At the beginning of 2007, so many of us will resolve and commit to changes and worthy goals to be accomplished in the next twelve months, only to be disappointed come next December 31st when we discover we are no closer to achieving those resolutions than we were on January 1st. Empty promises, vacant goals, too many times, an exercise in futility. And I'm as guilty as anyone else. But this year, I'm on a mission from God. The Bible says that we are God's workmanship, created to do good works. And Lord knows we've got a lot of work to do in our families and in our communities. And none of it can be done unless we maintain our health.

The Top Ten Resolutions generally made by Americans every year are:

1. Lose Weight

2. Exercise

3. Quit Smoking

4. Quit Drinking

5. Be a Better Person

6. Spend More Time with the Family

7. Spend Less Time on the Internet

8. Be More Organized

9. Get out of Debt

10. Be more Spiritual

How many of these resolutions have you made this year?

If you are like most people, you will find that the noble resolutions we make early-on frequently become lost in the fast pace of our daily lives. This year, however, I have adopted one applicable and actionable ReVolution Principle to turn my short term resolutions into a long term reVolution! I share this with you in the hope that you will try it on for yourself, kick the tires, and see if it wears well on you.

ReVolution Principle for 2007: Determine your passion, your purpose and your power. What reVolution do you have the power to create in 2007?

Are you a great teacher, a great marketer, a great mentor for a young person? What can you do to help one other person? Maybe it's campaigning for a greener world. Use your power. Create a ReVolution!

For example, my REVOLUTION for 2007 is to do all I can to help prevent the spread of diabetes. Did you know that an estimated 17 million Americans have diabetes, or approximately five percent of the U.S. population? Tragically, the incidence of the disease among African Americans, Hispanics and some other ethnic groups is as high as 50%. With the rate of diabetes steadily increasing, the need for an aggressive search for better treatments and a cure is apparent. The rate of diabetes is expected to double within the next 25 years. But we can do something about this epidemic.

According to Dr. Arthur Agatston, creator of the South Beach Diet, the early stages of diabetes have very few symptoms. If left untreated, however, diabetes can cause serious damage which can lead to blindness, kidney failure and other major problems. Fortunately, when detected and treated early, diabetes can be controlled. The following quiz can help you determine if you are at risk for diabetes:

1) Are you overweight?

2) Do you lead a sedentary lifestyle?

3) Are you over the age of 45?

4) Are you African American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian American?

5) Do you have a family history of diabetes?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please ask your doctor to check you for diabetes. Keeping your weight under control, eating well and exercising regularly are ways to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

When I was a child, my grandmother had a wonderful way of waking me by saying, in her melodic, sweet-as-molasses voice, "Wake up, Sandra, wake up. Now is the time."

That was her whisper. And if I didn't wake up and get up and get moving, I was bound to hear the thunder clap. And I did not want to hear the thunder clap.

Now I'm passing it on…

WAKE UP, People! Now is the time.

It's time for us to stop making excuses. No more rationalizing, no more fooling ourselves, no more outright lies. Now is the time. We must stop now. We must have a revolution -- in our knowledge, in our thinking and in our actions. We cannot gain or keep any power unless we do something radical. Therefore, I urge you. Get on board. What's your passion, your purpose, your power? Create some real reVolutions in 2007.

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