Hi Team. I hope you enjoyed your weekend. I did. On Saturday I got all alpha-male and spent most of the day working on my motorbikes: cleaning, polishing, adjusting chains, oiling and generally being manly, while simultaneously covering myself in dirt, grease and motorbikey smells. As is my way. Then I ate a small farm animal for dinner. Raw.
And a warm hello to my vegetarian readers. 
Before we get under way with today’s post I have some…
Very Exciting News
The good folk I’m working with in Sydney want to produce a Renovate Your Body DVD and CD series. Soon. Very soon. The finished product will probably consist of five or six forty-five(ish) minute DVDs and CDs. If you don’t know already, Renovate Your Body is one of my workshops. Anyhoozle, this means I need to run a RYB workshop in the near future. Very near. We considered filming the entire thing in an empty studio (in Sydney) with me talking straight to camera but figured that running a workshop with real live humans (plus some in-studio, straight-to-camera stuff wrapped around it) would be the best way to go.
So, Here’s the Deal:
I am GIVING AWAY (crazy I know) one hundred places to a one-day RYB workshop to be run (and filmed) in Melbourne on Sunday the 16th of May (13 days from today) at my East Brighton centre in Melbourne (643 Nepean Hwy). These places would normally sell for $295.00 each – so free is quite a good price. 
The workshop will commence at 9.00am and finish around 5.00pm (ish). Registration will be from eight-thirty. The workshop will be run as one of my normal programs with the only difference being a few cameras and lights about the place.
How to Apply for a Place
With a limited number of places (100), it will be first in, first served (for the most part). Here’s how it works:
(1) There is a maximum booking of two places per person. No, you can’t reserve twenty places. Over the last week (in planning this extravaganza)) I have had several people tell me that if I give away places to a full-day workshop people won’t respect or value the opportunity (as they would if they had paid for a place with their hard-earned). I was advised to sell places at a discounted rate rather than give anything away. Being the stubborn, I-know-best only-child, I’ve decided to ignore the advice, have faith in my readers and to offer you something of value for nothing. No strings. No sales pitches. No fire-walking. No smoke machines.
(2) If you request a place (or two), you must ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY guarantee that you will turn up on the day. DO NOT under any circumstances make a booking unless you know for CERTAIN that you will attend. If you let me down I’ll tell everyone about your rash. And that thing you do. And I’ll pull your toenails off while you sleep.
(3) Applications for places can only be made via email. You can’t apply by phone and I can’t be bribed with cheesecake. Or nudey photos. Especially if you look like Johnnie. To apply for a place (or two) via email, simply Leave a Message with your contact details and tell us if you’d like one or two places. You will receive an email response or phone call by Wednesday this week letting you know whether or not you’re in and all the relevant details for the day.
(4) Obviously, anyone from anywhere is welcome to apply but I’m guessing it’s probably a little far for my international readers to come for one day. Even for a freebie. Sorry guys.
Sorry about the bossy vibe and all the (annoying) CAPITALS but, from a production and organisational point of view, we only get one shot at this and we can’t have a room full of empty chairs because some people have made bookings and failed to show. Having said all of that, this is a great opportunity for anyone whose body (life, habits, behaviours, mind) is in need of a little renovating and also for those people who might not (typically) be in a financial position to participate in such a program.
Hope to see you in thirteen days.
On with today’s post…
The Monday Myth
Have you ever noticed how most people start their new diet (number 712) and/or exercise program (1,057) on a Monday? Apparently, Monday is the only day of the week transformation can begin. After all, have you ever met anyone who has started a new fitness or weight-loss kick on a Friday or Saturday? Rest my case.
Friday? Saturday? Stupid. Azif that’s gonna work. Nope, the weekend is when we overeat and let our hair down before our new diet. That’s the rule. Change can only begin on a Monday.
Apparently.
But…
Out of curiosity, of all the weight-loss and fitness endeavors that have commenced on a Monday, I wonder how many have led to permanent transformation (which is allegedly what we’re all chasing)? I don’t have accurate or reliable stats to answer that question but my guess-timation (based on watching thousands of Monday-starters) would be, less than two percent. Remember, we’re talking about lasting change here, not some momentary shift.
