Hi Team (Craig here). Before our Renovate Your Body workshop last weekend, I asked CJ to write a brief and informal report on the day. I asked her to write it from the perspective of a workshop participant – which she was. Here it is…
Personal Development at the Airport
It’s seven o’clock on Sunday night and I’ve arrived at Melbourne airport (heading back to Sydney). I find a café and order a toasted chicken sandwich; the healthiest option available. Having said that, I’m not totally convinced it contained any actual chicken. The contents appeared to be more chicken-ish, than chicken. I tried not to think about it. Until now. And before you ask, no, I don’t have lounge membership so I won’t be able to tell you about the Melbourne equivalent of Raj. Sorry.
There are no other customers waiting so the cafe guy strikes up a conversation while my chicken-ish sandwich becomes crispy and hot in the press behind him.
Guy: Where are you flying to tonight?
CJ: Home to Sydney, I’ve just been down here for the weekend.
Guy: Visiting family?
CJ: No. I’ve been at a workshop today.
Guy: Are you a doctor? (What the hell made him think that? Apart from a morbid fascination with watching ‘Amazing Medical Advances’ on the Discovery Channel, there isn’t an occupation I look less like.)
CJ: No. It was like a fitness, personal development thing.
Guy: Are you a personal trainer? (Okay, so maybe there is one other occupation I look less like.)
CJ: No. (Trying, unsuccessfully, to not snort.)
Guy: So, what’s personal development?
CJ: (good question) It’s, um, about how to create happiness and be positive.
Guy: (laughs) You should talk to him.
He points to the emo kid resentfully making coffee at the other end of the counter. I laugh (I know, I know, it’s cruel to laugh at emos). The emo looks up and glares at his co-worker and looks at me suspiciously. We’ve just confirmed his theory that the whole world is, in fact, against him. Nice work CJ. Not.
As I eat my sandwich, it strikes me that Craig Harper and what he does are actually fairly difficult to define. In a few words anyway. Yes, it’s about ‘personal development’ but (to me) that label often conjures up images of dodgy pyramid schemes or strangely unblinking evangelist-types who promise ‘follow me and I will make you rich, thin, beautiful, sexy, healthy and happy’ in twenty-six easy credit-card payments. Am not cynical. Thankfully, with Craig there isn’t a manufactured smile, blinding white suit or diamond pinky-ring in sight.
He didn’t even iron his shirt. Or shave.
Recollections of a Random Audience Member
For those of you who couldn’t be there, I will try to describe today’s Renovate Your Body workshop. Of course, my perspective and experience will be different from anyone else’s. One hundred and twenty people will have one hundred and twenty different responses to the same situation, stimulation and information. That’s what the Big Guy calls subjective reality and that’s precisely what makes us all unique and special. And sometimes, weird. Even if you stepped into my body for a few minutes (like Patrick Swayze in the film ‘Ghost’), you would still interpret the world around you differently. Especially if you’re a bloke. Actually, please get out of my body now – this whole thing is getting a little weird.
From Gym to Conference Centre in One Easy Step
So, it’s around eight o’clock in the morning and the Harperdome is looking very special. The weight racks, medieval torture equipment and benches have been moved to one end of the gym to make room for the black folding chairs set up in rows. Out the front, there’s a whiteboard, a stand for Craig’s notes and a table for his water, notes, brief case, glasses and so on.
Craig has phoned about ten minutes earlier to ask (aka tell) me to get up in front of the group, welcome everyone and introduce him. Why didn’t he mention this on the phone last night? Because, apparently, I would have been awake all night panicking about it and then I’d ‘look like shit’ today. Well, yeah. I would have but … I hate it when he’s right.
I stumble through the intro saying ‘um’ about fifty times (I’m told). Thankfully, I remember the important stuff like telling everyone where the loos are and to not be afraid to ask questions even though there are freaky cameras everywhere. Embarrassingly, I, um, sort of forget to introduce the speaker. You know, that Craig Harper bloke. Oops. Well, maybe if I’d had a little longer to prepare … Anyway, surely Craig needs no introduction – it would be like introducing Elvis at Gracelands.
