Our plans for 2020 may not have played out anywhere near imagined, so as we close the book on 2020, I reflect on my list of goals, some that I achieved and some I didn't. There are some tools and resources that I wish I would have applied, but I will be carrying these over into the new year. If you are someone who has set new goals as we start 2021 but don't know where to start, we're here to help!
Tips for Setting and Achieving Your Resolutions:
- Be intentional, flexible, and realistic: When setting goals, be intentional but consider the resources available to you. These could vary from your time, energy, cost, physical health, social support, etc. In times like these, local measures should also be taken into account. For example, I want to watch two new documentaries about the culture and history of other countries vs. I want to visit two new countries. This also brings flexibility into consideration, and preparing for the unknown and adjusting your goals as a situation evolves.
- Measure your goals (in a way that makes sense for you): If you are motivated by deadlines and tracking goals along with measuring progress, you may want to quantify the goal. If you are overwhelmed by these numbers, then set a broader goal. For example, I want to read three books every month, vs. I want to read more this year. Both are achievable goals, but one may work over the other for you.
- Stay inspired: Sometimes transitions can be hard. Inspire yourself by seeking out new ideas and advice from others. For example, if you want to try new recipes in the new year, look to books, blogs, documentaries, films, and restaurants. They can be a good start to making sure you are inspired and stay on track.
Resources Available at San Mateo County Libraries:
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If your resolutions are to be more crafty or learn a new skill:
- Lynda.com: A constantly growing library of more than 8,500 courses in streaming video format with 40-60 new courses added weekly
- CreativeBug: Get crafting with Creativebug! You can choose from 5000+ online classes taught by crafting artists and ranging on subjects from painting and drawing to canning and preserving.
- Pronunciator: Learn a new language with Pronunciator. Choose from any of the 163 languages in Pronunciator and dive in with self-directed lessons, live teachers, movies, music, and more.
- ABCmouse: With 9,000+ (English/Spanish) interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and other learning activities, ABCmouse.com’s award-winning online curriculum is an invaluable resource for young learners ages 2 to 8.
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If your resolutions are centered on your overall health and well-being:
- Calm: Calm is an online service that provides guided meditations, courses, stories, music, and other helpful tools to manage stress and mental health.
- Udemy by Gale: An online learning platform for San Mateo County Libraries cardholders who want to improve work-related skills or further develop a personal interest.
- Medline Plus: Health information from the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine.
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If your resolutions are to read more and explore new forms of media:
- Recommendations: Check out our Best of 2020 staff recommendations.
- Curbside Services: It’s now easier than ever to pick up items and get access to our collection of books, movies, music, and more.
- Hoopla: An online service for library users to access eAudiobooks, eBooks, and Comic Books from top publishers as well as Movies, Music, and Television shows from media companies such as Nickelodeon, A24, The Great Courses, BBC, Acorn TV, and more. Hoopla can be used on mobile devices, TV streaming players, and computers.
- Kanopy: Offers more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie, and classic films, and world cinema with collections from The Criterion Collection, Kino Lorber, Music Box Films, Samuel Goldwyn, The Orchard, The Great Courses, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers.
- SimplyE: This app is a convenient way to access library eBooks and eAudiobooks, as well as thousands of works in the public domain. SimplyE consolidates San Mateo County Libraries Overdrive, Axis 360, Enki, and public domain eBooks and eAudiobooks into a single collection.
What New Year's Resolutions have you set for this new year? Let us know in the comments!
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