In the past, New Year's resolutions never resonated with me. However, a couple years in the real world have not only made me appreciate The Office a lot more, they have given me an understanding of the importance of long- and short-term goal-setting. When I begin a project at work, I create a work plan and a timeline to see it through to success. As the new year begins, why not set some Words + Images goals for 2009? Here are some things I'd like to accomplish:

1. Boost Words + Images interaction. There are many blogs out there – I'm thinking of photo blogs like Strobist – with a very active core of commenting readers. Now that I've spent a year working on Words + Images, I'd like to establish an interactive conversation in the coming year.

2. Promote! Self-promotion is key, and I have all the necessary pieces.

3. Get into some more galleries, grants, and contests. I've been taking enough pictures that there is really no excuse not to do this. My January goal is to print and frame 3-5 images, and I'm putting several more upcoming deadlines on my calendar.

4. Utilize and mobilize a Words + Images mailing list. In the fall I began a small email mailing list. Expect to hear more about it in 2009.

5. Get to know the Baltimore art scene. B'more is a social town, and everyone knows everyone somehow. Since moving in I've been a bit reclusive when it comes to art and artists around town. I plan to get out more and get to know a new group of connections after the New Year's festivities die down.

What are you aiming for this year?