The British Gentleman

[Craig Ballantyne]

The British Gentleman is:

- Polite
- Unselfish
- Courteous at all times
- Patient
- Mindful of others, time, and tradition
- Disciplined
- Humble
- Self-deprecating
- Jovial
- Generous
- Stylish
- Dedicated
- Magnetic
- Encouraging
- Gentlemanly (of course!)
- Chivalrous
- Proper
- Owns a dog and goes for long walks in the countryside (<= YES! I've got this one!)

The British Gentleman is James Bond...without the License to Kill.

The British Gentleman is my goal.

That's how I aim to live my life.

Unfortunately, I'm naturally...

- impatient
- selfish
- curt
- lazy
- not so stylish
- distant
- introverted

But I'm dedicated to my Transformation.

Since committing to this, I now...

- speak to people in elevators
- Say hi to as many people that I meet as possible
- slow down and rush less
- pay attention when people reply to "How are you"
- dress better
- connect with even more people

And so on.

I'm trying to do everything I can...short of wearing a tuxedo all of the time.

This is my Transformation Entry for the 20th Contest.

I hope that all of our Pro's will read this, and realize that they can still be a part of the Transformation, even if there isn't a category set aside for their fat loss goals.

We can all keep improving - every day - at every age.

I know I am.

Hope you will too,

Craig "TBG" Ballantyne

[LeslieM]

Okay..this is probably the coolest thing I've read all week! Welcome!

[Craig Ballantyne]

Thank you!

[Craig Ballantyne]

Wednesday - We'll call this Day 1 of my Transformation. It was our first day in San Diego for the weekend of business masterminding. We always start the weekend with a small group 1-day Mastermind session with new business owners. We teach the basics and then do hot seats. I was NOT at my British Gentleman best. A little too curt with replies. And I didn't get a chance to spend time with Catherine Gordon who was only in for the day. I regret that. But overall, a good level of politeness. Made a note to do better for rest of week.

Thursday - Our 2nd day involves hot seats for our advanced level group, including Shawna, Mikey, Dani, Kate, and others. I was much better, starting the day by going around and checking in on everyone. Also initiated more conversations with strangers. Nicest thing I did was buy a homeless guy a coffee in 7-11 and then I listened to him mumble his life story. I don't say that derogatorily, but that's literally what happened. Gave him the change and wished him the best.

Friday - So far, so good. Our 3rd day of the MM hosts both Groups "A" and "B" (our beginners). It's a packed room. Gave a rousing speech and told story lessons to encourage members to get out of their comfort zone and connect with others. Bedros followed up with an even better Pump-Up speech. Got some laughs and most importantly, laughed at myself.

Each day getting better and better.

[DanielWoodrum]

This is awesome Craig!

I thought you were dressing more savvy this weekend.

Looking forward to following this journey.

Dani

[PeterJankowski]

- impatient
- selfish
- curt
- lazy
- not so stylish
- distant
- introverted

This sounds like me!

I am a stylish mofo though

[Radz]

Very nice Craig! Coincidently hanging with a British gent tomorrow. Will take notes!!!

[Craig Ballantyne]

I have a friend who is the 'archetype' for the British Gentleman I aspire to be.

But he's Irish!

Hope you had a good time with your BG buddy.

What did you learn?

Originally Posted by Radz

Very nice Craig! Coincidently hanging with a British gent tomorrow. Will take notes!!!

[Craig Ballantyne]

Friday, May 9

1) Made an effort to speak broken Spanish to the cleaning staff servicing my room at the hotel. I think she really appreciated it.

But I have no idea because I don't speak Spanish!

(PS - I will stop using emoticons. A BG wouldn't use these...would he? )

2) My dinner order was delivered without several items. But I didn't get mad.

I followed the Stoic maxim: "There is no good or bad; there is only perception."

I control what I can, and cope with what I can't.

Nothing I could do about the food that was not delivered. So no point in getting all huffy.

"You can always change the way you feel. You have complete control over your emotions. Choose to feel good ones." - https://twitter.com/bobbymaximus

Saturday, May 10
1) Did some stairs. Punished my legs. And politely greeted the other strangers doing their own stair workouts.

[RobB]

Probably best off, leaving the British accent to Bally