2020 was a year of challenges and changes. It was a test of one’s character and perseverance. For me, it taught me to step back and reflect; to encourage patience when faced with the unknown (at work and at home), and to build new habits to reduce anxiety and stress. From all of this, I learned to change my worldview and to accept that there are things that one cannot control. Thus, one has to make the best of their situation. I developed new habits, such as gardening with my mother and listening to the news every night.

In 2020, I have read 37 books (e-books and paperbacks), studied Chinese on Duolingo regularly, and participated in 2 art challenges (Mosstober October 15th to 31st and Art in the Time of Corona). While I did not do much writing, I helped my father complete our family tree and discovered a few famous ancestors. As for career development, I attended virtually ASCP Annual in November and completed other continuing education courses on a regular basis.

This year I plan to continue building on the same habits and perhaps work on a writing project. It helped that I use Habitica, a productivity app that helps one keep motivated to complete goals by “gamify[ing] [one’s] life.”

1. Read daily for 15-20 minutes and complete Popsugar 2021 challenge. [37 of 50 books in 2020]
2. Do 1 continuing education assignment every 2 weeks minimum.
3. Write something this year.
   1. Complete travel journals for Korea (2017), and China (2018 and 2019).
   2. Write a new story.
4. Participate in an art project (photography or sketching)– 1 per week or daily challenge.
5. Practice Chinese Mandarin daily on Duolingo for 15-20 minutes.
6. Do 1 stress-free activity per week.

How was your 2020? What are some of your goals/resolutions for 2021?