šµSearch For Impact: Your Before and After Vision of the 2025 Fall 5% Challenge
This is a NEW activity that will replace taking measurements during this fall season. Measurements will be returned for the 2026 Winter 5% Challenge, so we encourage you to continue documenting your measurements on your own.
āThis is new and detailed, so we are posting it early so you have plenty of time to think about your responses. Reviewing the list ofĀ Weekly Healthy HabitsĀ may help you determine what your statements should be.
šµSearch For Impact: Your Before and After Vision of the 2025 Fall 5% Challenge
This is a new optional activity that will replace Measurements in Weeks 1 and 8.Ā To receive points for your team, you must participate in this activity both weeks.Ā A discussion Topic will be created on all teams, where your responses will be posted in week 1. You may also write your responses somewhere else for easy access during the challenge. One of the team leaders suggested tracking this activity on the blog page. If you are not currently a member of that group, you will find the link at the top of this page.
āYes, you must share your responses on the topic to gain the points. This is where it differs from measurements, where you were given the option to say your measurements were taken without posting them. Sharing your impact with your team not only inspires new ideas for others but also helps us gain a better understanding of why we are here.
If you genuinely can't come up with three responses in all categories, but at least show some effort, you will get the 15 points. Keep in mind that the exercise must be done in both weeks. Week 8 will be your response to the statements you made in Week 1.
A new Topic will be created for your replies during week 8.
This activity was used on SparkPeople with some success over the years we were there. I kept the blog I wrote there after completing this exercise for the first time in 2010. Iāve shared it as an example at the bottom of this post.Ā Ā
Please consider the following:
1. When we meet here in eight weeks, and you look back to today, what has to have happened for you to feel happy about your progress? List three things ... (hint ā always state yourĀ answers as ā¦ āI will ā¦ā
I Will,
I Will,
I Will,
2. List the three most significant challenges to be eliminated:
Eliminate:
Eliminate:
Eliminate:
3. List your three opportunities to be captured:
Capture:
Capture:
Capture:Ā
4. List your three strengths to be maximized:
Maximize:
Maximize:
Maximize:
Spark People Blog
MY VISION QUEST (an active 150 pounds)
Saturday, May 01, 2010
At the beginning of the Spring Challenge, we were asked to put a vision in writing. What follows is what I envisioned eight weeks ago, and the results.
In reviewing my vision, I found the following.Ā (Note: My week 8 responses are in parentheses.)
1. If we were meeting here eight weeks from today and looking back to today, what has to have happened for you to feel happy about your progress? List three things ... (hint ā always state yourĀ answers as ā¦ āI will ā¦ā
I will have lost 12 lbs (5%) and reach a goal of 209 lbs. (208 as of Sunday, 4/25)
I will be a size 16! (YES!!!)
I will be eating intuitively. (Almost always!)
2. List the three most significant challenges to be eliminated:
Perfectionism: āIf I canāt do it perfectly, or be perfect, I just wonāt do it or be itā. The time has come to give up that insanity once and for all! (Still needs work)
Overextending myself by being a yes girl. (Doing better)
Eating fast food and eating food fast! (Haven't had fast food since joining Spark People, and when I eat now, I savor every morsel)
3. List your three opportunities to be captured.Ā
Increased strength and stamina. (I'm amazed at the difference.)
More pride in my appearance. (It's fun trying on my "smaller" size clothes again.)
Better time management. (I do make time for working out, but this one still needs work)Ā
4. List your three strengths to be maximizedĀ
Enhanced self-confidence.Ā (Yes, definitely, I am becoming myself again)
Motivation to lose the next 12. (Looking forward to the Summer Challenge)
Self Control!!! (Yeah! Well, I'm doing better!)
Replies
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This challenge has already been shared with the leader team and when I first saw it, it felt overwhelming and I was sure I couldn't come up with 3 things for some of the categories. But I re-read it, kept looking at Ceri's examples and thought about it. Within 24 hours, I found I was able to do it. As I've continued thinking about it, I've come up with my Fall HH Focus and revised my Impact Vision to include that focus.
If this looks hard to you, I encourage you to re-read it, and think about it. Sometimes we can do more than we think we can when we just start and go after it.
