I wanted to say to everyone that has posted here what incredible work they've achieved over the past few months (and years). Don't let any of the motivation wane as we'll become shining examples of what the human body can (and will) do once knowledge is put to USE and we follow through on plans created from that knowledge.

One of my favorite paragraphs of all time comes from Napoleon Hill's "Think And Grow Rich":

"KNOWLEDGE will not attract money, unless it is organized, and intelligently directed, through practical PLANS OF ACTION, to the DEFINITE END of accumulation of money. Lack of understanding of this fact has been the source of confusion to millions of people who falsely believe that "knowledge is power." It is nothing of the sort! Knowledge is only potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into definite plans of action, and directed to a definite end."

You can replace the references to making money with losing weight or results and you'll still get the same exact meaning in the paragraph. I'm astounded by the recent, current transformations (especially John's and Black Beauty's) because they are more than the embodiment of the above paragraph. They illustrate, rather explicitly, what one can achieve when directing the right knowledge into a definite plan of action.

Now, imagine what all of us can achieve if we can put all of our minds together into one universal goal: to help end the obesity epidemic and help bring America from one of the unhealthiest nations to one of the healthiest nations on the planet. Think about that for a few moments. Imagine WHAT can be achieved with our own transformations.

Let's use our transformations as shining examples of what can be accomplished with a little discipline and willpower. It doesn't even TAKE that much -- it only takes a smidgeon in order to make a difference. Change a few things here, change a few things there. The hard part is maintaining CONSISTENCY. If one can maintain CONSISTENCY, then it's only a matter of time until the weight is lost and a new, self-confident person emerges from the pounds of fat that have accumulated over the years.

Let's show our transformations to at least five people per day. Let's spread the word and tell everyone how incredible it feels to have lost the weight. I don't care how you do it -- make a web site, write a book. Maybe even hold annual transformation conventions. My own transformation isn't complete, but just thinking about the day I make my goal stirs such awesome desire within me that it's making it impossible for me not to act in ways that precipitate that goal. It's time to buckle down and just do it -- not just for us, but for all the people we desire to set an example for.

The example of fitness and health can never become too silly. In fact, it can begin to become even more serious if nothing is done about the obesity epidemic that's sweeping America (and the world). It begins with all of us!

That's a good quote about making a plan and sticking to it. It's basically the blueprint for success in any aspect of achievement.

I agree with you that America's obesity problem should be a top priority. There are a lot of messages that are implied by the photos of someone like John who has transformed their body. It's obvious that he resisted some of the most powerful temptations of the fast food and beverage industry. Most Americans don't have the iron will that John has displayed. They desperately need help, and they're being sold lies by the infomercials and others trying to sell supplements or 'magical fitness devices'.

America has a short attention span, and we always want the quick fix. But all the things worth getting take effort, patience, and perserverance.