252 comes from Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and favor with God and man.” As a human, Jesus increased intellectually (wisdom), physically (stature), spiritually (favor with God), and relationally (favor with man). The word for increased is the Greek word προκόπτω which carries the idea of “advance; make progress.” Let's follow the example of Jesus and make progress--together.
The 252 Circle is a community of individuals committed to advance in these four areas and to encourage and support one another along the way. The circle is open and welcome to anyone ready to grow and commit to these expectations:
To join the 252 Circle complete this form by January 14, 2024. You will receive an email on January 15, 2024 to start the experience.
The 252 Circle is a community of individuals committed to advance in these four areas and to encourage and support one another along the way. The circle is open and welcome to anyone ready to grow and commit to these expectations:
- Set and strive to reach 4 Worthy Goals: 1 intellectual, 1 physical, 1 spiritual, 1 relational.
- Read an email of encouragement that will be sent on the 15th of each month (starting January 15).
- Track progress and be willing to share your progress with other members.
- Join a monthly Zoom call with members from 6-7AM or 9-10PM EST on the 1st Monday of each month (starting February 5).
- Optional: Swim 25.2 miles, and/or run/walk 252 miles, and/or bike 2,520 miles over the course of the entire year.
- Optional: Attend free year-end dinner in Greenville, SC for members and (if applicable) spouses.
- Price: $100 (approx. $8 per month). $50 if 23 or younger. See the Q&A with additional details below the form.
To join the 252 Circle complete this form by January 14, 2024. You will receive an email on January 15, 2024 to start the experience.
Q&A
Why the cost? The cost helps you put “skin in the game” and will cover the cost of the final dinner, awards, and admin costs. Having fewer people with a higher commitment level through higher initial investment is better than a ton of people who really aren't that committed. The cost is non-refundable even if you drop out of the circle. Custom 252 Circle shirts may also be available for purchase later in the year.
What counts as a worthy goal? A worthy goal is a goal that will truly take a year to accomplish and that should scare you like the BHAG concept developed by Jim Collins, which stands for “Big Hairy Audacious Goal.” Keep in mind that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a day and underestimate what they can accomplish in a year, so big goals over the course of a year can be broken down into very doable steps. There is a difference between “destination goals,” which is what these commitments are, and “process goals,” which are the daily and weekly steps that lead to a destination goal. For example, to run a marathon in December I need a weekly training plan. The marathon is the destination goal and the process goals are the planned weekly training sessions.
What are example goals for the four categories? Here are random examples of the types of goals that fit in the four categories. You choose goals unique to you in areas you want to progress. Be sure your chosen goals will stretch you.
What about the swim/bike/run distances? This is an optional part of the 252 Circle and there is no expectation that you need to do it. If you do want to try, remember you can swim, bike, or run. You can choose one of the three options to accomplish. You can also choose to do all three and will receive a special award at the final dinner.
What if I can't join the Zoom calls? Please do your best to join the calls. If you are unable to join you may not realize the full benefit of support and accountability. The total time over the course of the year for the Zoom calls is 12 hours, which seems reasonable.
Additional Details:
Why the cost? The cost helps you put “skin in the game” and will cover the cost of the final dinner, awards, and admin costs. Having fewer people with a higher commitment level through higher initial investment is better than a ton of people who really aren't that committed. The cost is non-refundable even if you drop out of the circle. Custom 252 Circle shirts may also be available for purchase later in the year.
What counts as a worthy goal? A worthy goal is a goal that will truly take a year to accomplish and that should scare you like the BHAG concept developed by Jim Collins, which stands for “Big Hairy Audacious Goal.” Keep in mind that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a day and underestimate what they can accomplish in a year, so big goals over the course of a year can be broken down into very doable steps. There is a difference between “destination goals,” which is what these commitments are, and “process goals,” which are the daily and weekly steps that lead to a destination goal. For example, to run a marathon in December I need a weekly training plan. The marathon is the destination goal and the process goals are the planned weekly training sessions.
What are example goals for the four categories? Here are random examples of the types of goals that fit in the four categories. You choose goals unique to you in areas you want to progress. Be sure your chosen goals will stretch you.
- Intellectual: read 20 books / listen to an educational podcast 2x per week
- Physical: lose 15 pounds / run a half-marathon / bench-press 200 pounds
- Spiritual: read the entire Bible / memorize a chapter or book of Scripture / attend church 45x
- Relational: write 50 handwritten cards / make 24 phone calls to your parents / take your child out to eat 2x per month
What about the swim/bike/run distances? This is an optional part of the 252 Circle and there is no expectation that you need to do it. If you do want to try, remember you can swim, bike, or run. You can choose one of the three options to accomplish. You can also choose to do all three and will receive a special award at the final dinner.
What if I can't join the Zoom calls? Please do your best to join the calls. If you are unable to join you may not realize the full benefit of support and accountability. The total time over the course of the year for the Zoom calls is 12 hours, which seems reasonable.
Additional Details:
- I realize “wisdom” in Luke 2:52 encompasses more than simply the “intellect,” but in efforts to simplify and quantify the commitments I decided to use intellect.
- The expectations may sound hard for some and less hard for others. It is helpful to think of goals not as concrete but as targets to nudge you to consistent action throughout the year. Life happens to all of us and we need to adjust our goals accordingly. Hopefully everyone will be stretched in some way. All growth happens outside of our comfort zones.
- If you aren't sure about joining because you may not know anyone else, perhaps you can invite a family member or friend to join with you so you will know at least one other person. Some risks are worth taking. Your growth and development in 2024 may be one of those risks. John Maxwell writes, "Most people have uphill hopes but downhill habits." Be a person with uphill hopes and uphill habits. I encourage you to take Steps to Thrive that are intentional and within the context of a supportive community. I truly believe you will not regret it. Will you join us?