Thanks, Ceri, for giving us advance warning and thinking time.
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I'm looking forward to doing this. I need to give it more thought. TY TY TY @Ceriusly1 @hicim705 for working very hard on this. I know the work you have put into this. The many ideas back and forth. The hours put into it (Ceri) are all for our benefit.
We all appreciate it.4 -
@DNjoys - My initial reaction was much like yours. This has been discussed on the Overall Leaders Planning far longer than you probably realize and I was that 'naysayer' on this one. I felt - for me, it would not be meaningful.
A considerable amount of effort was put into this activity; there was a lot of back/forth: What about this? What if the Leaders/Community say that? HOW can we make this meaningful for ALL? As Ceri mentioned above, those of us that 'like' numbers/tracking that way - we are encouraged to still do so and we will be bringing some of those things back in 2026. We had heard, however - there were members that got tired of measurements each and every time. You also may have also noticed that even if we have brought back a Healthy Habit (formerly LTGL), we have tried to re-read it and 'tweak' the writings so that they remain relavant ā¦ that they are 'fresh' in some ways. Hopefully, the time that we take re-researching/re-writing is helpful.
I encourage you to read what DNJoys wrote. I didn't think I could come up with examples for all of the categories. BUT - the more I opened my mind to the possibilities, the more comfortable I became with the statements and MY PERSONAL SEARCH FOR IMPACT. Remember, there are no right/wrong answers; nor will you be 'graded' on your work. You are simply asked to dig down and write about what matters to you. I think the part of this exercise that will take the most time is the first exercise; in the final week you will be asked to review / comment / reflect on YOUR Autumn/Fall 5% Challenge Journey. You are also encournged to review what you have written during the Autumn/Fall 5% Challenge to ensure that you are still following your vision/goals. If you do that, I believe that your recap at the end should be relatively easy to complete.
FINALLLY - APPROACH THIS EXERCISE recognizing that these statements are about overall health & well-being, not just about diet/exercise/weight and think about this with an open mind! If you don't 'get it' the first time, re-read as suggested even walk away from it and come back to it after some thought. Digest the information and really reflect on your goals as you strive to be the best and healthiest that you can be!!
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I'm excited about Search for Impact for this Challenge! I will use my blog (link provided above) to also post it. That way, I can easily reference it across the weeks of our Challenge without needing to scroll through my team members posts to locate my own.
Thanks to the the leaders for all of their work on this!
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I like it - it will help keep the conversations on health, fitness, and nutrition, and not so much on personal chit chat.
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I was very much like the others when I first read this. My initial reaction was OMG! then I read the example and thought about it and realised it is actually not going to be hard to do. I know some people are private and don't like to share too much online but it can still be easily done. We already say on our teams that we will aim to lose 5%, that we will exercise, will eat freggies, will declutter, will drink water, will spend time outdoors, will spend time looking after me, will use a 9 inch plate etc as part of our healthy habits.
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Wow, this isnāt just getting the tape measure out and writing down some numbers. I just went back to reread the statements we need to answer. It will take some serious thought. I, too, am grateful that you let us know about this b/f we had to do it. Also, Ceri, thank you for opening yourself up to the whole group doing this challenge and sharing your own personal answers. It was very helpful to get a better idea of what is expected. (I feel like maybe Iām going to need to lock myself alone in a room to get this done. š)
After thinking about it for a bit, surprisingly, Iām finding myself motivated to get started on it. I am hoping that this will help me keep the challenge on the front burner and a priority throughout the Fall Challenge. I can only imagine the time and work that it took to put this together, so I want to thank all who spent their time coordinating this, knowing you were sacrificing your own time for our benefit. You are a tremendous group of women and we appreciate you all very much!
2 -
I WILL
work on this!
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I will be losing 14 pounds (284 start weight) to weigh 270
I will fast 18 hours a day and help to heal my body and lose organ fat
I will take my supplements everyday
I will eliminate stress eating and coping with food
I will eliminate excuses minded reasoning, and approach obstacles reasonably
I will eliminate premeditated failure where I reason with myself, "Just this one time"
I will capture for myself, a lower heart rate (currently 82 just sitting and 62 while sleeping)
I will capture for myself, a smaller belly that fits into clothes better and be able to wear the brown cowgirl shirt without it riding up on me.
