Around 90 days ago, I unveiled a new feature for the site. Designed to motivate people into making public, formal declarations of intent to improve their health, Success Stories in the Making has by all accounts been a massive success. Something like 450 people are participating this inaugural year, which means that 450 people submitted candid photos and shared their goals and aspirations. Many of these people are admittedly self-conscious about their appearances – which is often one of the reasons they’re resolved to making the change in the first place – and yet there they are, online and uploaded for all to see. Go take a look, and prepare to be amazed at the dedication and determination displayed within.
Pretty cool, huh? Now, imagine how much cooler it’ll be once progress pics start trickling in. Imagine how much more powerful those pages will be when it’s a vast ocean of healthy happy Primal people brimming with vitality and accomplishment! But I’m getting ahead of myself.
To readers: even though it’s only been three months, the massive response means we won’t be accepting any new submissions for 2012. 450 submissions require a ton of work to organize and maintain, and we’re just not equipped to handle any more this year. Sorry.
But all is not lost!
For one, you can still make your commitment public in the Primal Blueprint Journals forum.
For two, when you get down to it, the official submissions are sources of inspiration that anyone can draw upon and benefit from. Hitting a lull in your own journey? You don’t have to wait til 2013 to join Success Stories in the Making; you can use the new search function to find someone’s story that speaks to you, that mirrors your own journey (either the one you’re on or the one you plan on undertaking), and build off of that. Do so anonymously, if you wish, keeping up with their progress and comparing it your own. Or you can connect with the person, share tips and insight, laugh, cry, and maybe even make a new friend or virtual workout buddy. Search by name or goal keyword (searching for “pullup,” for example, will show you all participants who mentioned pullups in their declaration of intent) and get inspired!
Some participants are even keeping forum journals. If they are, the link can be found on their submission page, so be sure to check those out when applicable.
To participants: it’s only been three months. Don’t fret or freak out. You’ve still got plenty of time to make it happen. On the same token, don’t lose momentum now – it’s already been three months! Whatever the case may be, I want to hear about it and I want to see it. Submit progress photos now, if you’ve made any, or even if you haven’t (if only to give yourself a nudge from behind). Heck, you may be almost to your goal already, in which case I say, “Prove it.”
When you submit a photo by email, use “Progress Update” as the email subject line, and include the URL of your Progress page in the body of the email. To find the URL of your Progress page, go to the SSITM page and use the search box to search for your first name (or whatever alias you used to submit your progress). Then copy and paste the URL of your page into the email you send me. Oh, and don’t just submit the pic alone. Give us a little update, too!
How has progress been so far?
Is it slowing down or speeding up?
What are your goals for the next 90 days?
That sort of thing. We’ll be bugging you in another three months for updates, though, so don’t feel like you have to give us one today.
I’m excited about your progress – our progress. I’ve received a few updates thus far, and, sure enough, people are moving forward and (re)discovering their health. And when you get photographic evidence of the beginnings of one of these transformations-in-the-making, it’s pretty powerful. See, I’ve fixed my wayward ways. I’ve reached a good place, as far as health and fitness go. Now, I want to see where you can take it. Your success stories drive me, and they change the lives of those that read them. Be the change you want to see in your own life, and then pay it forward.
To readers (again): how about that contest I mentioned way up at the top? You ready for it?
It’s pretty simple. Go to the SSITM page and peruse the submissions. When you find someone who speaks to you, or whose story touches you, click on their name and then leave an encouraging comment or ask a question on their page. That’s it. I’ll choose a winner by random who will receive a single shipment of the Primal Blueprint Platinum Package valued at over $200. The contest lasts 24 hours, so get to it!
Okay, I’ve said my piece, and hopefully enticed you into action. Now it’s on you, the always-impressive Primal community to do something about it!
Are you going to wait on the sidelines? (Don’t.)
Are you going to wait until you can formally declare your intent to change your life? (I wouldn’t.)
Are you going to support those that have? (Probably should.)
Are you going to look for a budding success story that sends a “thrill going up your leg”? (You had better.)
Thanks for reading, thinking, and contributing to make this place the best and biggest Primal health community around. Grok on!
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Ⓒ 2023 Mark's Daily Apple
