Sigh, Not Ending 2021 How I Wanted, But It’s All Good

Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Michael Brockbank

Here we are, just a couple of days away from the end of 2021 and I am not exactly in the shape I wanted to be in. And although I’m a bit disappointed, the successes I’ve had this year have taken quite a bit of priority over my life. In fact, this past year has been my best for a very long time.

Despite having a few family and health issues.

What Happened in 2021?

Because I often bite off way more than I can chew, sometimes things take a backseat. Especially since I’ve prioritized quite a bit of my day. Now, I focus more on the things that propel me forward as an author, creator, and blogger.

And although I don’t have the physique I wanted by the end of the year, I can’t scoff at the accomplishments I’ve made:

• My first book, A Freelancer’s Tale, is published on Amazon.
• I’ve written more than 730,000 words, which is nearly twice what I did last year.
• The WriterSanctuary YouTube channel hit 1,000 subscribers.
• Every blog I own increased in traffic compared to last year…even this one!
• I was more productive in 2021 than I was prior.
• And I didn’t put back on a lot of weight. I’m pretty much where I started this time last year.

Perhaps the most important to me is the fact that I can call myself a “published author.” One of my life-long dreams has come true – having my name on the spine of a book sitting on the bookshelf behind me.

Next up is seeing my book in Barnes & Noble.

How Will 2022 Differ from 2021?

As you can see, I accomplished quite a bit despite not losing much weight. So, even though I don’t have the physique of a Greek god, I can’t complain about how my year unfolded.

I’ve spent the better part of the last couple of weeks planning out my new schedule for 2022. It’s mostly centered around my biggest priorities as a writer. But, I still need to improve my overall health and get this site back to where it was.

Getting Back to the Tuesday Podcast

Sam and I miss doing the Tuesday podcasts on CrossingColorado’s YouTube channel. We kind of dropped off since Thanksgiving. Things have been a little rough between schedules and family issues.

However, we’re getting back to it starting in the new year. Mostly because we have some plans in motion for both the blog and YouTube channel.

We’re even coming up with a plan to edit and actually upload the podcasts on Anchor. We’ve recorded quite a few, so it’s time to get them up and going, I think.

Oculus vs Kinect Articles on ColoradoPlays

My son gave me an Oculus Quest 2 for Christmas, and I’m looking forward to comparing calorie burn versus the Xbox Kinect. The hardest part is comparing specific game types.

There’s a big difference between the actions you make playing tennis versus something like Virtual Smash. If I want accurate data, I need to compare similar games.

At any rate, this is pretty much a guarantee that I’m going to be burning quite a few calories in 2022.

Starting My 12-Week Fitness Challenge in Two Days

I tried my 12-Week Fitness Challenge like three times throughout 2021…and I just can’t seem to maintain it very well. I get closer with every attempt, and I’m still going to keep trying until I succeed.

Starting January 1st, I’m putting the hammer down, though. This gives me just enough time to get into shape before going to Las Vegas on April 9th.

I’m not starting it because it’s January 1st and it’s part of a New Year’s Resolution, though. It just happens to be enough time before my trip, and it’s on a Saturday.

Investing In Myself

Like the adage goes, “You gotta spend money to make money.” I’ve spent so much time trying to succeed without spending money on anything, and there’s only so far you can go with this mindset.

This next year, I plan on spending more money on the blogs, YouTube channels, and publishing my books. This means hiring help, which will greatly reduce my stress levels.

This also means buying stuff to review on this blog. Well, aside from food. For instance, we have a Stealth Board that has seen very little action in 2021.

Sam’s One Year of Keto Experiment

My friend Sam is adamant about going the entire year on Keto. So, she’ll be writing blog posts and uploading her experience with it on YouTube on CrossingColorado’s channel.

It’s a way to keep her motivated and pushing forward.

I’m actually interested in the data. We’ll record her entire experience and see what kind of effect it has on her throughout the year.

What Accomplishments Did You Have in 2021?

With the year coming to a close, it’s time to take stock of what you accomplished. Instead of dwelling on the failures, focus more on the achievements. Even the small ones can help boost confidence levels.

For example, I didn’t lose any weight. But I did keep from ballooning back up. Remaining stagnant is better than gaining, so I would call that a win. Especially with how bad I’ve been eating lately.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2022?

About Author

Michael Brockbank

Since 2015, Michael has put in the effort to lose more than 80 pounds by gamifying fitness and eating proper portion sizes. He conducts extensive research into various health and fitness products to provide the best answers possible according to his own experience and knowledge.

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