I will capture for myself, stronger legs where I can climb stairs without them feeling weak.
I will maximize my love for others by encouraging those on my team to keep going and giving praise when someone has done well.
I will maximize my meal planning by setting aside a time every Monday (my day off) to plan out the week and order groceries.
I will maximize my knowledge, by listening to podcasts and reading books of doctors who are studying how to prevent dementia and mind degeneration and break the cycle so I don't follow in the path of my parents, especially my mother, who was showing signs of dementia even in her 50's (I am 51)
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@snappy_mom I appreciate you sharing here. Unfortunately, you missed your team invitation. Would you like a new team assignment?
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Yes please. I am realizing that I can't do this from my phone and when I logged on with the computer again, I had all the messages. I am just going to have to make a point to get on the computer every morning and not just use the app.
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@snappy_mom I invited you to Rain Dancers. Clicking the link will take you to the team page. Many of our members use the app, but I personally would much rather see everything on my laptop. I'm glad to see you stick with us. Please copy/paste your information above to the designated thread on the Rain Dancers when you arrive there. Have a great challenge!
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@snappy_mom @Ceriusly1 Last week, the app wasn't working when I clicked on Community; it happened to many of us. @snappy_mom If you'd like to use your phone, and the app isn't working well, please use your browser. I was able to access all of the MFP features this way.
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Thinking on this and will blog about it later this week.
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Not a jot a note and forget it , that is great and indeed requires some serious thought. GREAT!!
I too shall probably post on my blog and the team page as well.
Here's to a great challenge for us all!!
Remember if you did your best then you are a winner!!
2 -
- I will put away my shoes
- I will exercise at least 20 min a day
- I will sleep at least 7 hours a day
eliminateš¤
- Eliminate Diet Mtn. Dew A crutch of mine
- Eliminate eating after 7 I graze when I'm bored or tired
- Eliminate stress shopping / eating. Yep, there has been deliveries non-stop to our house
Captureš¤
- Capture increase stamina. I have been running on empty lately
- Capture increase self awareness
- Capture the art of saying "No"
Strengths
1.Strength increase self confidence. One co-worker has been brutal I need to take control.
2.Strength loose 5 lbs. I just finished my steroid series and I didn't do too badly on weight gain. Dr. decided to squeeze it in on this insurance before our new insurance kicks in.
3.Strength Stay calm and carry on.
If this is not where we need to post please let me know. Thanks!!
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I've been asked to share my 'Search for Impact' Statement here:
šµ Search For Impact: Your Before and After Vision of the 2025 Fall 5% Challenge šµPLEASE NOTE: My 'Search for Impact' Statement for the 2025 Autumn/Fall 5% Challenge is posted - in its entirety - in the:
āļøšļøšš» Seasonal 5% Challenges ~ BLOGGERS!! āļøšļøšš»Team.
Here is the link: Seasonal 5% Challenges ~ BLOGGERS!!Once you get to that team, please look for the thread called: hicim705's Haven
Here is the link: hicim705's Haven
Note: To access this team page to read blogs or create your own blogging thread, you must request to join the team. Since we started it several years ago, it has been a spot where many have found a space to blog; many continue to use it regularly.
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Yes, I was all ready to post and realized the "I wills" are where we want to be at end of challenge. I had a lot of "I wills" listed on how to get there. Did some rethinking, and this is where I am:
When we meet here in eight weeks, and I look back to today, what has to have happened for me to feel happy about my progress?
MY VISION QUEST: (October 13, 2025)
- List three I wills:
I Will, have lost 5% (11 lbs) and weigh 210 or below;
I Will, will be comfortable/satisfied eating smaller portions and not riding the sugar-go-round;
I Will, be comfortable again in the next size down of my clothes.
2. List the three most significant challenges to be eliminated:
Eliminate: Sugar intake
Eliminate: Multiple servings (Just 1)
Eliminate: After School/After supper eating3. List your three opportunities to be captured:
Capture: Increased energy
Capture: More toned body--younger look
Capture:Ā Pride in my appearance4. List your three strengths to be maximized:
Maximize: Self-confidence
Maximize: Healthy Rhythm of life
Maximize: Clear, focused mind2 - List three I wills:
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@SharonWIMSONFLOWER - I like your Vision Quest!
