Now is the time to change!

Next week many people across this country will make a new years resolution.

 Many gyms will have new customers, the candy isle at the local grocery store will be avoided and the “diet” sections will be buzzing. Many firehouse meals will not look the same as they do this week. 

 As a firefighter you may or may not consider a New Years resolution. Honestly, I normally never make one! However, as firefighters many of the resolutions made are something that we each should already be doing each and everyday.

 A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people showed that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail, despite the fact that 52% of the study's participants were confident of success at the beginning.

However, you are a firefighter!

You are competitive by nature you can beat the odds!!

As we end 2013 and approach the New Year I challenge you to discredit the above mentioned study. I challenge you to not just to make a resolution but to actually stick to it.

 I challenge each and every one of you to give 5% more each and everyday to the fire service then what you currently do! I know we all give varying levels of effort. But regardless of your personal level of effort I challenge you to give 5% more.

Imagine how much each one of our departments and the fire service as a whole will improve. We would see a reduction of injuries, decreased LODD’s and an increase or morale!

So what do say……. 5% more is not allot to ask! Start today and stick to it!

Divide the 5% up of five different things to make it easier if you must. Items such as being combat ready, your physical fitness level, dedication to learning and applying (when appropriate) the data from UL etc. the list is long and lengthy. You get the point!

Give 5% more today and everyday in 2014! Encourage those you work with do the same!

I wish each and every one of you a Happy and safe New Year

to you and your families.