Happy New Year! I can’t believe it is 2008 already, and wish you all the best this year.

I’ve been reading a lot of year-end wrap-ups and many, many blogs with detailed predictions on what we should all expect in 2008. As interesting as all that is, I’ve decided to dedicate my first post of the year to resolutions. My resolutions last year were largely work-related and i stuck to them for the most part. This year, my resolutions are more about balance - finding that work/personal balance that is often quite blurred for those of us who work in digital media.

I find it a challenge, and quite honestly would love to hear if/how others deal. I love social media, and spend a fair amount of time online from a personal perspective. The time I spend online is largely self-imposed, and I’m not complaining. I’m into wine and love reading the wine blogs or browsing online to find a hidden gem. I travel a bit and am always online researching my next trip and sharing stories with others. Those of you who follow my twitter (personal: www.twitter.com/erinbyrne and work: www.twitter.com/BMdigital) know that i could use a twelve-step-twitter program. I’ve been known to talk to my BFF on Google Talk late into the night over a glass of wine, and consume everything i can get my hands on relating to digital, politics, wine, fitness, music, quilting, and New England sports teams. Some people ask me how I can always be online. Duh - I love my blackberry and my iphone. So what’s the problem?

The problem is that the lines are completely blurred. What started out as research for my role as a digital strategist has become a hobby over the last few years. As I write this I have eight computer programs running, twelve browser tabs loaded, and three work emails started. It will be another hour or so before I even consider winding down, and that is largely due to the multi-tasking. So, my New Year’s resolution is to reclaim balance, and definitely to focus. When I’m working, I’m going to work. (Yes, that means I won’t be playing so much scrabulous during the day.) And, when I’m goofing off online for fun I will pass on the work-related activities.

This may or may not make a difference in my output, but at a minimum it should be interesting. If nothing else, it will be an exercise in self-control. Share your thoughts, and I’ll post an update on my progress in a few months.