Work in Progress Section - Sponsored by Sportlab.

Power of the mind. By David Ford

Many of you set New Year's resolutions, perhaps some that included getting into better shape, or maybe taking back control of your life. How many of you are still on track? The past few months have been interesting for me to say the least. I have gone from knowing my future, to anticipation, to not knowing what it holds. In the past two weeks there has been a death and near fatal accident in the family. These ups and downs and facing the realities of life has lead me to discover many new things inside myself. How many of us attribute our happiness to our circumstances? How important is who we are and who we are associating ourselves with to how we feel? When we have a bad day, who or what is to blame?

I had the privilege, as I do every year, to attend and cover Jenny Hendershott's PHAT Camp. This year, unbeknownst to Jenny or special guest Elaine Goodlad, a number of points presented in the seminars hit home for me as I'm sure they did for many of the ladies in attendance. In a handout Jenny passed out she mentioned this point:

"Attitude is everything. I, and not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today."

It's been 11 years since I routinely trained. For myself, the start towards happiness, is going to begin with feeling better about myself. Taking time for myself, focusing on myself, making myself a stronger person inside and out will enable me to contribute and be more productive for myself and those I come in contact with. I have heard many times that when the pitcher is empty there is no water to pass around. A full pitcher allows you to give, within reason, on a regular basis.

This section is dedicated to Profiles and Work in Progresses. I have decided for myself that I too will participate in my own Work in Progress. This section won't be limited to athletes preparing to compete, as obviously, that is not even my own direction. I want this section to also include, like myself, "normal" individuals that can inspire others through their own unique transformations. How many of us will actually step on a stage? Perhaps after seeing some incredible results, the thought will present itself to do such a feat but for most of us and many of you reading this, that is a lofty goal and right now our focus is on the short term. Taking each day at a time, achieving "little" successes until one day down the road we can look back and say, "wow... look at how far I've come".

When I first started Albertabodybuilding.com its mission was to share success stories, at the time, stories of those that did step on stage. With a slightly different direction in mind, I want Athletic Image to be about bettering ourselves and encouraging each other along the way. I want each person that decides to share their story to feel like it is possible for them, it is possible to change your life, your eating and training habits regardless of the time in life you are at. it is never too late to start and in most cases never too early to start.

For myself, the Work in Progress journey I'm about to set out on is to get myself in the best overall shape of my life. It's been a long time coming but after enough procrastination it's time. I know many of you reading this are in a similar place to where I am at. What is keeping you back? Millions of us are and will be facing the same challenges. To those who are still successfully keeping up on your resolutions, good on you!! Awesome! For myself, and many of you reading this... maybe we missed January 1 but we do have today!

If you are interested in committing to a Work in Progress please feel free to email us. What we will need for starters is a bio that includes challenges and goals... basically anything you'd like to share that you feel might contribute to someone else, in similar shoes, getting started on this same journey.

2006 Work in Progress List: (WIP will be in pop up windows, please turn off pop-up stoppers)

• David Ford (updated Sept 11)

• Christie Robinson (updated August 15)

• Carol Bacon (updated August 11)

• Kim Castle (updated August 9)

• Terrina Farkash (updated July 11)

• Jennifer Mizier (updated May 26)

• Colleen Barlund (updated May 19)

• Jennifer Turner (updated May 1)

• Shannon Prins (updated March 30)

• Natasha Melendy (updated March 20)