by Claire Schmieder, Head Editor, INALJ NJ

5 Things I’d Like to Learn in 2014

I am really bad at making, and then following through with, New Year’s resolutions. If I do make them, I start feeling like there is all sorts of pressure on me to get started, so I start hiding from my self-imposed projects. Then I feel guilty. It’s at that point that I spiral out of control. It’s ridiculous, I know, but it’s just the way my brain works.

I’ve figured out how to avoid this whole spiral thing, though. When I re-frame resolutions as “things I’d like to learn,” my brain gets all happy and motivated. I try to come up with about 5 items for my yearly list, but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t get to everything. Voilà! Resolutions, without the constant guilt.

Here’s my 2014 list, in no particular order:

1. SQL.  I took the requisite info tech class at library school, but we didn’t spend enough time on SQL for me to really get it. Why do I want to learn it? No particular reason – I just think it would be cool to be able to use it.
2. How to use an elliptical trainer without looking like an idiot. I’ve avoided gyms for years, exercising, instead, by playing sports. Now I’m older. And I’ve got wickedly stubborn tendonitis. And I need to start taking better care of myself. Thus, a gym membership and low-impact machines are on the horizon.
3. Tumblr. I just got the hang of Twitter, like, this year. Now, I’d like to try to figure out microblogging with images and GIFs.
4. Public speaking. I don’t have a fear of speaking in public, but I know that it takes major skills to be good at it. I’d like to learn some of those skills in the coming year. Maybe Toastmasters?
5. How to connect with teenagers. I work with a lot of teenagers at my new job and I have to admit that I feel a little bit overwhelmed by them. (Honestly, I felt overwhelmed by teenagers when I WAS a teenager.) Luckily, I’ve got some folks who can help me figure out how to work with them.

Wish me luck!