“The great danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark”.
(Michelangelo)
Decided to check my 2021 goals in December to see how well I did to accomplish the things I projected to get done back in January 2021.
Yearly goals are a big part of my planning process and I love checking things off my list. The written goal is a way to ensure success and provides clarity on things to get done in the new year.
2021 presented some unique opportunities for me and I am happy to grow on a professional and personal level.
There was only one area where I did not meet or exceed my written goal. I started 2021 with a written goal to cook weekly and I started the year off well. I made a point to meal prep and utilized my crock pot for convenience. My cooking goal lasted about two months before the wheels fell off on my progress. Working late and my scheduled after work runs are the excuses but the convenience of the drive-thru is the real reason. Turns out it is a lot easier and quicker to pull up and order something without having to come home and cook. I realize the drive-thru is not the healthiest option for me, but I rationalize this process with an extra run or two to combat. I will do a much better job with this goal in 2022!
Travel
Travel was an area I wanted to hit specific marks in 2021. COVID-19 eliminated most travel plans in 2020 and I wanted to get back on the road once it was safe again. I was leery of the vaccine process early on but fully embraced the concept once the vaccine was available. I wanted to be able to see family and friends again without the concern of bringing the virus with me. I understand vaccinated people can still carry but felt a sense of relief once I received the Moderna doses.
I routinely took monthly excursions prior to COVID-19 and looked forward to doing this again. Clearwater, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Melbourne were targeted cities for my monthly getaways and happy to report I hit them all. Orlando and Melbourne were regular visits for me in 2021. I also made it back to Jasper at least once per month to see my mom and family.
My visit to Clearwater Beach back in January was my first time there. I always saw pictures and heard about the area but never took time to visit. I am happy I made the trip over and will return October 2022 to run in the inaugural Clearwater Rock N Roll Half Marathon. Plan to get more sightseeing in when I get there.
Got in a few running tourist opportunities too: Virginia Beach, Savannah, and Orlando.
My last 2021 travel adventure got me back to Nashville, Tennessee to listen to live music and enjoy a great city. The Wild Horse Saloon was closed on this trip, but I will be back for the 2022 Nashville Rock N Roll Half Marathon in April. I will get my line dancing in when I return. 😊
Exercise program
Exercise is a huge part of my daily routine. This is an area I take a lot of pride in and hit all my goals in 2021.
The first thing I wanted to hit was 1,000 training miles. Happy to report I was able to finish the year with 1,055 training miles. Building training runs into my daily schedule allowed me to hit this mark without feeling rushed to get training completed. I will leverage my 2021 training routine to build an aggressive 2022 training goal to help me challenge myself. Will share this number in a later post.
I set a goal to break my Personal Record (PR) in a 10k race and beat my friend Lauren Kume’s time in 2021. I ran a PR of 55:57 (Fifty-five minutes and 57 seconds) at the 2021 Winter Park 10k in March 2021. I did not run faster than Lauren, so I get to try again in 2022. I am registered for the same race in March 2022 and will work to get closer to 54 flat—still more work to do but headed in a good direction. Seems I am always chasing Lauren, but she inspires my running program—thank you! 😊
My workouts in 2021 were much improved. I still make it to the gym for weight training at least two times per week and upgraded my home equipment to enhance my strength training. I got in 5 body weight sessions weekly to complement my work in the gym. I was able to add more muscle definition and maintain my weight even though I do not eat the healthiest. I will correct my eating habits in 2022.
Writing
I maintained a consistent writing program throughout 2021. I published several articles on LinkedIn and added my poetry to the Walk into The Future blog. My blog library allowed me to publish weekly content to share my thoughts, views, and travel with readers. I gained a few more blog followers and incorporated content several friends requested. I plan to continue to build new blog content in 2022—don’t know how much longer I will use this platform, but I have other areas I want to explore for the blog so keep sending me your ideas. I will work to build content to keep your interest.
I did not publish my Leadership ebook in 2021 but did work on content throughout the year. I talked with a designer to build the cover art but will need to reengage with him to finalize the cost for the project. This will be a rollover goal for 2022.
Happy with my 2021 goal progress and excited to launch my 2022 goals towards another successful year.
How did YOU do on meeting your 2021 goals? What big things do you have planned for 2022?
Make it great!
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream”.
(C.S. Lewis)
Walk Into the Future 