I’m not usually the New Year’s resolution type. In fact, as a joke my friends and I have made semi-sarcastic resolutions for the past two years. In 2008, I promised to “tell it like it is” more, and hold back on sugar-coating my words. In 2009, we resolved to “not take ourselves too seriously.” While these are fine lifestyle goals, no one is really holding me to them. That’s why this year I’m implementing a three-pronged, collective resolution for myself and anyone listening in 2010: Shake It Up.

Three things we can all do to make 2010 a better year:

Tweet Local: When I first joined Twitter, I mostly looked to follow people from larger markets. New York, San Fran, Seattle and Portland. Vancouver, Toronto, Britain and Brazil. I wanted to get a better world view of design, a better sense of the interactive and technology industry, and a broader view of art and politics. In fact, I thought it all the better if I didn’t know the people I followed in real life. I thought: “Friends are to Facebook as Followers are to Twitter.” The two groups should never intermingle.

I’m changing that this year. Lately, as more and more Bloomingtonians are finding each other through various social media networks, I’m enjoying a wealth of new followers that live and work right here in town. And I’m following them back, and seeking them out too. The line between friend and follower is blurring.

It’s no secret (at least here) that Bloomington houses a burgeoning interactive design and development community. It should also come as no surprise to anyone that our arts, music and cultural opportunities are world-class. My point: Bloomingtonians should get together more, sharing a depth and diversity of perspectives that are unique to our wonderful town. Twitter is just one way to connect, tweet-ups and meet-ups are even better, and I intend to pursue this possibility.

Try a New Approach: While there is efficiency in discovering a tried and true method of performing your job, there is also a stagnancy that may result. In short, boredom may set in unless we take action now.

This year, try a new approach to your job. As a designer, it’s easy to get caught up with persistent barriers to good creative work: 1) Time and 2) Budget. Stop using these as excuses, and turn the problem upside down. Just because you don’t have a photography budget doesn’t mean you can’t illustrate something instead, or scan in a bunch of textures to give your project a different feel. Any angle possible to make your project unique should be considered. Let time and budget live as accounting concerns (they’ll never die, so get used to them). Keep focused on your task: creating a fresh approach and a memorable, enjoyable experience. With any luck, you’re new ideas may turn out to be something the client can’t live without. Budgets are funny like that.

Shake It Up: What have you done lately to spark any excitement at work? What have you contributed to the culture of your company? Great creative work, and great work environments are symbiotic. Each breeds the other. And office cultures start with their population: you, me, Bob from accounting, even the janitor. So get around and say hello to these people more often. Call instead of email. Walk over to discuss a project in person instead of calling. Get together after work. Express yourself during work. Bring your dog. Ride your bike instead of driving. Organize a foosball tournament. Make your cube more comfortable, more you.

By changing up our work environment, the humdrum of winter will be less severe and our work will feel more like play. Besides, taking a break every now and then creates better focus when you get back to it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a foosball tournament to organize.