So far, this summer has been one of growth (in all aspects of my life). I've been trying to grow my art direction, my thinking, my relationships and even lifestyle. It wasn't until I went to my second MAIPLab at MullenLowe this summer that I realized I should be downsizing as well, whittling to be specific.

Kelly Fredickson is the current president of MullenLowe, and she received that position from the talk she gave us.

I learned a couple main points from her, that I have turned into my summer goals:

Take the time to center yourself, each day, each week, each month - make sure your happiness doesn't only appear once a year.
30 days sessions are for accomplishing new habits and breaking down old ones.
Self-care is not selfish.

She took these points and used to illustrate whittling, which I define now as the act of setting and accomplishing healthy new habits to override or delete old, unhealthy habits or attributes of your life.

She highlighted the fact that most people fail to accomplish their goals (especially new years resolutions) because they fail to whittle away the bad, while adding in the good. It's hard to form new habits while still practicing the old ones.

This means that in order for me to grow this summer, I also have to whittle (probably useful for an intern that's just trying to learn everything she sees).

“make sure your happiness doesn’t only appear once a year”

If you wish to view more of her insights visit: https://www.myyearofwhittling.com/