Start FAST in 2012!

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:

  1. Make your decision. In or out? If you need more info see below.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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Set Goals for 2012!

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.

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