Inspiration and Realisation
Craig is, well, Craig. He is wet-your-pants funny, irreverent, a little rude and very honest. Every single one of the hundred (or so) people who have walked up the stairs on this cold Sunday morning have done so because they want the same things: change and happiness. Although the meaning of those words will vary from person to person, they are (I believe) the common goals of us all. Sometimes they just get lost as we ‘do’ life. Many of us simply need someone to point out the obvious, to tell us the truth, to call us on our excuses, to give us the kick up the arse we wish we’d had years ago.
As a fellow student, I love witnessing the lightbulb moments, the shifts in awareness, the buttons being pushed, the challenging of negative beliefs, the realisations, the awakenings, the commitment to positive change and the wide range of body langauge. There are no over-the-top whoops, high-fives, writhing in the aisles or talking in tongues (although that would be cool to watch). No, while some (brave) people do raise their hands to share their ‘oh-shit-I’ve-finally-realised’ moments, for the most part the internal changes are manifested very subtlety: a new posture, a determined expression, a secret smile. Craig doesn’t teach us to follow him like some weird-arse cult leader, he teaches us to find the strengths we already have within us and follow our own paths.
So, What Did You Learn, Tiger?
Again, everyone is unique so different aspects of the workshop will resonate with different people.
For me, the key take-home messages of the day were:
1. In order to achieve better results, we need to ask ourselves the right questions. I had heard this before but I’d never quite ‘got’ it. Now, I think I finally understand. Instead of asking ‘Why does this always happen to me?’, we need to ask ‘What can I do to improve this situation?’ or ‘What can I learn from this?’. Cool.
2. Our bodies will reflect the way we treat them. If we want our bodies to change, we have to give them a reason to change.
3. In order to topple our (negative, unhelpful) beliefs, we need to challenge them with new truths. Sometimes this may involve being a little brave. It is difficult for someone to hold onto the belief that they are ‘just not a runner’ when they have recently completed their first half-marathon.
4. In order to change, we must be prepared to get uncomfortable (physically and emotionally).
5. It’s possible to be calm in the middle of chaos. (Now, there’s a long-term goal.)
As I said, there will be at least ninety-nine different versions of the above but these are the ones that I most needed to hear at this stage of my personal development journey.
‘Smiling, Happy People’
During the workshop, I was also reminded of the wonderful energy that can be created when positive, like-minded people come together. Which is why he at him-dot-com encourages us to (as much as possible) surround ourselves with people who drag us up, not down. It was also awesome to see some familiar faces from previous Renovate Your Life and Renovate Your Body workshops and to also meet lots of gorgeous newbies. Thank you to all those people who came up and introduced themselves to me. I felt very special (always important for a needy middle child).
Okay, so now we know that we already have everything we need to create positive change in our lives. We just have to bloody-well get on with it, don’t we? 
If you’ve had a breakthrough moment, realisation or lesson lately, feel free to share. If it means something to you, it probably will to someone else also.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
oh CJ, now I wish I had come up and introduced myself, didn’t know anyone and was feeling rather shy! Although, rather oddly, I did give Craig a hug on my way out- well, he offered.
CJ your intro was perfect!
I had a few ‘oh shit’ moments, they are obvious but some how clicked that day;
1. I am responsible for what I look like now and what I will look like in 1,2,5 or 10 years. Its all up to me.
2. Your body does not define who you are
3. You decide what type of a day you want to have
Looking forward to the RYL weekend.
It was an awesome day!
You know I was introduced to, or rather heard abt Craig Harper via a friend I meet at Felix a couple of years ago. She said you should really check out this guys website.. and well obviously I did.
So I suppose my first introduction we Craigs articles which as we all know just hit the spot, they are grounded, relevant, funny and seamless.. … but more importantly he listens… and responds!
I suppose this is what makes Craig so rare especially in the line of personal development where most of the so called ‘gurus’ are totally are preaching and performing abt elements that they obviously don’t have any idea abt (I mean seriously God walked on water not coals!)… how wrong can we get…
But not Craig he posted on the site I will be in Sydney for a chat.. so I went to meet this guy in person (with others).. And well being the non performer but attention seeker Craig is he rocks up to this ‘chat’ at a five star hotel in a red flannel – and he got away with itJ Funny really!
