Rachel Mercer

Well, I don't think that it'll be all that extreme, I'm not resolving to lose 25 pounds and I'm not going to transform into a social butterfly overnight. Upon reflecting on last year's resolutions, I'd realized that I'd come to achieve many of them -- as a result, I was a bit flustered when it came to writing my new resolutions as, all in all, I find myself a fairly happy camper. However, once I looked a little deeper down I came to realize that of course that there's always more I can do, but this time I think I'm going to focus a little more on pampering me, rather than bettering myself for the sake of a resume boost. So, like last time, I've divvied it up into two sections. The resolutions are concrete ideas, which I have set to complete this year. Goals are broader ideas, more focused on a social and career-oriented mind rather than a personal ideal. 

Resolutions

+ Read More (Fiction)

 Last year I followed my resolution and set myself on a pack to finish a book every two weeks. Though I was successful in that order, not a single book that I read was non-fiction. In fact, approximately 75% of the books that I read pertained to advertising or the creative industries in some fundamental way (there were also some that I read believing would aid me in "hacking the system", though to no avail). Therefore, I think it would be a good break to try to read at least 3 works of fiction this year, I think the first on my list may be the tome that Stephen King recently produced, though I may opt for a smaller piece should I find it too formidable. 

+ Take Time Off

This goes hand in hand with the fact that maybe, sometimes, and only a little bit do I overwork myself. I think that putting some time aside, even if it's just one day a week to take my mind off of things, empty the Hulu Queue, and play a video game or two. I think it's something that's necessary so that I can stop the cycle of putting work over myself.

+ Create More

I'd like to put a weekly goal on myself, even if it's just once a week, to try and create or develop something portfolio worthy. Whether it be a concert poster, a redesigned bookcover, or even an ad assignment from a book, I'd like to explore more creative options outside of my schoolwork. It's something that I used to pursue actively when I had a less trying schedule and I wish I did more of it.

Goals

+ Revamp my portfolio

Obviously I haven't updated my online (and print) portfolio in a good 7 months or so. It definitely needs an update, and this is certainly the year to do it considering that I'm, well, graduating and all of that good stuff. Even if I don't get a job, I'd like potential graduate programs (here's to you Brandcenter) to at least think that I'm up to snuff.

+ Keep the Blog Rolling

This is a blog project that I've been working on since August of 2008. Though I'm quite happy with the layout and overall design of the site, I realized that the blog initially was mostly a link blog. Since I have since moved to my Tumblr account for such pursuits, I figure that I'd like to start sharing more important work, and providing deeper content. For example, in depth book reviews, present social media assessments, and perhaps new content and reactions to other people's blogging. In this sense, I hope to revitalize and strengthen the power of the blog.

+ Work on those people skills

Though last year I was able to come out of my shell a little bit and can now work a room full of strangers, I've yet to become, well, a social butterfly. According to my mom and dad (perhaps I can blame their topics of conversation), my facial expressions typically convey disinterest and/or anger. I hope that this does not come across to everyone that I meet, but maybe making a few more female friends would be a place to start with exercising my more social side.