With the new year rapidly approaching, I’ve decided to take a little bit of time to reflect on myself and make my “New Year Goals”. As I glanced back at my 2010 blog posts, I’ve seen my blog turn from career musings, to personal reflections, to a mix of the both. I am still in the midst of figuring out exactly what my hopes are for this blog, but I’m proud to see it growing as I continue to grow. As a result of this blog evolution, I’ve begun to move certain pieces to other blogs and platforms, so this one can focus on professional growth in the midst of daily struggles.
This year was one of much struggle, from dealing with family pains and dynamic changes, to the revelation that I’m not happy with my health, eventually landing in the ER (twice!) and receiving some difficult news…
And yet, this year was one of much success. I’ve discovered a lot about myself and how it will take passion to really get to where I want to go. I’ve held two internships, received my first freelance projects, and have set myself up for success for 2011. I’ve lost more weight than with any other health program I’ve tried, and I’ve had one of the best semesters of my college career.
So what remains for 2011?
1. Time to Graduate! Unless I for whatever reason, blow my last four courses, this should be a given. Finally! I’ve met up with so many connections who ask me what I’m doing now, and when I remind them I have one semester left, they’re in shock. Even my advisor forgot I have yet to graduate. (I’m only 21!!) But I get it, I’ve been in the interactive/social media industry now for nearly two years, I think I’m ready to get moving!
2. Time for Rebranding! After analyzing my personal brand, I’ve realized that a lot still lacks. Even worse, much of my brand surrounds being a college student and intern, which both will likely disappear come June. So come early 2011, be prepared to see (yet another) new look to dianekulseth.com, as I begin the process of transitioning from a college student/intern to a young aspiring professional. I’m talking about the process and progress on another platform.
3. Time to be Certified! This year, I’m hoping for two certifications to better solidify my skills in the SEO copywriting field. I’ll be (hopefully) starting up the SEO Copywriting certificate courses this January, which I’m very eager to begin. Then, during some other point in January, I’ll be sitting down to take the Google Analytics Individual Qualification test. As I continue to combine my love of creativity, writing, and technology together, it is my hope that I can add more expertise to be of value wherever the wind may blow my opportunities.
4. Time to Travel! 2011 will most likely bring me some more traveling, as I head to Madison for a Delta Sigma Pi conference. It will be my first time to the city of Madtown, and I’m so looking forward to it. I will also be likely heading back to my second home of Michigan to see my dear friend’s senior piano recital, and spend time with friends out there. May and June will bring my second trip abroad as I join my beloved UST Liturgical Choir to peruse Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. After the trip, I’ll be spending some time in either London or Paris with my friends as we close out this chapter in our lives. Finally, the crown jewel of my college experience will hopefully occur come August 2011, as I attend the Grand Chapter Congress of Delta Sigma Pi. It is there that national awards will be named, and I will hopefully be the one accepting the National Outstanding Alumni Relations award for the Nu Tau chapter (St. Thomas). It’s been what I’ve been working on all year, and it would be the best way to close out my college career with a national award.
5. Time to Lose! I really don’t want to elaborate on this one too much, as I have blog posts devoted to this on this site and another very neglected blog. However, it’s still my intent on running a 5K at my old high school in April, and when I cross the graduation stage, to be at 60% of my weight loss goal, which as I approach 20%, does not seem too unrealistic…
6. Time to Love! Now I don’t mean romantic love. While that would certainly be welcome, I want to spend this year falling in love with who I am. I’ve pushed myself so much these past few years to get to this success I’ve enjoyed, but it’s time for me to take care of me and get ready for an amazing year. College ends in 5 months, I have a lot to still live up!
My clock says 3:55pm CST. 8 hours, 5 minutes to the New Year. Best of luck to all of you in your New Year’s Resolutions and best wishes for success, health and happiness.
