My 5 Goals For 2021
The week between Christmas and New Year’s has always been an ideal time for me to sit and reflect on the past year’s accomplishments. I enjoy firming up a game plan to achieve the upcoming year’s goals. When I was going through this exercise at the end of 2019, I could not have predicted the rollercoaster of a year ahead of us all, but I also never would have prioritized the blessings that 2020 had in store for me.
2020 provided a much-needed brake check that caused me to slow down, spend time with Kelly and the dogs, and find joy in the little things. Never before have I taken so many mid-day dog walks or sat across from my wife to eat dinner in our own house. These things might be normal for most people, but for me 2020 introduced many things that I hope continue for years to come.
Tony Robbins says, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” With my newfound perspective, I thought I would slow down and properly document the goals that I have set for myself and give you a little background as to what is driving these to be a priority.
2021 Goals:
Stay Focused – Focus is not something that comes naturally to me, I am easily distracted and often find myself off track due to factors that are within my control. This becomes a problem when I overcommit and am trying to balance too many priorities at one time. By slowing down to properly strategize, then focusing on those strategic items quarter by quarter, my team and me will have the chance to be more efficient and thoughtful. This post is my first step to remedy that problem and create greater focus to achieve my goals in 2021.
Read 35 Books – For the last four years, I have been reading (or listening) to books at a rate that the 18-year-old me would have never believed was possible. I read 26 books in 2020 and even know that is a number that tops previous years, I want to create a stretch goal that will push me to learn at a greater pace. Thirty-five books is an achievable goal if I start now.
Weigh 185 lbs. – In 2014, I took my health serious after a friend challenged me to straighten up. I was able to get my weight down and my strength up—even completing a 13-mile Spartan race in a respectable time. Throughout the last five years, I have reverted to my old ways and the inner fat kid has definitely returned. I liked the way I felt about myself and know that I have the mental toughness to get back to the gym and stay off the gummy bears.
Write 12 Blogs – When COVID first reared its ugly head and lockdowns were put in place, I worked alongside my friend Glenn Booth to create a LinkedIn accountability group that encouraged me to write a blog each week for eight weeks. This was the most consistent I had ever been on LinkedIn, and I felt that my content was improving each week. I intend on building off of that consistency but also want to slow down a little to allow myself a little bit more time to create higher quality posts. I intend on writing one well-thought-out post for LinkedIn each month. It will be a post that can provide value and give readers a glimpse into my world.
Go on An Epic Adventure – I consider myself a professional traveler; I have logged enough miles on airplanes and nights in hotel rooms to last me 10 lifetimes. Even though most weeks you will find me living out of a suitcase, I can count on one hand how many of these trips would be worthy of sharing with my nieces 20 years from now. I am not sure if it is going to be riding on a Harley Davidson through the Black Hills of South Dakota or living out of a backpack while wandering the Appalachian Trail, but 2021 is going to be an adventure.
I have a handful of other goals for myself—both personally and professionally—to pursue in 2021, but regardless of what I am able to accomplish, I feel privileged to be able to share these thoughts with you. I would also like to ask for your support. If you have any feedback or words of encouragement that will help me achieve these goals, please leave a comment, or send me a DM. I would love to know what your 2021 goals are and what can I do to support you in achieving them.
“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.”
Bruce Lee
