A New Year’s ReVolution

For all you grammar folks out there who thought you just found a massive typo in this title, you can breathe a little easier. Revolution is the word I intended to use. This year I have abandoned the idea of joining the 88% of people who will fail at their New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I have decided it’s a year for revolutions!

The beginning of each new year; many people use this day to set their paths for overnight change. They resolve to either stop or start doing something. Perhaps it's to stop eating junk food or start going to the gym. Maybe it's to start looking for a new career or stop wasting time on useless activities. Most resolutions require the determination of an individual to change something about themself, whereas a revolution is about changing the things outside of ourselves. A revolution is drastic. A revolution can be life changing for you and others.

You may know by now that I have a strong passion for reaching out to those in need, specifically homeless youth. For whatever reason, this has been an area where I feel a strong calling to help, and it is no simple feat. It will require nothing less than a revolution; a complete overthrow of the system. Any resolution I make, including cutting back on coffee or saying no to eating the entire bread basket, will not help in the least. A revolution can't afford a 22% success rate; it requires a 180 degree change!

While I know that it is important to set personal resolutions so I can be the best me, this year my goals are going to be focused outward. My revolution for 2013 is to help not just a few, not just a hundred, but thousands of homeless youth find their way to a life of peace, safety, and hope for their future. Whether I lose those lingering pounds or get to the gym three days a week, I can still impact the lives of others. This is the year that my revolution is taking a priority over my resolution!

Will you join me in making a New Year reVolution? What will it be?

 

Comments

[Susan]

Hello Cliff,

Thank you for the note on yesterday’s blog. I am glad you like the word, it truly does create a new vision for us – much bigger than ourselves. I like your idea of setting small, attainable goals and yet giving yourself the chance to expand or retract as needed. I especially like the one that involves spending time with your wife.

Wishing you the best for the New Year,

Susan

[Cliff Cannon]

I like ReVolution. I ask God each year to change me into a better man, to give me fresh insight on who I am and what talents He's given me to then help others. Great word, Susan, and worth thinking about.

Resolutions usually are written off within a few months. I'm doing something a little different for my personal goals. I'm calling them "gentle changes." These are small very attainable habits I can develop, which can build into a larger habit. I have several to choose from and am playing them like cards. I'm starting with two - use honey in my coffee instead of sugar and walk 5 miles a WEEK with my wife. Next month I can add one, or choose to add 2 and lose an existing one. By six months I will have reached 7. And, of course, if I skip an increase, but maintain what I have - that's good as well. It's holding to a commitment that counts.

With your inspiration here, I'm going to consider adding a revolution that starts with small steps... thanks.

Cliff

[Susan]

Dad – I think it is time for you to finally realize that math isn’t my strong point! :)

Susan

[Dad]

A revolution can't afford a 22% success rate; it requires a 180 degree change!

My point here is in the mixing of percentages and degrees. It might be a slightly different approach to say something like: " it WILL require a 100% change to attain a TOTAL revolution"

Just a thought.