5 Things I Did Not Accomplish In 2021

During my year-end reflection time, I look at what I wanted to accomplish at the beginning of the year. When I get to the end of the year, I evaluate what I could have accomplished versus what I actually accomplished.

There are always things I do not get done. Sometimes it is a lack of discipline. Other times there are other things that take precedence. Sometimes I just decide the timing is not right or circumstances have changed. 

This year was no different. There were some things I did not accomplish that I wanted to achieve. For my 5 Thursday Thoughts, here are five things I did not get done in 2021. 

Get My Weight Down

This goal is probably the thing that didn’t happen that disappoints me the most. I can file this one in the lack of discipline category. I could give you plenty of excuses, but the truth is that I love food. My son tells me frequently that there is not a workout plan that can overcome a bad diet. I get exercise. It is eating that is the problem. It is on my list again for 2022. I will report back next January on how that goes. 

Less Screen Time

This goal I tracked all year. I was aware of where I was, but I found few ways to change it. The more mobile I become, the more necessary it is to use a device. I write, edit videos, prepare sermons, prepare for sermons, read books, read my Bible, write in a journal, keep track of documents, do bookkeeping, and so much more. My phone is critical to my role as a pastor and a business owner. Though the numbers did not come down as much as I would like, I was aware enough that I can accept where I am and will continue to make adjustments. 

Spiritual Retreat

I spent several days in a cave monastery in Moldova a few years back. I read. I wrote. I prayed. I wanted to do that again this year, but other things crowded my schedule. I had some other opportunities to travel and some situations I felt were a priority, so it did not happen this year. I am working to place that in my schedule this year. I was not disappointed. I am appreciative of how I spent my travel time. We will try again.

Develop Property

Barbara and I purchased a 10-acre lot several years ago. We thought we would build a house there but later decided not to. Over the years, we made attempts to sell the property. With the recently profitable housing market, we thought we might build a spec house and sell the property. We had other opportunities and priorities we decided to pursue. We are considering other options now, so we will see what happens in the future.

Meals With Leaders

When the year started, I had intentions of eating dinner with each of the leaders in my church at least once per quarter. This did not happen. I was able to get with most of them one time, but certainly not four times. This is one of those things that I did not make a high enough priority. It is something that I have made a priority this year. I feel confident in my plan. I will let you know how it goes.

An honest evaluation of where we are and what we have done allows us to make necessary adjustments. I encourage you to evaluate your previous year as well. Next week I will share some things that I was able to accomplish.