS FOR A FAST START!
Have you ever gone without something for an extended period of time? Like going without food or beverages? A radical idea huh?
Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a short period of time in order to gain a long-term benefit.
Like the old statement, “no pain, no gain.” I admittedly dislike the pain involved in pushing through old barriers to gain new milestones. But, I love the feeling of arriving at the new goal or accomplishment, don’t you?
Like the pain involved in abstaining from simple carbohydrates, but the gain of looking great due to losing 40 LB’s, or the pain of diverting $500 a month into a 401k, but the gain of seeing the end of the year compound interest statement.
Starting January 1st after dinner, my wife and I will be doing the 21-day Daniel Fast (which consist of any and all vegetables, fruits and water*). Why don’t you join us for this radical adventure? A few of the benefits are increased energy, better sleep, focus, internal cleansing, direction and a sharper mind. Not to mention, spiritual benefits for those of faith!
If you are interested, read below and start getting ready for a crazy ride.
Five helpful tips:
- Make your decision. In or out? If you need more info see below.
- Chart your course. Plan your meals and go shopping. Below are some helpful links, books and blogs. Begin after dinner 1/1/12 and break before dinner on 1/22/12.
- Get some good plant based unsweetened protein powder for energy smoothies – you can live off these if you have to. Get a good blender. Check out target stores or Amazon for the Bullet (I have used mine everyday now for 5 years). http://tinyurl.com/buht5ko
- Keep your attitude positive and remember the long-term benefits you will receive. You are gaining momentum each day and will be so proud of yourself once you complete your 21-days.
- Use a good resource as your partner or guide. My favorite is, Jentzen Franklin’s book called Fasting http://tinyurl.com/855gz2z. A good guide book is The Daniel Fast http://tinyurl.com/86eu67y and a good blog http://danielfast.wordpress.com/
See you at the finish line!
Hit the link Andy’s Blog and sign in, to post any comments or questions.
* Daniel was an Old Testament Prophet who went 21 days eating only fruits and vegetables – no celebratory foods and while it was designed to make him weak it actually made him stronger. Daniel 1:8-14
by andy.christiansen on December 27, 2011
As we look at a new year, consider designing your top ten goals!

Review the suggested goals list below as a primer to get you thinking and create a top ten list. Then create a #1 personal goal and a #1 professional goal to work on over the course of the year. If the word “goal” intimidates you, change the wording, call them passionately hoped for outcomes!
Financial
Buy a home
Start saving – investing
Set up/follow a budget
Pay off debts/credit cards
Create lifetime money plan
Earn more/make more money
Design financial independence plan
Review and create healthy insurance plan
Career
Go back to school
Start own business
Find a new career
Reduce stress at work
Create a business plan
Upgrade career – get a raise/promotion
Relationships
Be more practical
Be more spontaneous
Find Mr. or Mrs. right
Resolve past experiences
Design a family life plan
Get closer to spouse Feel more loved
Spend more time with children, build significant memories
Transition
Be mentored – mentor another
Discover or increase spirituality
Gain – loss of large monies
Divorce care – recovery
Recovery from trauma
Make big life changes
Discover core values
Big loss/failure
Big opportunity
Physical, Spiritual and Emotional Balance
Sleep better Take responsibility
Increase your spiritual relationship
Reduce alcohol/nicotine intake
Reduce sugar/fat intake
Run a marathon
Begin exercising
Lose weight
Goals or (passionately hoped for outcomes) should have four S.M.A.C. characteristics
Specific
Measurable
Attainable (challenging but realistic)
Compatible with your values (compatible with who you are)
TOP TEN GOALS:
Sample: Increase annual income 15% by December 31st this year, or Take my spouse on a meaningful date each Thursday night
1. _______________________________________
2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________
4. _______________________________________
5. _______________________________________
6. _______________________________________
7. _______________________________________
8. _______________________________________
9. _______________________________________
10. _____________________________________
Your #1 Personal Goal _______________________________________________
Your #1 Professional Goal _____________________________________________
Wisdom: getting another person or group to provide encouragement and accountability around your goals would increase your success exponentially.