I can say with some confidence that the vast majority of Monday-starters (1) don’t achieve what they set out to and (2) if they do (achieve their goals), they don’t maintain them over the long-term. Of course, the question is why? Is it because Mondays don’t ‘work’?
No, it’s because when it comes to creating lasting change in our world (in any area of our life), success or failure has nothing to do with when we start (the day of the week) and everything to do with how we start. That is, the attitude, (level of) commitment, courage and discipline we take into the process. And, no, it’s not a sexy approach but it is an effective one.
The whole “Monday is a new beginning so it’s symbolic” thing… is complete crap. It might be symbolic (in your head) but it ain’t necessarily transformational. The overwhelming lack of (lasting) results tells us that. How many Mondays have come and gone for you? Rest my case. Again.
Life-long transformation is about many things but it ain’t about the starting-date (which is why New-Year’s resolutions rarely lead to forever results). When we dispense with the fluff, the emotion and the habit (of re-starting our life every Monday), we realise that what works in theory and what works (and lasts) in reality are very different things. In your world, success or failure will always be dependant on one thing: YOU. You’re the problem and the solution.
It’s time to stop being the problem.
Ouch.
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I must be an exception I start new goals any old day. Monday is just a day.
Ahhh so that’s why the gym is always packed on a Monday… damn annoying really!
Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?
…
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo
(from ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem)
We know how much you love your music, Mr Harper.
Hope your filming thing goes well. Sounds super fun. Do a live stream up in QLD can you?
For the record, I like to start/change stuff on Tuesdays. Clearly that makes me the minority? (Tuesdays with Morrie – THE BEST BOOK, peoples. READ IT and you will be a changed person)
( )
Loved your post. Read this about twelve months ago:
“I HAVE to lose weight! But Memorial Day is coming … burgers with the works, pasta salad with cubes of CHEESE, gooey brownies and chips, chips, chips! I’ll start my diet AFTER the weekend parties!”
Well, maybe you haven’t said these EXACT words, but I bet most people have had thoughts that rival them. There’s no doubt about it: looking forward to upcoming events can put a damper on beginning any new weight loss program. So I headed to our family calendar hanging on the fridge to see if I could find when the PERFECT time to start a diet would be. Surely there must be a lull, some sort of break from food-focused festivities in a twelve month span. I started flipping through the already heavily penciled months of July and August.
Right after Memorial Day comes equally tempting 4th of July barbecues, followed by our annual family camping week. Skip s’mores? No way! Three weeks after that, a much anticipated trip to Disney. Diet? I don’t think so! S-U-M-M-E-R! With its never-ending ice cream socials, carnivals and weekends at the beach. The whirlwind finally ends with the biggest picnic of all — Labor Day.
Maybe fall? Everyone heads back to the gym when school buses roll around. But mixed with all the back-to-school supplies, retailers are also featuring bags of Halloween treats. Chocolate and twizzlers catch our eyes EVERYWHERE! No sooner are we done with Trick or Treat than we are bombarded with the makings of pies and pastries and everything for THE FEAST to end all feasts. Thanksgiving… the day synonymous with bounty — gluttony — and the kick off to the holidays. There’s no doubt about it; December can be a trying time for anyone looking to eat less and cut back on high calorie foods.
But what about New Years? Resolutions abound as Americans flock to renew gym memberships and purchase diet supplements which boldly promise “Lose 10 pounds in 10 days!” The actual holiday itself is steeped in open house buffets and hors d’oeuvre orgies, but after that? No wait, I mean after the Superbowl? Retail shelves trade footballs for lacey red hearts and pink satin bows secretly covering pounds and pounds of decadent chocolate. This time of year also brings mid-winter vacations, hot chocolate in the ski lodge, cruise line specials and comfort foods. Outdoor activities are curbed for a time and motivation lags in the long nights and short, cold days as the world holds its breath in anticipation of … Spring.