No I didn’t walk away going oh my God I am so pumped and going to come down in a day – But I did walk away knowing I could add a little more.. and I did:)
For me the greatest thing is it is obvious this hasn’t been a one day program for me as I think I logged onto Craig.Harper abt a year and I keep going back for more .. hence when offered a free RYB seminar with the team I couldn’t resist I mean I had to know what Johnny looked like…So I flew to Melbourne for weekend and am so glad I did.. For me it was a great experience to see the team in action and witness my first motivational speaker and boy Im glad this was Craig!
It was a Sunday Morning and I was in a strange town (cold town) and I walked up to this bright orange building called Harper (looks really similar to the website) and when I entered I received biggest warmest hug from CJ (yes boys jealous) this was so nice – actually haven’t had a hug like that for ages (tissues – I don’t think so)….
Anyway it was magnificient to see Craig in action the great thing was that when he was speaking not only is he quick and hilarious I knew he meant it as I felt it – it is genuine! I also got to meet the lovely Loretta Watson who is well only third best in the world at what shes does – so yes guys it was a great day!
Like to hands on a clock sometimes they turn so slowly and sometimes we get it and sometimes we don’t – but since RYB I have had three – shifts and althoguht they SOUND obvious but I felt them…
1. You become what you think – funny I never really got that my brain does tell my body what to do
2.Set up, Resistance
3 Humans alwasy wanting to take – This was esp noticeable when the lovely Loretta Watson who is well only third best in the world in figure competing (how lucky is Australia to have here) – People didn’t say gee your amazing, look at the hard work you have done; how do I do that – They said I bet you don’t have kids.. but yet these are the same people who cant go one day without a pack of chips and cant bring themselves to go to the gym but yet will turn up to a free seminar and expect help! Truly amazing!
4.We are all going where we are going but we can ride it together – and are stronger for it
6. I can drink more water
Thank you all for a great weekend… loved it and mostly thank you Craig for being you! You are amazing
Being angry is a choice
Hi CJ – I did introduce myself on the day and was really pleased to see and meet you in person. I brought along my sister who was a newbie to Harperworld and as a trainer/coach and author of repute she found it to be a very enjoyable and inspiring day. It doesn’t matter how much knowledge you are already armed with, there is always the ability to take away new information. My sister and I both enjoyed the day enormously……. and yes, there was a lightbulb moment for me which was put into practice on my return flight back to Adelaide. Firstly let me go back to Saturday when I was due to fly to Melb, having been boarded onto the plane at 9.05 am only to be asked to disembark some time later due to mechanical difficulties. After being advised that there was a likely 2 hour wait I was annoyed, agitated and dare I say it, angry. I proceeded to go and buy myself a good book to distract myself from the wait while admonishing myself for choosing a cheap carrier to get me to my destination, saying to myself that I should have known better! Some 5 hours later we boarded. I was not a “happy chappy”, needless to say there were people in worse situations than me as they had missed out on a show that was scheduled that afternoon. Monday morning I presented at the airport, this time I was flying with a reputable company because I had to get myself straight to work. I boarded the flight…… you guessed it – oil leak. “please disembark”. After the workshop I had a totally different viewpoint to this event. I chose to look for the positives. “How lucky am I that this oil leak has been detected – I could have been in the air with dire circumstances”. I decided that I would take the time and the opportunity to prepare for a very big meeting I had later in the week, …. I was able to get that chai latte I was desperately wanting, and I was able to relax after a very big weekend……. I took it all in my stride and arrived at work late but happy. My goal from the weekend has been to continue with positive thoughts and always look for the good – simple words but often difficult to achieve – however this time I am going to succeed. Thanks CJ and Craig.
Kate I hope you read my posting.
You say we can ride together. That is a major change in attitude because the constant message is we are all alone and have to do this ourselves. It is obvious many need help to lose weight get happy etc. It is one thing to take responsibility for self, but we know we need others on the path. Well put Kate.
