It’s 2017, the year of more (for me).

I feel pretty good about where I am. I try to take everything in moderation, be the best I can be to myself and others, and I don’t sweat the small things. But don’t get me wrong, we can all do better…and more.

I know “less is more,” right? Right. Unless it’s wrong. Sure, keeping a graphic or a video simple rather than intricate when editing is probably your best bet. But, in the words of Frank Lloyd Wright, “less is only more where more is no good.” Eating more fruits and veggies  >  Eating less fruits and veggies.

This year, I hope to focus on what I need to do more of in my life and at work. Are they exciting? Not really. But feel free to keep reading if you’re curious.

1. More student involvement

“The only mistake you can make is not asking for help.” -Sandeep Jauhar

Social media is powerful. It’s even more powerful when you’re able to leverage your audience to help you create content you couldn’t get otherwise. The day-to-day gets busy, and I have definitely put this on the back burner (right next to all those fruits and veggies I promised myself I’d eat last year). This year, I plan to engage and involve as many student perspectives as I can into my social strategies.

2. More stories

“Great stories happen to those who can tell them.” -Ira Glass

I love writing, I do. I don’t do it as often as I’d like so I tend to shy away from it due to lack of practice and repetition. However, this year I look forward to putting my writing cap to good use and seeking out new stories from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical sciences, and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

3. More CAM the Ram

”      ” -CAM the Ram (come on, he can’t talk)

I lead the social and digital strategy for the beloved CAM the Ram (and of course I get a lot of help from Team Social, the mascot and the Ram Handlers). In recent years, CAM has been an afterthought. It pains me to admit that. I remember CAM around 4:55 p.m. and I’m pretty sure CAM would tell me how disappointed he was if he could talk. This year is all about boosting CAM’s social presence and getting him the love, likes, favorites, retweets and shares he deserves.

4. More video and design

“The artist is not a special kind of person; rather each person is a special kind of artist.” -Ananda Coomaraswamy

Oh, visual design.

I’m not a naturally visual person. Words? You bet. Graphic design, photo, video? It’s a little harder. (Anyone else seeing a pattern in the whole “shying away from things I’m uncomfortable with” thing?) This year, I plan to do much more of all three, and get to know our camera a little better.

5. More travel

INSERT CLICHE TRAVEL QUOTE 😉

I know, so cliche. But it’s such a common resolution because traveling is so amazing, and I doubt anyone would ever make a resolution to travel less, so don’t judge me. This year, talks of Europe and Cuba are in the works. I’ll let you know how many places I made it to this time next year.

6. More water

Gurgle.

Is it just me, or does anyone else forget to drink water constantly? A doctor would probably be alarmed by how much I mindlessly dehydrate myself.

7. More cheese

“Cheese: Milk’s leap toward immortality.” -Clifton Paul Fadiman

Because.

I don’t think happiness needs an explanation.