What a year 2021 was. I ended up spending it mostly at home, although I got an incredible amount of work done. Working from home seems to agree with me.
In 2021, I focused on my virtual, physical and spiritual lives.
I tried to reimagine my teaching and I think I did so, pretty successfully, at least for me. I also tried to keep friendships going by regularly Zooming with people who live near and far. That actually went well – maybe I am better at friendships via Zoom than in person!
I focused on fitness last year. My efforts were spent on weight loss — an area I have always struggled with. I finally proved to myself that I can do this, getting my weight down to 145 lbs and my body fat down to 14%.
I went for a forest walk almost every day on the Bruce Trail behind where I live in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. That was a pleasure because I got to watch and become part of nature’s rhythms as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months. I saw the cadence of the animal’s lives, some of them even got to trust me. I saw and felt the cycle of flowers, trees and other plants. I got to be friends with the birds in my backyard. Forest walking is a true pleasure.
I explored spiritual life a lot more last year. As many of you know, I am a progressive but faithful Roman Catholic. I had a lot to think about as a Catholic in 2021, and I feel like my faith came out of it deeper and stronger.
My consulting business expanded, as I started several new partnerships in 2021. I am happy with that, but I think there is a lot of room to grow.
As for writing, I am unsatisfied with how I did in 2021. Which leads me to my resolutions for 2o22…
New Years Resolutions 2022
- Trimming Distractions. I am going to continue with my journey toward greater minimalism.
- I want to get rid of every material thing that I do not actively use or envision a realistic use for.
- I will trim my personal social media channels back again (except for LinkedIn), tightening my circle of friends.
- I will only read from paper books and magazines in the evening, and banish electronics from my bedroom.
- Finally, I will reduce my commitments to things that take me away from the resolutions below. I have learned that you cannot do everything and that you have to focus in on your goals. For me, that’s led by writing and research — everything else will take second place.
- Writing and Research. I have spent the last six years working in data science at a fairly high level for various clients. Through that time, I have developed insights on Artificial Intelligence, Strategy and Business Analytics for PR.
- This year, I will finish the Artificial Intelligence manuscript I am developing with Martin Waxman.
- I will make serious progress on the manuscript on Strategy that I am working on with Brady Wood.
- As well, I will continue to develop my emerging interest in applying data science to understanding sports communications, with a focus on reputation management and sports gaming.
- Fitness and Strength. I was happy that in 2021, I proved to myself that I can lose weight and keep it off. Now, I am going to get strong and fit.
- My target is gain muscle and lose fat so that I balance out at about 12% body fat, which I think is appropriate for my age (48 as of 2022).
- Spirituality. I want to continue my study of the principles of mystical prayer and meditation.
- I will continue my daily study of Christian scripture and gaining an understanding of other religions and spiritual traditions. I am fascinated by the intersections of the world’s faiths.
- Music. I want to get back to using my piano. I will do my best to make playing the piano a part of daily life in some way again. I might even try again to learn the guitar.
That’s it. I am focusing in on my goals and will make a serious effort to remove obstacles toward achieving them. Wish me luck.
I wish you a Healthy, Happy and Productive New Year 2022. Above all, listen to yourself and seek self-mastery. What do you really want to achieve? Are you focusing on your goals or those others pick for you?
The piano playing sounds nice. As you age you realize what really matters. Trimming is a nice word. May we all have a better 2022.