Kate, I didn’t ask that question of Loretta, but I did have a different take on it than you. I didn’t hear the ‘do you have children’ question as them saying “I bet you don’t have kids”- I took it at face value- you never know the whole story- if could have been ‘do you have kids because I do and can’t manage my time- so if you do do you have any tips’, for example. Just a thought…
What an amazing day!! The things that really struck a chord with me were
- Set your own standards, whether it’s food, exercise, what you’re willing or not willing to do. And don’t worry what other people think. Most people don’t care anyway.
- Stop being emotional and get practical. Why do I want this piece of cake? My body doesn’t need it so I’m not going to eat it.
- Change takes time, things won’t happen overnight, but in 5 years time I don’t want to still be doing what I’m doing now so I need to work each day on these changes.
I’m sure there were heaps more, Craig it’s like when you speak you turn on a light in people and get them thinking differently. Thanks so much for a great day.
Hi Michael,
I always read your post… I personally believe we ride like in a pack.. yes we all have our bike and no I cant ride yours for you but I can allow you draft, I can help you to ride better, I can also choose to stop and pick you up if you fall.. For me I choose to ride in a pack!
How are the tim tams _ I really had to use some discipline not to respond to that post;) Kate X
Hey Jayber,
You are right it could have been – isnt it intersting how two people in the same room interpret things differently –
So true what Craig says it really does depend upon ‘our reality’ as well as the quality of questions we ask ! Cheers Kate
Personally I had a couple of ‘light bulb moments’ through the workshop on Sunday, but I don’t think I’m done yet. I’m sure there is stuff still in the mixing bowl of my mind that’s not yet ready to go in the oven and be baked…I’m pretty sure one of those is to do with Craig’s story about not eating food at weddings, but I haven’t processed it yet.
Just some of the conscious moments for me;
-Things only have the value we assign them (for me, this especially resonated in regards to fear)
-Things won’t bring inner peace & happiness.
-Our willingness to get uncomfortable correlates with our ability to succeed
-If we depend on validation from others, then we have handed them our power to be happy
and my favourite…
-Don’t die with your music still in you
I had a different interpretation of the question to Loretta about children which I wanted to share too. For me, I assumed it was being asked because somebody was looking for inspiration ie. If she can do that while raising 2 kids then so can I.
I felt that inspiration for myself and I begun to think that maybe if I started training now I could look like that at 39 too. I don’t know if it will become part of my plan, but I like knowing that I have the potential to do it if I want to
Can I also just take the chance to say that Sunday reminded me what an incredible person Craig is. I can’t think of anybody on the planet who is so real, so inspiring and so selfless in their mission to help other people to better themselves. Craig gives so much to all of us – not just those of us who were lucky enough to attend on Sunday, but all of us every day through this blog.
So Craig, it doesn’t seem like enough, but thank you !
Thanks Everyone
xx
Hi CJ & Craig,
I would like to thank you for a great day. It was really nice to meet you CJ. You are adorable. and I wish I had time to meet Craig…unfortunately I had to rush to get my daughter to airport…. maybe next time..
i am a personal trainer and have been following Craigs site for about 2 years now. Although my body does not need too much renovating, ( for the most part I know how to achieve this) but more than this, you have inspired me to get uncomfortable and take more risks. I love the outcome of all I have achieved since being a bit more brave. so thank you craig…. You helped me through your blogs
Although most of what was talked about on sunday is not new to me, the one line that I kept close in my memory bank for my clients (mostly mothers) was when he said something like…. look after yourself like you look after your children. As mothers, we often put everbody else first, me… especially my children… I care very much about what they eat and what they do. It is a natural motherly instinct. If only we cared as much about ourselves.
I came with my 14 year old daughter who I felt needs a little bit of inspiration and motivation to enjoy and appreciate life more.
To my surprise tonight, she mentioned several things from RYB workshop. My youngest daughter was complaining that she was tired, and hungry. My 14 yo says, if you are tired… sleep… if you are hungry …. eat… then she said… find the solution to the problem dont complain about it.. At another time she mentioned, how she could choose to have a better day…. I love it…. I didnt even know that she was really listening.. Thank you