Most of you know my background:
- 30-year career in IT working for large corporate companies
- Starting my own online business 4 years ago
- 18 months ago left the corporate world to run my on-line business from home
- Last year, put on over 30 lbs in weight while working from home
That’s right…30 lbs.
Even though I danced ballroom and Latin twice a week, played badminton and went for daily walks.
I know I can’t believe it either!
It creeps up…the weight. You don’t really notice it – well I didn’t.
I knew some of my clothes no longer fitted me but it didn’t matter – I was in denial.
A few chocolate biscuits here, a hamburger there. You think, “Just one more…what can one more piece of cake do?”
Then I saw myself on video and boy, did I look overweight!
It wasn’t like looking in the mirror. The mirror stares back and you see what you want to see. It seemed different on video. In the mirror you seem just a face or a static body. In video, you see movement…you see how the shirt buttons are being stretched.
The video was the turning point.
I had to do something.
I had to take positive action.
I did.
I weighed myself and measured the size of my chest, stomach and arms.
I weighed 196 lbs.
My stomach was 39 inches.
My chest: 39 inches.
My arms/biceps: 15 inches.
For the past 12 weeks, I’ve been following an exercise plan.
Each day I exercise, I get up at 6am and drive to the gym. Complete the exercise, shower and back home by 8am – already for the working day ahead.
The first few days were exciting. Something new. Something different. The first week, I lost 4 lbs.
WOW!
That motivated me to go the second week.
The second week I lost 2 lbs.
By now, I had changed my eating habits as well. No more biscuits or cake. I was eating fruit for snacks and cooking with fresh ingredients.
My 12-week plan finished this weekend and overall I am pleased. I must admit, I did expect to lose more weight than I have but I did set some specific hard targets.
My current weight/measurements:
I weigh 175 lbs (lost 21 lbs).
Stomach: 35 inches (4 inches smaller).
Chest: 40 inches (1 inch bigger).
Arms/biceps: 16 inches (1 inch bigger).
Why am I telling you all this?
No matter what you want to change you have to take action…positive action.
Don’t get me wrong it has been hard work to get some shape and fitness back.
There have been many a time when I wanted to go back to sleep rather than get up at 6am.
There have been many times when I wanted ice cream or a big fat juicy hamburger.
It’s a huge challenge just like blogging.
During my 12-week fitness plan, I needed:
- To work hard. There is no quick and easy way to make money via blogging. It takes hard work. Just like you cannot take a pill and you suddenly lose 6 lbs…you cannot buy a $27 blogging e-book and expect to be earning thousands of dollars by this time next week.
- Targets. I had targets for weight loss, weight lifted, running times, etc. You need targets for your blogging business as well. Number of visitors, blog posts, backlinks, etc.
- A daily plan. I know exactly what I am going to do each day I enter that gym door. It’s planned out. Your blogging business should be also. What are you going to do today to hit your targets?
- Someone to turn to. When I need help on a particular exercise I asked the personal trainers at the gym. They were always willing to help. When you get stuck on your blogging business, make sure you have someone who you can ask. NEVER be afraid to ask.
So what now for my fitness plan?
I’m starting again. I start my 12-week training plan again…only this time I shall jog a bit faster. I shall lift heavier weights. I shall train harder.
What about you? What positive action are you going to take to make your blogging business even better?
Please share your comments below. Thanks.
P.S. Did you see the photo? That really is me. I had to have several pairs of trousers made smaller!
_____________________________________________________________________________