Although lent could be a great kickoff for a diet, there’s no avoiding those marshmallow bunnies, chocolate eggs and cello bags of sweets. Easter is the number one confectioner’s holiday and peeps can be awfully hard to pass up. Then there are the rounds of graduations, weddings and showers. It almost seems as though the parties will never die down when … you got it, we’re back to Memorial Day again!
A year and no decent window to diet! No wonder we still struggle with our weight! And I haven’t even mentioned all the days in between that tempt us — like boyfriend break ups and new relationships beginning and the stresses of moving, new jobs, NO jobs! Deaths. Tragedies. Health issues, being layed up or being layed off or being layed over (stuck in the airport). Care giving. Giving birth. Birthdays and anniversaries and all the millions of other occasions, joyous or sad, that drive us together or pull us apart, and, in the center of it all, there is food.
And then, as I let the pages of our family calendar fall back into place I saw it. There it was. The PERFECT day to start my new diet. It was TODAY.
Beth
Craig, you should know that the most popular day to start something is “tomorrow”.
Like most New Year’s resolutions, Monday morning starts are doomed despite our very best intentions. That’s because both are based on some form of what we perceive as “deprivation”.
I f#@king hate Mondays. If you could be any day of the week you certainly wouldn’t want to be Monday. They’re picked last for everything. All the other days are named after some f#@king Norse god/godess or come from latin or are days named in honour of somebody. Poor old Monday comes from the Anglo-Saxon monandaeg, “the moon’s day”. “How bloody boring is that”. Thank god for the Norman’s Conquest in 1066 to get rid of the AGs.
Sorry i got a bit sidetracked
Brett
Must be a rarity then
. My current health kick started on a Saturday. 22 days later it is still alive and kicking! Ok, so it was induced by illness and the realisation that being in the here and now hurts a heck of a lot more than and lifestyle change ever would or could hurt.
22 days. If it takes 21 repetitions to create a new habit does this mean I’m home and dry? I didn’t think so either
. Now I’m aiming for 42 days 
Will find out later what the scales say …
@Jules: Tuesdays is one of my fave books too, so very inspirational. I recommend it to everyone!
Very exciting news Craig
I’d be there if I could but unfortunately NZ is a bit far away … however, looking forward to the DVDs and CDs when they come out.
I’m a Monday start-and-don’t-finish person. Sigh. I have issues!
good luck with the filming Craig!!!
I’ve worked in the fitness industry for the past four years. I’ve come to the conclusion that people like to start things on Monday because it’s not “today” and usually not “tomorrow”. Most people make the proclamation that they are going to start on Monday at some point mid-week, usually Thursday or Friday.
These people actually believe they will still have the same, if not more, enthusiasm on Monday as when they make that proclamation. They think it will, thus, be easier to get started since it is the beginning of the week and they can plan out a whole week of good stuff to do.
Yes, it’s all BS. It’s subconscious procrastination. I’ve started many things on a Friday or Saturday and have had great success. It’s all about starting, and starting with the right attitude.
@ Jules,
You have hit the nail on the head twice there. I use Lose Youself as my #1 motivational track (also Mr. Brightside- The killers, close second). And that book is amazing. Good to see someone else thinks the same way
Yep, I’m a “I’ll start on Monday” and guess what, i’m starting today. I just wish I could break this bad cycle of starting Monday, it all going to shit by Friday and then starting again on Monday. I know it’s all in my head!! I think I need to work on my bad habits.
I did the Monday stop smoking thing on and off for 20+ years and finally gave up on a Thursday evening at 6pm and still non-smoker 6 years later, now just have to pick a time to stop eating, will be anything but a Monday!!
Ooh have fun with the filming Craigo … wish I could be there, I wouldn’t mind a bit of body renovation!!!
It will be great to be able to get you on DVD!!
Like a doggy bag.
Your very own take-home Craig!
I gots to say, for those in Melbs … or not to far out, take up the freebie opportunity and GO!
Have a nice week!
Em
( ) x
Good luck with your filming Craig.
Woohoo I am going to your seminar. So looking forward to it!
Thanks Craig.
Re: RYB.
Thanks for the email confirmation John. Wacko! Looking forward to another Winning Day with Craig.
Lucky me!
