By Erin Fuller

And another holiday season comes to a close – bringing me a huge sense of gratitude and relief, largely because another reign of terror by our Elf on the Shelf has come to an end. I am surprised that we haven't coined a phrase for the parental terror that occurs between 2:00-4:00 a.m., when you realize you forgot to move said elf, but I am sure the Internet will create it shortly.

In any case, resolutions for 2013.

1) Fully committing to non-violence. So, I don't allow toy guns in my house and we don't play video games that include weapons. I also try very hard – despite my younger son's love of all things superhero – to not watch shows that involve weaponry. Let's say that the past month has only strengthened my resolve in this area. Plus, it totally supports my choice of Just Dance when it's my turn to select a game on Wii night.

2) Continuing my personal ban on celebrity voyeurism. It has been a year since my inital resolution, and I haven't purchased or read a single magazine that touts celebrity weight loss, gain, surgery, or romantic scandal on the cover. Despite a year of not knowing "who wore it best" or how stars are "just like us," I seem to keep up in social conversations just fine, and I don't feel nearly as badly about the state of my abs.

3) Abandon the hope or need for 100% perfection. This past year, I found myself saying to our team of picky perfectionists, "completion over perfection." Getting it done – and we all have so much to do – is ultimately more important than doing it perfectly. Ideally, it is done well and with both purpose and passion, but sometimes you just use some duct tape and hope for the best.

4) Start actively Bechdel-ing. I'm sure you are familiar with the Bechdel Test? No? It asks you to observe the following about a movie (or show): Are there two women (with names) in it? Do they talk to each other? And do they talk about something besides a man? Try it next time you watch something. It shouldn't be that hard to have this happen, but it actually is. (The test works on one of my favorite shows of all, Homeland.)

5) This year, I will go back and watch more of the Gracies-nominated content. Each year when we judge the Gracie Awards, we only get to watch portions of nominated media – and there is so much incredible programming out there. This year, I will watch full episodes from at least three entries at home, popcorn at the ready.

6) Support the work of women-led projects. Go on opening weekend, and take a friend.

Regardless of your own resolve – or lack thereof – I wish you all the very best 2013 has to offer. I hope one of your resolutions is to more actively engage in our AWM community – post something on LinkedIn, or submit a blog post, or attend an event that we offer either nationally or through a local affiliate. Cheers!


Erin M. Fuller, CAE, is president of the Alliance for Women in Media and the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.