I have been online since 1996 and in that time I have been involved in the development of almost 400 web sites for my clients. I have worked with a wide variety of vendors and I have to tell you that Andrew @ We Build Your Blog has far exceeded my expectations. In addition to his vast knowledge and expertise, he is a genuinely great guy, who always goes the extra mile. I highly recommend him, in fact I only recommend him now for web development.
Without Andrew, I wouldn't even have a blog -- I would still just be sitting here, staring at my computer, feeling confused and helpless. With Andrew, I no longer fear confusion and it's impossible to feel helpless. He exerts any and all necessary efforts to resolve any problem or perplexity -- quickly, kindly, intelligently, up to and including IM exchanges in real time via skype. I would urge anyone at any level of expertise (or not) to make the most of his extraordinary talent.
I
was impressed with the excellent service.
I
am very happy to provide a testimonial for Andrew Rondeau. All the parts of
the process of working with Andrew were a pleasure. He clarified what I was
wanting and he delivered it without fuss. He was courteous and prompt in all
his dealings with me. I have no hesitation in recommending Andrew to anyone
who wants work done on their blog.
Andrew
is highly knowledgeable about blogs, and you can get your blog up and running
successfully and fast. Andrew has helped me immeasurably with
my blog and he is patient and good natured and a wonderful teacher.
I wanted a stylish website that presented my original abstract art in a visually attractive way. Andrew came highly recommended to me as a "no nonsense" practitioner. He does exactly what he says he will do: I give him the parameters to work within and he provides a quick and precise service. You will receive nothing but the best from Andrew!
I've spent insane amounts of money in the past with former webmasters until I discovered Andrew Rondeau.
The best blog builder, and the best blog maintenance, I've ever met is Andrew Rondeau. This fellow is an authentic professional in every sense of the word. He's lightning fast, knowledgeable, competent, a skilled listener. He goes the extra mile. He's able to share his passion for his work and products without being pushy. He as other great internet skills, too, but his most impressive attribute is mastery of website building.
Andrew is highly knowledgeable about blogs and very customer service focused. I knew nothing about blogs and Andrew was very kind, patient, pleasant to work with, receptive and responsive. Work was delivered in timely manner and if I need anything done for blog again I would use Andrew. If you are looking for quality work, excellent customer service and someone that really gets YOU and your needs, I recommend Andrew!.
I was introduced to Andrew by a dear friend Corinne Edwards and Andrew as transformed by blog in ways that have reaped results. My membership has gone up and my blog always looks clean and easy to read. Whenever I send Andrew a request to check out - it's ALWAYS prompt and easy to understand. In my humble opinion he is the BEST when it comes to knowledge of the blogging world.
Andrew is the real deal and he knows his stuff! His customer service is superb and he gets your work done FAST! You won't need to wait around for endless weeks to see results. Most importantly he works on the site as if it's his own, thus you are assured that you will get the best quality service. I now give Andrew all of my new and old sites to work on. Trust me; you cannot go wrong with this gentleman!
Thank you Andrew for your patience in getting my website and on-line courses on-line and selling. You were fantastic in learning the delivery platform software that I had chosen and you were across the complexities quickly. Your detailed approach in setting guidelines and deliverables bought my focus back to where it should be and got the job done. Thank you for all your efforts it was a pleasure.
Andrew is an asset to our ongoing website and social media needs. He responds quickly, accurately, and cost effectively. Andrew plays a consultative role in many aspects to our online needs.
I happened to stumble upon Andrew's website (WeBuildYourBlog.com) while searching for blogging services that would help me start my very own blog. I was a total newbie when it came to the blogging world. Fast forward 3 months and not only do I have my own awesome blog, but friends and family are actually asking me how to start their own blog and I am able to set their blogs up for them! In only 3 months under Andrew's guidance I went from total newbie to being sought after. Thanks Andrew!
The
end result is a fantastic site that is attracting a lot more attention
and visitors than my old one.
Andrew
has extensive knowledge about internet marketing, SEO and building web
sites/blogs. His course explained everything in an easy to understand
way and I now have a web site that is generating me new clients and
producing income from internet product sales.
Andrew was kind enough to offer up his own time as part of an initiative to make the world a better place, and I was one of the beneficiaries of that effort. He spent an hour with me working on improving my bounce rate; he suggested several helpful strategies. Most importantly, he helped me with some key processes to help speed up my site, which had bogged down considerably with overuse of graphics. Andrew helped me get set up with Rackspace, which helped so much. From a load time of almost 30 seconds, the site sped up to about a 6 second load. Thanks so much, Andrew!
Having worked with Andrew on and off over the last year, I have found him to be very patient, helpful and easy to work with. He is also very knowledgeable, supportive and a true expert.
I
approached Andrew in February 2010, because I needed to enhance the way I communicated
my business.
Hi, Andrew Rondeau here and this blog, my blog, will not lie to you. I will give it to you straight.This blog is about blogging, the Internet and sharing my experiences and advice on
Congrats on your achievement. I know all too well how fast those extra pounds can creep up when we work from home. This month I’m taking action in my blogging to finish (finally!) a free download to offer as a subscription incentive. No excuses, just solid daily actions.
Jean Sarauer recently posted..How to Grow Your Blog With Kindness
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Jean,
Free guide – excellent news!
Let me know when it’s ready for download.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Take The Stress Out Of Blogging
Wow! Congratulations! I too fell prey to blogger fatitis and I’m trying to fight back! I work out daily and watch what I eat – which is proving to be a huge challenge with the kids at home for the summer vacation and the house full of snacks and junk food.
I have a good motivator though – a 100 days long semi-trekking trip to the US next May!
Anne M recently posted..How to Find Blog Sponsors
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Anne,
My wife and I decided to remove all the junk food.
I find snacks the hardest thing to be healthy – so during this next 12 weeks, just fruit for snacks for me.
Trip sounds great – my son is going to US /Canada for 3 months next year.
I’m very envious.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Take The Stress Out Of Blogging
Positive thinking with self motivation works like a charm for anything you ever wanted. Your weight-loss is another example of what i am talking about

Vipin recently posted..Romantic SMS Messages For Your Wife!
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Vipin,
And…dedication…hard work…persistence and all those other adjectives, eh?
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Take The Stress Out Of Blogging
Twitter: happymakernowco
I don’t have the weight problem, other then i have trouble keep weight on. Do however need a little firming up. When it comes to blogging I am trying really hard to have a plan and work my plan every day. I shall get there and thanks so much for all the good tips you give and the help.
Thanks again Andrew and have a wonderful day.
Debbie
Debbie recently posted..Look over your past memories to spark happiness
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Debbie,
I need a plan whether it’s a blogging one, a fitness one, a ‘what shall we do this weekend’ one.
I hope your blogging plan is enabling you to make progress.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
I’d love to find out about your 12 week plan in more detail. What kind of exercising you did, what meals you prepared.

Dean Saliba recently posted..The 7 Links Challenge
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Dean,
That sort of information will be shared another time!!!!
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Take The Stress Out Of Blogging
Great achievement!
21 pounds in 3 months is pretty darn good, esp. since it sounds like you are gaining lean muscle mass.
Keep up the good work and make some sort of a guide out of what you have learned IMO
Thanks,
Steve
Steve Scott Site recently posted..The Secrets to Long-Term Blogging Success Part 15
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Steve,
Not so sure on the ‘lean muscle’.
I am thinking of creating som sort of guide – thanks.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
Congratulations Andrew! Huge accomplishment. Here’s to another 12 weeks, eh! What’s next, a marathon, scaling some mountain?

Colleen recently posted..New Listings Today- Tri Cities Washington August 2- 2010
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Collen,
No it won’t be a marathon – my knees wouldn’t take it.
I did a half-marathon 10 years ago, though.
I’d like to lose another 10lbs or so.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
I mention ‘marathon’ mainly because of the book “Younger Next Year” Highly recommend it. The ‘hedge’ principle places an event in the future you have to keep exercising to prepare for. The book is a must read for anyone over the age of 40, – you, me, my husband, in a few years most of your visitors!

Colleen recently posted..Livin’ It Up in the Park Fundraiser Benefiting Modern Living Services
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Colleen
Thanks for the book tip. I looked an Amazon and it has great reviews. Decided to buy it.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Where To Find Your Article Directory RSS Feed
You’ll love it. The book is a life-changer for us.

Colleen recently posted..Tri Cities Washington Business Crime Prevention Conference
Twitter: thatgirlisfunny
Super slim Latin dancer – sounds sexy! Well done, Andrew!
For a good laugh with some proper English girls, check out the link I’ve left for you

Cheryl from thatgirlisfunny recently posted..Jane Austen’s Fight Club for Ladies Who Love to Bash
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Great video, Cheryl.
Did you see I ‘stole’ the one you shared recently – my latest post!
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
At the moment my next step is offering personal calls over Skype. We’ll see how it goes.
Evan recently posted..Time to Move
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Good luck, Evan.
Let me know how it goes…
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
take action, that’s something that’s so easy to tell myself LOL, I guess I need to control some parts of my life while I still can. I regularly go to the gym about 6 months ago, and I did well with my weight (since I’m underweight before and again). Sustaining the habit is the real challenge, I guess I wasn’t that disciplined enough to sustain my own health, knowing that I excessively smoke these days, due to tons of work.
But your results are definitely inspiring, and I’m taking your word as a good wake up call, I “MUST” take the right actions while I’m still young
Thanks for the very convincing post Andrew.
Regards,
Jason
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Wow, Jason!
I’m pleased the post could make a difference.
Seeing my fat self on the video was my low point.
Will you do it?
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
Yep, I’ve thought about it last night, and I realized that I do want to prolong my life and enjoy my days with no limitations, physically. That’s why I’ve decided to start taking care of myself and I’ve actually started doing things this morning, I ate breakfast for the first time in several months
I’m also planning to start pumping some muscles this coming weekend.
This is a life changing post Andrew, and I’m a living testimony of it
Thanks man! I do appreciate your efforts in sharing your personal experiences to make your readers take advantage of their potentials, well that’s what I’ve felt after “TAKING THE ACTION”.
Regards,
Jason
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Jason,
Wow – that’s great news.
Keep us posted on your progress, won’t you?
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Where To Find Your Article Directory RSS Feed
Congrats on your weight loss, Justin! The key to healthy and permanent weight loss must be slow (fast weight loss will only lead to fast gain weight too), and you’re doing a great job so far! I too have gained weight because I spend most of my working time in front of the computer, but as long as I pay attention to what I eat and exercise regularly, then I guess everything will be alright. Keep up the good work!
Felicia recently posted..High Stakes legend Martonas back at the tables
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Felicia
“Pay attention to what I eat and exercise regularly” – that is all there is to it. No secret, no pills.
So simple really…but so,so hard to do!
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
I like your analogy to working out. but my question is how would you compare your second 12 week plan to blogging?
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Lavera
Momentum…
Once you get past the first few months of exercise you start to see results and as you continue to exercise you get fitter.
With blogging, you get more visitors, more comments, more sales!
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
Andrew it is good that you have a habit of exercise. After coming to the online marketing field I completely leave to exercise for which my health is going decrease day by day.
I am going lazzy for doing exercise.
chandan recently posted..Massage Equipments For Health
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Chandan,
Think you will change and start?
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Having A Bad Day Then Just Smile
Yes I am think for change my daily life schedule. Well thanks Andrew.
chandan recently posted..Massage Equipments For Health
Congrats my friend!
Mine’s over 100 lbs, started long before my Internet career.
Unfortunately certain injuries prevent many forms of exercise and workout, for a while at least.
Pretty much the only thing I can do for who knows how long is walk. Even that is seriously hindered until the ankle to knee hole in my leg is fully healed (long story)
Dennis Edell recently posted..UPDATED- 2 Immediate Feedbacks Needed PLEASE!
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Dennis,
I hope things get better for you…real quick.
What are the timescales for the healing?
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Where To Find Your Article Directory RSS Feed
This summer marks 1yr – would care specialist says maybe Thanksgiving.
Dennis Edell recently posted..The ABSOLUTE Final Posting
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Dennis,
That’s not too far away, is it?
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..11 Ways To Outsmart The Average Blogger
3 months, hope he’s right.
Dennis Edell recently posted..The ABSOLUTE Final Posting
A good exercise plan or gym is very important for anyone who is working from home. It is very important to watch your weight and what goes into your mouth. If you dont want to put on unnecessary weight.
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Luqman,
Easy to say…sometimes very hard to do!
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..11 Ways To Outsmart The Average Blogger
Congratulations for your weight loss! For me, i don’t have overweight problem but underweight problem! So everyday, i try to eat a lot to gain weight but it is so hard for me!
I recommand you to drink green tea, i heard it has weight loss vertu!
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Sushie,
You sound like my wife. She cannot put on weight either and she eats whatever she wishes.
Thanks for the tip, re: green tea.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Win A Book By Simply Commenting
Some serious motivational tips you’ve got here. I’ve been dying to kick myself off the excess carbs but simply can’t. I’m somewhat of under constant stress (work,extra work and blogging) and eating is how I deal with it.
Maybe the time has come to be proactive as my pants are becoming quite a challenge each morning
I still do my best to work hard @ my blog but having pre-hypertension doesn’t help @ all. Now I have to slow things down a little to avoid being TRULY hypertensive.
Udegbunam Chukwudi recently posted..Free Blog Setup Services For Five Grab Yours NOW!
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Udegbunam
That’s how I started to get bigger…eating and eating…until my trousers didn;t fit.
Then I had to do something.
Try a routine. Just 30 mins before you start work…do a little exercise. It soon starts to become a habit.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Link Building Campaign- Why Is It Important
Yes, positive action! move forward. don’t want to mislead you about my personality (my blog, for instance is a bit snarky), but I keep this quote above my desk:
“whatever you think you can do, or believe you can do, begin it. For in action there is magic, grace and power.” Goethe
that said, changing out the badminton for tennis might help too! (see, snarky. can’t help myself)
thanks for the post. enjoyed it!
Monkey recently posted..Brother- Can You Spare a … Platinum Card
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Monkey,
Great quote – like it.
For me, I use more energy playing badminton than tennis. It just makes me run around more!
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Link Building Campaign- What Makes A Strong Backlink
Wow – I’m impressed! Thanks for sharing. Must go and reread your blogging guide to get on track with my blogging.
Val
Twitter: andrewrondeau
Valerie
All feedback on the free guide would be welcome – thanks.
Andrew
Andrew recently posted..Tips For Outsourcing Properly And Successfully
Congratulations, Andrew -
Don’t get too skinny.
Personally, I have always preferred a man with a little heft to him.
Corinne Edwards recently posted..A WOMAN WITHOUT A MAN – My sister – and a barking dog