Ciao, Edith
Dear Johnnie,
Thankyou for your email, we really are looking forward to coming on the 16th!!
Kind regards
Trent
RE: RYB.
Wow! Thanks so much!
Count me in as a definite attendee!!!
Big Cheers
Justine
@Mick
Thanks. Maybe we could compile a list of inspirational songs and books, Craig???
Seriously – Mr Eminem is right. Sometimes we do only get ONE OPPORTUNITY. ONE MOMENT. I think too often we fall in the trap of convincing ourselves that if we f*#! up something on one day then we can just give it another shot ‘tomorrow’ or ‘next monday’ or whenever. Working as a paramedic (for too short a time) taught me lots actually. LIfE IS SHORT. WAYYYY TOO SHORT FOR SOME PEOPLE. In an instant your 1,3,5,10 yr plans could be smashed into tiny pieces – never to be seen again. You ever seen someone being resuscitated? It ain’t a pretty sight. Ever seen someone post a major car accident? That ain’t a pretty sight either. Lots of shit happens all the time. You see it on the news, you read it online in the papers but think ‘oh no – that’ll never happen to me (or someone I love).’ But why? Why do we think that? Are we invincible? Are we immune to that?
*I’m buying ‘Lose yourself’ and adding it to my iTunes collection. I love it. It’s my theme song. What’s your theme song? [maybe that can be your Tues post, Craig???]
@Sus
Thanks to you too.
** I thought this was Craig’s blog, not twitter!!!
Up until 4 months ago I absolutely was that Monday Girl. Im 17.3 kilos lighter so far, exercising more than I have ever done in my life. I own all the decisions I make and I dont blame anyone else for what I do or dont do. Its actually very liberating.
Craig, you are very motivating. Thanks for your Website.
I think most of us is spoiled to a certain degree. We are given a lot of free will/choice. People in the developed and somewhat wealthy countries are worrying about losing weight, and other seeming important (but relatively unimportant) issue while in some of the less foretunate countries, people are making ends meet (finding a job, feeding their own family). We are given a lot of choice and most of us choose to be ignorance/taking it for granted/etc. I truely believe that we should see how poor/unforetunate that some people are in other poorer countries to truely appreciate what we, in the developed countries, have. Hopefully, by appreciating what we have would provide us with the lasting motivation that we need to make lasting changes…
Enigma…
I know about those Mondays. For some reason I got started on a Friday exactly two years ago, and by now there’s 43 kgs less of me and a whole NEW life to live. Thanks for the inspiration and lessons! Always food for thought here…
My starting day was a Saturday.. Saturday.. I wonder why a Saturday? Becuase that was when the RYL Programme was held in Brisbane.. A few months gone, 15 or 20 more kilo’s gone, I have given up weighing.. and i am feeling great.. Well done to the lucky 100!
May the Filming session be as inspirational as the one I attended.. Need any “before and after” people Craigy, I am the one for you!
Seriously though, thanks for coming to Brisbane, your “Kick up the A*se” style of motivation was just what I needed… and its still working… you are obviously scarier than you look!
Jak xx
I quite enjoy starting things on a Thursday
Good luck for the 16th Craig. I would have tried to book but going to be doing something I’ve been putting off for a very long time cos I was too chicken. You have helped me finally get up some courage to get this done. Tell ya more when I see you next. Have a great time!!
Hey Craig,
The one thing we are good at as humans is lying to ourselves – or should I say gently manipulating the truth. The reason most people start a diet on a Monday is because if they screw up then there is always next monday or week or month or year. Now saying well gee I am going to start eating correctly Right Now – then I would have to step up to the plate – there isn’t even time to come up with a few good excuses. Now should I give it a try? Nah maybe I’ll wait till Monday
Have good one
Cheryl
Craig, I read all your posts and have commented only a few times in the distant past.
Its lasting change that matters and healthy habits that counts. Eating well and exercising Monday – (maybe) Thursday is all well and good until you drown in sugar and cant-be-botheredness the rest of the week.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the kick up the backside.
Thanks for the offer for the RYB. Unfortunately can’t make it.
Scott.
So in saying that, what day do your motivational classes start on?