Latest Blog Posts from Your Transformation Coach, Ellen Thomas

Hide and Seek…with Success?

Posted on: May 15th, 2013 by CoachEllen No Comments

Are you playing hide and seek with success? Does it seem that the more you want it…the farther away it seems? Why is it that so many of us struggle with prosperity?

payday loans

Ahhhhh, life without struggle… With money easily flowing in (and out!) so effortlessly. No limitations on your choices. No panic when paying bills; frantically scraping funds together. Relaxing vacations with friends and family (or on a private beach with a personal chef!). Shopping on a whim, pinching pennies a thing of the past. Sound like an impossible dream?

Perhaps it’s time to make a radical change. Could it be that a shift in thinking would make all the difference? Most of us think we have control over our thoughts, when the truth is that we are unconscious; on auto-pilot the majority of the time.

So, how can we change?

Practice conscious thinking: Find ways to remind yourself to make conscious choices. Leave yourself notes around the house and office, such as “I am present at all times” or “I make conscious choices”. Set reminders on your smart phone and/or computer with affirmations, such as “The world is conspiring in my favor”. Ask others to remind you if they notice that you are talking negatively. Being accountable to others is tremendously helpful.

Identify your trigger words: What words will remind you to be present? Which ones send you down self-destructive paths? Identify and leverage them to your advantage.

Empower yourself. Make choices that are in your favor. Choose wisely; considering the possible outcome. Allow your intuition to guide you, rather than your emotions.

If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten. Don’t let what others say and/or do affect you. Ever notice how others seem to be threatened by your success? And try to derail you? Choose to be successful. Tune out the negative and allow in the positive…and watch the magic happen!

Make this the year you actually say NO to what you don’t want… and YES to what you DO want. Please share your questions and comments below. What worked? What tweaks did you add to make it yours? What questions do you have? I’d love to support you in any way that I can!

Ellen Thomas, founder of Your Transformation Coach, is passionately dedicated to helping people banish craving forever and reach their perfect weight. Her philosophy: Why wait? Every moment of your life has significance. Don’t waste another second not experiencing the true meaning in your life! A military spouse with an MBA in International Marketing, she is multilingual, an avid runner and loves to travel. She currently lives near Stuttgart, Germany with her husband Michael and canine running coach Bella. Learn about her Transformation Boot Camp here.

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Setting Conscious Choice on Auto Pilot

Posted on: January 31st, 2013 by CoachEllen No Comments

OK, here we are at the end of January…four weeks into the New Year. How are those resolutions coming along? Noticed any habits that still need changing? Hmmm… Let’s think about this for a couple minutes. What is a habit anyway? When it is easier to do it than not, right? Sooooo, how much do you really want to change? Those behavioral patterns are such a part of you that they feel like family, don’t they (and not always the family that you like…)?

We’ve all heard that it takes 21 days to change a habit, but recently, I discovered the truth; it actually takes much more…which, let’s be honest, we already all knew, since when we couldn’t change a habit in three short weeks we just figured we hadn’t tried hard enough and had failed yet again. Ugh!…so feeling stupid and broken, most of us give up. Drum roll, please: It appears that it takes an average of 66 days (10 weeks!) to change a habit. For some of us it is less…and for some of us it is more. YIKES! Shall we be honest and admit it took lots longer to form the bad habit to begin with…and it’s been part of our life for ages, right? In that light, what’s ten weeks in the whole scheme of things??

How committed are you to making the changes you desire? Try these three steps:

Set your goals and be consistent. Don’t lose heart if you miss a day or two along the way. This won’t derail you or undo what you’ve already accomplished. In fact, sometimes it helps your momentum to restart with renewed commitment.
Willpower is a muscle; so yes, it needs to be exercised. Practice delaying gratification. Try making it a game. Write it down. Set goals for yourself. Figure out your barriers and set up a plan to overcome them.
Don’t do it alone. Have a community of people to support you. Try making your goals public: write them down, post them on Facebook and Twitter, state them out loud to your friends and family. Hire a coach if you are really serious. Successful people have written goals, a strong support system and are willing to take the steps necessary to achieve their goals.

Here’s the thing: The brain is on auto-pilot most of the time. How do we change this? With lots of practice, patience, persistence and time, we can lock in the good habits and erase the undesired ones. Most of all, we have to CHOOSE to do it consciously. It doesn’t happen on it’s own.

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Lighten Up…It’s a New Year. High Time for a New You?

Posted on: January 7th, 2013 by CoachEllen No Comments

It’s January…a quieter and more peaceful pace. A lovely blank slate…so let’s lighten up! Perfection is not the goal or at least, shouldn’t be. Acceptance is the theme for this time of year! Love yourself exactly as you are and allow your perfect body to manifest. Each day is getting longer and lighter…so let’s follow that trend and do the same! Here’s how:

Let go of attachment to results and relax: Stay in the moment right now. Savor it. Relax in it. Take the time to analyze what it is you really DO want and figure our the best way to get there. Did you take my FREE Goal Setting Analysis Workshop? If you missed it, please email me and I’ll be happy to send you the recording.

Love and accept yourself right now and be excited about what’s to come: Anticipation of the amazing stuff to come not only feeeels great, but will attract all that yumminess to you. Find things to appreciate and focus on them, rather on what you don’t like and/or don’t want. That takes you down the path of negativity, and you definitely don’t want to go there!

Allow your perfect body to manifest: It will come if you ALLOW it. Let go of attachment, so you aren’t pushing it away. Love yourself, so you let in all the good stuff. Surround yourself with positive energy and fill yourself with optimistic thoughts. Find a strong support system to keep you accountable, one that will firmly, but gently nudge you in the right direction.

Hope this has been helpful! Please share your questions and comments below. What worked? What tweaks did you add to make it yours? What questions do you have? I’d love to support you in any way that I can! Transformation Boot Camp starts on January 10^th. Learn more here.

Ellen Thomas, founder of Your Transformation Coach, is passionately dedicated to helping people banish cravings forever and reach their perfect weight. Her philosophy: Why wait? Every moment of your life has significance. Don’t waste another second not experiencing the true meaning in your life! A military spouse with an MBA in International Marketing, she is multi-lingual, an avid runner and loves to travel. She currently lives near Stuttgart, Germany with her husband Michael and canine running coach Bella. Learn about her January Transformation Boot Camp here.

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Starting the New Year with Momentum: Innovative Analysis for Effective Goal Setting

Posted on: December 27th, 2012 by CoachEllen No Comments

Last year at this time, I shared my yearly reflection and goal setting process; Reflecting Back, Projecting Forward, in my last blog of 2011. It’s a ritual I have been doing for over a decade in which you learn from the past and feel empowered by the visual expansion and planning for the future. It becomes more powerful each year as you can see more growth and momentum-so excited about sharing this with you! I’ve updated the content and am resharing, along with offering a FREE workshop on the process!

Tools to have handy: Your 2012 day planner and two sheets of paper plus something with which to write. If you have a holiday letter that highlights your year, have that on-hand as well. You can certainly do this online if that works better for you-I prefer holding the pieces of paper and the process of hand writing…it’s more tangible to me that way!

Reflecting Back: Start with looking back at the past year and write down on the first sheet of paper everything that impacted you. Organize it into sections with headings (suggestions below to get you started!) You’ll want headings that will be meaningful to you-which will allow you to view the year as a whole and analyze its essence. This will be your foundation for the next step.

Projecting Forward: Now, write down the same headings on the second piece of paper and add new ones (if appropriate) that you want to include in 2013. Review your first sheet (Reflecting Back). Fill in line items under each heading. What do you project for 2013? What stands out as a priority for your attention in the coming year? I love seeing all written down, so I can clearly analyze the data and set goals for the New Year!

Your Reflecting Back on 2012 (and Projecting Forward on 2013) might look like this: (these are all headings and will have multiple line items under them).

Work/Income Friendships Health/Nutrition

Training Social Exercise

Professional orgs Visitors Wins

Technology Travel Personal

Now, put it to work! Effective goal setting happens when you’ve done your homework. Use the data to map out your goals for 2013. They should be MUCH clearer now!

Hope this helps you with your 2013 goal setting! Please share your questions and comments below. What worked? What tweaks did you add to make it yours? What questions do you have? I’d love to support you in any way that I can! As a special gift, I’m offering a FREE workshop on Saturday, December 29^th at 12:00 pm EST. Please email me at ellen@yourtransformationcoach.com to register. The call-in details will be sent to you upon registration.

Wishing you a very happy New Year…may your life flow easily and be full of JOY in 2013!

Ellen Thomas, founder of Your Transformation Coach, is passionately dedicated to helping people banish craving forever and reach their perfect weight. Her philosophy: Why wait? Every moment of your life has significance. Don’t waste another second not experiencing the true meaning in your life! A military spouse with an MBA in International Marketing, she is multi-lingual, an avid runner and loves to travel. She currently lives near Stuttgart, Germany with her husband Michael and canine running coach Bella. Learn about her January Transformation Boot Camp here.

Tags: effective goal setting, Ellen Thomas, free workshop, goal setting, Your Transformation Coach
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Looking in the Mirror-is that REALLY Me?

Posted on: September 5th, 2012 by CoachEllen No Comments

Recently, I’ve been looking in the mirror and seeing something unexpected. The new me. The thinner, leaner me. The new normal. Getting more used to it each day and loving it!

Wow! What a wonderful feeling! I’m seeing leaner legs, a more slender face, my cheekbones have made an appearance and my clothes are much more comfortable. It’s taken a bit of getting used to…but what a joyful experience, right?

Want some of this great stuff? Here are three tips to get you started:

1. Reset your bar and rediscover the new normal. Change your beliefs so you accept and embrace the new you. Don’t chase this fabulousness away with sabotage. Know that you totally deserve to be slender, healthy and toned. And you do!

2. Set smaller, attainable goals with a long-term goal in mind. Consider where you really want to be and then break it down into manageable, genuinely attainable pieces. Then, reassess your long-term goals; setting another short-term attainable one each time you reach a milestone. Make sure you celebrate the milestones, too!

3. Be happy where you are and excited about the future. Pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments. Love yourself and be joyful where you are; RIGHT NOW. Be full of yummy anticipation for your future self without being attached to the fact that you aren’t there yet.

This week, I challenge you to set realistic weight loss expectations with short and long-term goals. Consider what steps you can take to support yourself and then implement them! What’s holding you back?

Are you ready to slip into your skinny jeans? What would you like to be doing differently? How will you accomplish that? Can’t wait to hear! Please share your thoughts below or email me at ellen@yourtransformationcoach.com.

Think it’s time for some fast track results? Click here to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

Ellen Thomas, founder of Your Transformation Coach, is passionately dedicated to helping people live their authentic life NOW. Her philosophy: Why wait? Every moment of your life has significance. Don’t waste another second not experiencing the true meaning in your life! A military spouse with an MBA in International Marketing, she is multi-lingual, an avid runner and loves to travel. She currently lives near Stuttgart, Germany with her husband Michael and canine running coach Bella. Catch a sneak peak of her upcoming webinar Ten Keys for Living Outside of the Box here.

Tags: Authentic, belief, believe, bridge to belief, changing beliefs, Coaching, create positive energy, Ellen Thomas, fit, healthy, Healthy Living, healthy weight loss, holistic coaching, holistic health, holistic treatment, Law of attraction, Life Coaching, positive energy, positive thoughts, Relationships, slender, successful life, toned, Transformation, Transformation Coaching, weight loss, Your Transformation Coach
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Filling Up the Black Hole…with Purpose!

Posted on: August 18th, 2012 by CoachEllen 2 Comments

I was traveling for a couple weeks last month in the US and one morning splurged on a Denny’s breakfast. You know the kind that comes on TWO separate plates with eggs, bacon, hash browns AND pancakes. Called the Great American Grand Slam; it was a deliciously decadent concoction of blueberry pancakes topped with strawberries, cream cheese icing and whipped cream. And, can you believe it, I’m still losing weight!

How can this be? Let me tell you the good news: When you are taking massive action (employing multiple strategies), you can eat what you want and be at your perfect weight (or reach it and stay there!). The best part is the wonderful AHA I had: I realized I am fulfilled by purpose-I don’t have a vast black hole to fill…I’m doing what my heart desires; my life purpose, so I am ON Purpose…and don’t need to stuff myself with food to satisfy the void. Nice!

Sound intriguing? Here are three tips to get you started:

1. Discover and follow your purpose. If you don’t know what it is yet, then it’s high time to start! What really makes your heart sing and fills you with JOY? When are you the happiest? When does everything feel clear and decisions are easy?

2. Take pleasure from making good, healthy choices; food and non-food! Explore alternatives to your current foods and activities. Let go of the belief that you need to eat certain foods and amounts at specific times. For example, try eating an appetizer rather than a main course for lunch or dinner. Soothe yourself with a bath or a long walk. Set strong boundaries, feel good about them and hold to them. Give yourself permission!

3. Take massive action. Cover multiple bases without waiting to see if one tiny tweak works. I’m all about leveraging! Try some or better yet, ALL of the following: Drink tons of purified water, make healthy choices (most of the time; ya gotta have fun, right?), say your affirmations over and over, visualize, let go of your attachment to food (and especially the belief that it makes you fat!), partner with someone who will keep you accountable and can identify the bits that you are probably missing and should be doing, use nutritional supplements to detox and keep things humming and be as active as possible.

This week, I challenge you to explore the ways you can be ON PURPOSE. Not doing so no longer serves you. Consider what steps you can take to support yourself and then implement them! What’s holding you back?

Think it’s time for some fast track results? Click here to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

Ahhhhh, the Bliss of Freedom from Obsession; Letting Go of Attachment to Food

Posted on: July 18th, 2012 by CoachEllen 2 Comments

Have you ever considered how much time you spend thinking about food? Planning meals and obsessing about fat grams and calories? Do candy bars and other goodies scream at you and jump into your shopping cart? Do you eat without really tasting or considering the nutritional value; just wanting to fill a void?

If so, you are not alone. Most people who are carrying extra weight are obsessed with food. Whether we want to admit it or not, we spend so much time focusing on EATING. This is a major contribution to why many aren’t losing the weight, no matter how much they exercise. Can you imagine what would your life be like if you had all that time to dedicate to something else, something constructive? I had this AHA as I was developing my turnkey program (I’ll be announcing a beta group SOON!) and have been thrilled and amazed at how my life transformed as my relationship with food changed.

Ready to have more time, be more calm, enjoy your meals more and forever alter your relationship with food? Read on!

1. You don’t have to finish it all. Really. It’s OK NOT to be a member of the clean plate club. Try taking ½ home or (horrors!) leaving something on your plate. Offer choice morsels to someone else at the table. It is amazingly relaxing and freeing when you don’t feel the need to hoard all your food for yourself.

2. Eat what you like. Just eat like a thin person and eat normal portions. Notice what feels good and what doesn’t. Do some foods taste yummy but they zap your energy? Or cause digestive upset or acne? Why would you choose to eat something that doesn’t serve you? Try changing your belief-use affirmations such as “I can eat anything I want and be at my perfect weight” and BELIEVE it!

3. Choose to be conscious when you eat. Make sure you are present and in the moment. Eat because you choose to. Appreciate how each morsel nourishes and strengthens your body. Savor the flavors and textures. Be grateful for the deliciousness.

This week, I challenge you to let go of your attachment to food. It no longer serves you. Consider what steps you can take to support yourself and then implement them! What’s holding you back?

Think it’s time for some fast track results? Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Shopping in my Closet-YIPPEE!!

Posted on: July 3rd, 2012 by CoachEllen 14 Comments

This weekend I’ve been indulging in a bit of decadence…shopping in my closet! Yep, it’s surprising what you can find in there…clothes that haven’t seen the light of day for eons but you’ve been holding on to them in the hopes that they might fit again some day. Can you relate? Well, that exciting moment has arrived for me recently; let the celebration begin!!

Have you ever noticed how most of us end up putting on a few pounds each year and don’t really become aware of it until we try on something from a past season only to notice that it feels snug? Perhaps it shrunk at the drycleaners? Ha! Ever experienced that?

Well, I sure have! And if you’ve been searching for a solution, I’ve got some great news! I’ve been honing a new “system” and making it turnkey so I can share it with all of you. Had to test it on myself first to be sure it would work. The key is for it to be fun, effortless, effective and lasting, right? Anyone interested in fitting into their skinny jeans? If so, try these three tips on for size… (ouch! sorry for the pun!):

1. See yourself as slender, healthy, fit and toned. Really feeeeeel it! Imagine it. Totally believe it. Keep going until it feels REAL. Our mind is a super-powerful tool when used properly. We just need to change our beliefs to ones that serve us.

2. Set up an accountability system. Get support by teaming up with a like-minded friend, get a system in place or hire a coach. The key to being successful is to be consistent, and c’mon, let’s be honest here; most of us are not self-motivated enough, so we need some gentle (or not so gentle) nudges.