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šµSearch For Impact: 2025 Fall 5% Challenge
1.Ā When we meet here in eight weeks, and you look back to today, what has to have happened for you to feel happy about your progress? List three things ... (hint ā always state yourĀ answers as ā¦ āI will ā¦ā
I Will:Ā be like Betty (at least I will be striving toward that goal. Lord, thank You for helping me in my endeavor to be like Betty.) My new positive confession, āBetty set a Beautiful example.Ā IĀ CAN be like Bettyā. I will daily check off my āTo Dosā
I Will:Ā be remembering to take āEvery thought captiveā Positive thinking only! I Will no longer be calling myself stupid.
I Will:Ā have found the food plan that fits me.2.Ā List the three most significant challenges to be eliminated:
Eliminate:Ā The challenge of establishing a routine that works for me and Mom both,
Eliminate:Ā Late-night eating. I think I eat and watch TV late because of the line below this.
Eliminate:Ā The fear of sleep (I have only realized this is true as I have been writing this impact statement in my head over the past few days.)3.Ā List your three opportunities to be captured:
Capture:Ā I am what I eat.Ā I WillĀ remember, it is what goes into me that defiles me.
Capture:Ā Blessed rest
Capture:Ā Strength and stamina4.Ā List your three strengths to be maximized:
Maximize:Ā Time management will find more time to accomplish priorities
Maximize:Ā Increased strength and stamina: As I do more, I will feel better and increase my ability to do more
Maximize:Ā Being more like Betty helps me to become the me I want to be.
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@SharonWIMSONFLOWER - Yay! You got your Search for Impact completed in spite of your schedule and stress! But, you've not yet claimed your points for it, and I want to be sure you realize it needs to be posted on our team for you to get your points. Here's the link to help you find it quickly:
Mission Slimpossible Week 1 Search for Impact1 -
I Will, Follow a high fiber diet
I Will, declutter
I Will, read everyday2. List the three most significant challenges to be eliminated:
Eliminate: Eating before bedtime
Eliminate: Going over with fats
Eliminate: Computer time3. List your three opportunities to be captured:
Capture: Get outdoors more often
Capture: Walking my dog since my ankle is better
Capture: A flatter stomach4. List your three strengths to be maximized:
Maximize: Exercise
Maximize: Walking
Maximize: My Mind0 -
I Will eat healthy foods
I Will meal plan for the week
I Will read2. List the three most significant challenges to be eliminated:
Eliminate: Eating unhealthy snacks
Eliminate: drinking pepsi
Eliminate: unneeded "stuff" in my office3. List your three opportunities to be captured:
Capture: Hit my step goal daily
Capture: Build muscle
Capture: Loose pants4. List your three strengths to be maximized:
Maximize: Strength training
Maximize: PT exercises
Maximize: Time1 -
Impact Statements Week 1
- What must have happened for me to feel good about my progress:
- I will feel good about my progress if I have lost 7.5 lbs
- I will feel good about my progress if I overcome the challenges that have been created as a result of so many changes in my life.
- I will feel good about my progress if I track all my food and activity daily
- List 3 most significant Challenges to be eliminated.
- I will eliminate sitting all day long by setting a timer for 45 minutes and moving for 5 to 10 minutes throughout the day.
- I will eliminate procrastination...I will set a timer to limit my time scrolling on line
- I will eliminate excuses that really should not have impacted my ability to follow through with my healthy habits each day.
- Three Opportunities to Capture
- I will capture the opportunity to stop and savor each meal ā begin with prayer. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the meal. Use the time to relax
- I will capture the opportunity to gain strength and energy
- I will capture the opportunity to spend time unpacking the last boxes from my move...double win ā active minutes and an organized home.
- Three Strengths to Maximize
- I will maximize my organization by filing and using my time wisely
- I will maximize my use of checklists to be sure I have accomplished all I want to do to make progress on establishing healthy habits
- I will maximize my ability to overcome challenges by finding new ways to do things.
Have a Great and Healthy Day
1 - What must have happened for me to feel good about my progress:
