During the first episode of the 100 Day Warrior (in Sept 2014) I asked a handful of people from the creative industry to send me questions that they would like to be answered by the participants of the 100 Day Warrior. Out of approximately 30 questions I selected 13 that seem to cover most of the curiosity of most followers. Steven is the fourth of the 100 Day Warrior III to answer them. Want to know what the others said too? Before him went Suzanne, Bas, Martijn (including video), and Noeska (including video). But please read about Steven’s experience first:
1. What were your expectations from the 100 Day Warrior? And have they been met?
I expected guidance and support in my aim to create a more balanced life. A boost to get things on the road. My expectations have been met… and more. At the end of the 100 Day I am much further than I thought I would be. Mentally as well as physically.
2. How does the 100 Day Warrior affect you?
It was really special to give myself this much attention. In the rush of life; work, kids, etc.. I tend to forget to take care of myself. But now, for the first time in years, I no longer go through the day just on mental power and using up my last bit of energy. I’m mentally fit now and my body is stronger than ever. I face obstacles more powerful and understand a lot more about how I cope and react socially, and I have the tools to change.
3. How long before you started experiencing results?
In the beginning the radical change in lifestyle was quite hard, especially sleepwise, but positive results came rather quick. After a week or so changing my diet gave me an enormous energy boost, I felt better than I did in a long time. I was amazed at how fast my body responded to the physical training and I could see the physical changes. And what really surprised me was ’focussing’. Especially at work my focus was so much better. My planning was better, I was more efficient. I always said there were too little hours in a day, well… not anymore.
4. What was your biggest misconception of the 100 Day Warrior?
I was skeptical about the mindful and meditation part. I was afraid that it was too ‘soft’ or too ‘spiritual’ for me. But in fact it was very hands-on and practical. Right from the start it gave me tools I really could implement in my every day routine and benefit from it, at work and in my private life. That was cool and surprising.
5. What impressed you most so far?
Special was the moment I realized I was walking with a big smile on my face while there was nothing special to smile about. It came from within. The program really changed the way I feel, more positive and open. How great is that?
Impressive is the roadmap of the program. It’s really smart in taking you into the process of re-inventing who you really are. All of a sudden the program gets you there, subtle and surprising.
6. What was most challenging, scary or demanding?
At a practical level it was challenging to fit all the work for the program into everyday life and giving it the attention it needs. To get the most out of it, you really have to prioritize the program. On an emotional level it was difficult to always address my feelings and thoughts with an open mind. The program really sets some things in a new perspective and confronts you with your fears and uncertainties.
7. What is your biggest revelation until now?
The insight of how I react to certain situations, how my defense mechanism works, how I’m conditioned and what really holds me back from acting more in line with my inner feelings, dreams and believes.
8. Which part of the 100 Day Warrior program would you rather have started 10 years ago?
The whole package is a great asset but if I have to choose: definitely the Mindful-part. The new insights help me to set my goals straight and bring me on a path closer to my true self. That’s wonderful now, but certainly would have been nice 10 years ago.
9. How does the 100 Day Warrior serve you in daily life and work?
It helps on many different levels, from small to big issues. I’m a better listener now. I am more open and feel more calm inside.
And I do not always fall into the same trap of limiting responses as I did before. I changed my defensive mode into a positive look forward. And overall I am friendlier! How nice is that?
10. Does the 100 Day Warrior have an impact on the way you relate to your life?
The 100DW is not an easy answer to the big questions, but it changed my perspective and it gave me the opportunity to see what’s really important to me and how to start working on it. Before I had one big question: where do I go? After the 100DW I still do not know where I’m going, but I know now in what direction I have to start walking.
11. What do you expect from the 100 Day Warrior in the long run?
A more balanced life with a better focus on what I need, what the people around me need and what the world in general needs. Awareness and action with a positive vibe!
12. What does the term ‘warrior’ mean to you?
A Warrior is a person whose life is built on honesty, courage and kindness. With an open mind, a friendly face and a warm heart reaching out to whoever or whatever needs it. Always aiming for the good and not afraid to fail.
13. What is your wish for the future?
That the group of people practicing the heart of the Warrior will grow. More and more people being infected by other Warriors, by positivity, compassion and the urge to step up and take care of our world and each other.
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Steven van Ooy (46) is a husband and a father of two boys. He is also the Managing Director at Avi Drome and the Creative Director at Sir Rufus. When he speaks from an authentic place he has the gift to move people with sincerity and humor. His deepest wish is to still be in love with his wife when they are both old and wrinkly so that she can doze off against his shoulder while listening to the crickets and watching the sunset from the town square of some tiny rural village somewhere in France. Life would be complete then.
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