3. Choose the right fuels to erase cravings and speed up metabolism. Make sure your body is getting what it needs, so it can do the job it is supposed to do. Your body should be burning efficiently 24/7 and you shouldn’t have to “diet”. I’ve been eating what I want; craving-free and full of energy! Healthy weight loss doesn’t have to be difficult.

This week, I challenge you to reclaim your rockin’ body. Consider what steps you can take to support yourself and then implement them! What’s holding you back?

Think it’s time for some fast track results? Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation.

The Mirror Image: Life on the Flip Side

Posted on: June 19th, 2012 by CoachEllen 10 Comments

Have you ever noticed how mirrors offer opportunities for interesting perspectives…how they allow us to see the same or is it the opposite that we are viewing? Is it an alternate universe? Perhaps future possibilities? The “flip” side?

Let’s consider the following:

1. Do we see what we WANT to see when we look into a mirror? What can we learn from this? Is it a good thing or a bad thing to see what we want? Following the Law of Attraction, we understand that we create with our thoughts and it’s OK (to a certain degree!) to fantasize and dream rather than dwelling on “what is”.

2. People are mirrors-we see in them that which we don’t like in ourselves. Ever notice that some people really push your buttons? If you are open to it, take a closer look, and you’ll find a piece of yourself that you don’t particularly like. Hmmm…so how does this serve us? Try accepting the person and working on the facet of you that needs tweaking.

3. And then there’s the car mirror; we look behind us and see the past. Do we live with blinders on? Are you stuck in the past or wouldn’t you rather be laser-focused on the future? Let it go, move forward and create a new reality.

This week, I challenge you to be the authentic person you are meant to be. Consider the mirrors that appear in your life. Banish any negative, catty, hateful thoughts. Keep working at being happy for others and wanting the best for them. You’ll be amazed at how these simple steps will shift the relationships around you.

Into which mirrors are you looking? What would you like to be doing differently? How will you accomplish that? Can’t wait to hear! Please share your thoughts below or email me at ellen@yourtransformationcoach.com.

Tags: Authentic, Coaching, create positive energy, Healthy Living, holistic coaching, holistic health, holistic treatment, Life Coaching, positive energy, positive thoughts, Relationships, successful life, Transformation, Transformation Coaching, Your Transformation Coach
Posted in: Coaching, Healthy Living, Live an Authentic Life | 10 Comments »

Time to Dig Out of the Muck?

Posted on: June 6th, 2012 by CoachEllen 18 Comments

Last week I challenged you to notice the foundations upon which your relationships are built because sometimes we surround ourselves with toxicity and instead of being joyful, we spin out of control, sucked into the muck by the negative energy around us. So, did you take up the challenge? How did that go for you?

Many of us wish we had more satisfying relationships with friends and family, but are convinced that we aren’t deserving of that or that the roles and personalities are solidly in place, set in cement and can’t be changed. Would you believe me, if I told you that this wasn’t true? We are only limited by our beliefs (and actions!). Try one or more of the following and watch how the energy in your relationships changes for the positive:

1. Set healthy boundaries. If something doesn’t feel comfortable, don’t do it-even if you’ve always done it in the past. And, it’s OK not to answer your phone or to end a conversation if you don’t have the time (or don’t want to talk about a certain subject). Say no (gently, clearly and firmly) when you need to prioritize your own needs first. People will respect you more when they can’t walk all over you. Really.

2. Act with integrity and you will be treated differently. You’ll certainly feel much better about yourself! If you want to be treated well, then act deserving of it, right? You will be viewed in a completely new light….eventually. It can take a while for the changes to be absorbed, but it’s worth the wait! Walk away from situations where people aren’t conducting themselves authentically. Yes, this applies even to your family!

3. Don’t respond when your buttons are pushed. This is totally possible! Practice it like it is a game. It gets easier each time! There’s no law that says you have to react or respond to what people say to you, is there? They can only harm you if you let them. So, don’t let them-it’s your choice!

This week, I challenge you to be the authentic person you are meant to be. Stop letting others affect your “world”. If you catch yourself thinking negative, catty, hateful thoughts because of being hurt, shift your thinking immediately! Keep working at being happy for others and wanting the best for them. You’ll be amazed at how these simple steps will shift the relationships around you.

Ready to dig yourself out of the muck and step into relationship sunlight? What would you like to be doing differently? How will you accomplish that? Can’t wait to hear! Please share your thoughts below or email me at ellen@yourtransformationcoach.com.

Your Transformation Coach