New Year, New You: Let’s Make This Year Count!

Hey there, Cleveland! It’s that time of year again when we’re all buzzing with excitement about fresh starts and new beginnings. You know the drill - we’re making those New Year’s resolutions, dreaming up new workout routines, and maybe even thinking about switching up our careers. But let’s take it up a notch this year, shall we? First things first, let’s talk about why we’re doing this. It’s not just about becoming a better version of ourselves (though that’s pretty awesome too). It’s about making a real difference in our community.

As members of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, we’ve got a unique opportunity to lead by example and inspire change. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another New Year’s resolution article? Come on, man!” But stick with me here. I’ve got a challenge that’ll knock your socks off and maybe even change your life.

The 12-Month Game-Changer Challenge

Alright, here’s the deal. We’re going to tackle one area of growth or giving back each month. It’s like a personal growth buffet, and you’re invited to feast! Here’s what’s on the menu:

January: Financial Fitness - Let’s kick it off with some money moves! Start a formal savings account with your bank or credit union. Or better yet, use one of those nifty apps that tucks away $100 per month. By the end of the year, you’ll have an extra $1200 that you probably won’t even miss. That’s a vacation fund right there!

February: Physical Health - Time to dust off those sneakers and get moving. Find a workout buddy and make it fun!

March: Spiritual Growth - How about we feed our souls a bit? Try hitting up church more often. You might be surprised at how it centers you.

April: Declutter and Donate - Spring cleaning with a purpose! Those jeans you haven’t worn in years? Someone could really use them.

May: Learn a New Skill - Always wanted to learn to code? Or maybe salsa dance? Now’s your chance!

June: Random Acts of Kindness - Let’s spread some joy! Hold the door, buy a

stranger’s coffee, or just flash that million-dollar smile.

July: Healthy Eating - Summer’s perfect for fresh fruits and veggies. Let’s see how creative we can get with our salads!

August: Reading Challenge - Beach reads, anyone? Let’s aim for one book a week. Your brain will thank you.

September: Volunteer - Back-to-school season is the perfect time to give back. Maybe mentor a kid or help out at a local school.

October: Gratitude Practice - Let’s count our blessings daily. Trust me, it’s a gamechanger for your mood.

November: Digital Detox - Time to look up from those screens! Let’s reconnect with the real world.

December: Reflect and Plan - We’ll look back on how far we’ve come and dream big for next year.

You know, it’s funny how we often wait for something terrible to happen before we show our kindness. But why wait? Let’s make giving a regular thing in our lives. Got clothes you haven’t worn in ages? Donate ‘em! Someone out there could really use them right now. And here’s a thought - why not volunteer at a local shelter or food bank?

Or maybe mentor a young person in our community? The opportunities to make a difference are endless, and let me tell you, it feels pretty darn good.

Let me tell you about my buddy Robert. Last year, he took on a challenge like this, and man, did it change his life! He started saving 10% of his income in January, and by December, he had enough to make a big donation to a youth education program. Talk about a win-win! But it didn’t stop there.

In March, Robert started going to church regularly. It lit a fire in him, and he ended up volunteering at a homeless shelter. That’s where he met Michael, a young guy who’d fallen on hard times. Robert used his networking skills (which he’d polished up during his “Learn a New Skill” month) to help Michael land a job interview.

Now, here’s where it gets really good. Robert didn’t just stop at helping Michael get an interview. He went through his closet and found several suits, shirts, and ties that he no longer wore. Instead of letting them collect dust, he gave them to Michael. Can you imagine the boost of confidence Michael got walking into that interview looking sharp?

The best part? This didn’t cost Robert a penny extra. He just spent some time with someone who needed a helping hand. It was as simple as that - a little time, a little kindness, and boom! A life changed. By the end of the year, Robert hadn’t just improved his own life - he’d made a real difference in his community. And let me tell you, he was walking on cloud nine. The smile on Michael’s face when he got that job? Robert says it was worth more than any personal achievement.

This story just goes to show that sometimes, the biggest changes don’t come from grand gestures or big spending. They come from small acts of kindness, from taking a moment to see how we can help others with what we already have. It’s about being generous with our time, our skills, and yes,

even our old clothes.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to take on this challenge with me? Remember, every small step we take towards bettering ourselves and our community can spark a chain reaction of positive change. And hey, don’t forget what the Good Book says: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Let’s put that into practice this year.

As Frederick Douglass once said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” So let’s embrace the challenges that come with change, knowing that each obstacle we overcome brings us closer to our goals and the community we want to create. This is our year, Cleveland. New year, new you, new us, new Cleveland. Let’s turn our resolutions into a revolution of positive change. Who’s with me?