Tried and True Ways to Keep Your New Year's Resolution!

We're just a few short days away from ringing in the new year! Wow, where did the time go? To me it seems like summer was just yesterday! With the new year comes new resolutions to create a better life. You might want to lose that extra holiday weight, read more books, become more active, or learn a new skill/hobby. It's the perfect time to clean the slate and start a journey to a BETTER you. That is always our intention on January 1. Then life happens to us, and we fall off the wagon by the second month if we aren't fully prepared upfront. So, we've put together a list of 7 things to do to KEEP your resolution once and for all.  

1. Get an accountability partner. 

Have you ever had a workout partner that relied on you to show up at the gym? And knowing they are there waiting on you, it's a lot harder to come up with an excuse to miss than if you just went alone. Plus, it's so much more fun! You're much more likely to stick to your goal if you know you're going to have to show your progress to someone at the end of the week. Choose someone that is willing to give you constructive criticism when needed but also will be there to celebrate your wins with you! 

2. Make it official.

We're going public with our resolution! If you feel comfortable, post your resolution and goals on social media. You don't have to get too detailed, but let everyone know what you're up to! Knowing you have an audience watching you will give you that extra motivation when needed. Also, put something up on your wall pertaining to your resolution where you can visually see it every day. Move it around often to different parts of your house so you don't forget about it being there.  

3. Give yourself an incentive.

I don't know about you, but I'm much more likely to complete something if I know I get a reward from it! I'm sure you can think of something on your wish list that would really motivate you to complete your goal. My advice is to make the incentive something really exciting where you would be super bummed if you weren't able to receive it because you gave up on your goal.  

4. Don't make year long goals, make monthly commitments. 

If you're anything like me, making big goals kind of seems a little scary. They seem SO far away from where we currently are, it almost seems impossible to reach them. So, we almost hesitate to ever get started (at least I do!). However, I've found if you set several small goals that eventually add up towards the big goal, it's a lot easier to accomplish! And it makes you feel like you're making progress which will give you the motivation to keep going. 

5. Drop the guilt.

To me, this is the number one hindrance to keeping our resolution. We are so hard on ourselves if we slip up! Maybe your resolution is to lose weight. We all know there's going to be cake at the birthday party that is so tempting or the donuts your coworker brings in that are so hard to pass up. Eventually we probably will give in. BUT don't let this completely derail you. Rather than eating everything in sight because you already messed up, let yourself enjoy those times but get right back on track! Completely falling off the wagon because of one indulgence will set you back way more than if you just dropped the guilt and moved on.

6. Make time for your resolution.

It might take a little getting used to your new routine you've set in place to achieve your goal. However, actually being prepared for your resolution is half the battle. Take some time to plan what your new day is going to look like. You have to place a high priority on what needs to happen each day to become successful. If your resolution is to become more active, then setting a time to go to the gym has to be on your calendar! You can't just go when you have some free time because that free time will never come. Looking to drop some lbs in the new year? That starts with eating a clean diet. So making sure your meals are prepared for the week ahead is vital. Fail to plan, plan to fail!

7. Have a big reason WHY.

There are going to be days when you feel down, defeated, and unmotivated to do anything! Welcome to life. That's just how it seems to go sometimes! Before you even get started this year, it's crucial to know the deeper meaning behind WHY you're wanting to start this resolution for yourself. That reason why is what's going to drive you on the days you don't feel like moving on.  

Here are a few of our resolutions at Libby's Boutique (so you can hold us accountable!):

• We will bring back Mission Monday and give 10% of our profits to schools, organizations, individuals, and immediate needs in the southeast Kansas area.
• We will provide at least 10 new arrivals each week in store and online.
• Shut off brain at 6:00pm. (HAHA!) 

We hope you enjoyed these helpful tips! We wish you the absolute best in the upcoming year.  Cheers to 2018! 

-Your Friends at Libby's Boutique