Starting tomorrow, I'm dedicating the next 120 days to that little raggedy picture in this post. 😂
Not because I'm trying to become famous, rich, deep, enlightened, or the next Apostle, Bishop, Prophet, Reverend Doctor Somebody. I'm simply trying to become a better man.
Truthfully, God has already helped me make progress.
My temper used to be a serious issue. These days? I haven't put my hands on anybody in a hot minute, and I haven't cussed anybody out in at least three weeks. That's growth, saints. 🤣
Now before somebody starts handing me a microphone and asking me to preach, let's be clear...
I'm not a Pastor. I'm not a Priest. I'm not an Apostle. I'm not a Bishop.
I'm just a regular dude trying to walk a little closer with God every day.
And no, this isn't one of those "I'm changing my whole personality overnight" announcements.
I'll still go out. I'll still enjoy life. I might still let a cuss word slip out every now and then. I still enjoy grabbing drinks with friends.
The goal isn't perfection. The goal is progress.
Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God continues the work He starts in us. That means growth is a process, not a magic trick.
One thing I've learned is to surround yourself with people who support your growth. You're grown. Nobody should have to constantly motivate you. Encouragement is great, but discipline has to come from within.
If something or someone is consistently pulling you away from your goals, it may be time to create some distance. Protect your peace. Protect your purpose.
For the next 120 days, my focus is simple:
Spiritually Read at least one chapter of the Bible every day. Attend church every Sunday. Attend Bible study weekly. Find a place to serve and volunteer.
Physically Gym six days a week, rain or shine. Eat vegetarian three days a week. (Vegan food got 47 ingredients and a chemistry degree attached to it, so let's not get carried away. 😂) Take my health seriously and stop treating my body like it's a rental car.
Mentally Take advantage of free classes through the VA and online college programs. Learn functional Spanish and French. Keep challenging my mind instead of scrolling social media for three hours wondering where the day went.
Emotionally Start therapy.
I know therapy still has a stigma in parts of the African American community, but I believe a lot of people could benefit from talking to a professional.
Matter of fact, some of y'all need therapy, prayer, a nap, and a glass of water... but that's a different conversation. 🤣
The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
That's really what these next 120 days are about: strengthening my spirit, improving my health, expanding my mind, and healing emotionally.
Not chasing perfection.
Just becoming a better version of the man God created me to be.
Embarking on a 120-day self-improvement journey like this truly feels like hitting the reset button on life. I remember when I decided to make a similar commitment — focusing simultaneously on spirit, body, mind, and emotions. The key takeaway I found is that growth requires both discipline and grace. Reading a chapter of the Bible daily grounded me in something bigger than myself, providing guidance and peace amid everyday chaos. Attending church regularly and Bible study created a community of support that uplifted me on days when motivation ran low. Physically, committing to the gym six days a week was initially challenging, especially in bad weather or low-energy moments. But over time, I learned to listen to my body and embrace consistency, even when progress felt slow. Incorporating vegetarian days helped me become more mindful of what I fuel my body with, striking a balance without obsessing over complicated diets — just like the article mentions, avoiding vegan meals with dozens of ingredients is a smart way to keep it simple and sustainable. Mentally, enrolling in free online courses changed my perspective about learning later in life. Picking up practical skills like Spanish and French offered a fresh challenge that kept my mind sharp and distracted me from unproductive scrolling through social media. It’s rewarding to realize that mental growth is just as accessible as physical, once you commit. Emotionally, starting therapy was a game-changer. Overcoming stigma can feel daunting, especially in some communities, but speaking to a professional provided tools for healing and self-awareness that are hard to develop alone. Protecting your mental and emotional health by 'guarding your heart,' as Proverbs 4:23 instructs, is vital for overall wellbeing and helps sustain progress across all areas. Throughout this journey, I discovered that progress—not perfection—is the goal, and that progress takes patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to evolve. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support your goals can make all the difference, and sometimes, setting boundaries is necessary to protect your peace and purpose. This holistic approach has helped me grow from a place of realism and faith, making each day better than the last without pressure to be flawless. For anyone contemplating such a transformative path, I encourage you to break your goals into manageable parts like spirit, body, mind, and emotions. Focus on small daily acts, celebrate the wins, forgive the setbacks, and keep moving forward. After all, becoming the person you’re meant to be is a journey worth embracing with honesty and heart.
