let's talk about // resolutions

 We're still in that time of the year when people are making their resolutions,  so I thought I'd offer my two cents and let you guys know what my resolutions are.  My family and I are very into New Year's resolutions.  Every year we make goals and resolutions and if the grandkids complete their resolutions then we get $100 from Granny.  In the past, I have given up ice cream, peanut butter, soda, red meat and a number of others.  I used to just have one resolution, but now I generally have many different resolutions that cover all aspects of my my life.  Now, I would like to share with you: my weight loss resolution as well as my beauty resolution and some tips for resolution making.

  If it wasn't obvious, my weight loss resolution for 2013 is to not eat any fast food.  This includes all those great burger places nearby, including In-N-Out and Five Guys which will be hard.  This also includes delivery pizza places like Pizza Hut, Papa John's and Little Caesar's.  Take-out of any kind is also unacceptable...which sadly means no Chinese take-out (although Provo literally has no good take-out places).  This will be difficult, but sit down restaurants are still acceptable and I'm looking forward to discovering new restaurants because of this resolution.

  My beauty resolution for this new year is to wash my makeup off every night.  I normally do this anyways, but you know there are some nights that you just get lazy or forget, and then you just feel awful the next day.  This is very important for healthy skin and just feeling clean in general.  Not only am I clogging my pores with makeup every time I forget, but also I'm starving my skin of the benefits of my nightly routine.  If this is something you have trouble with, I suggest adopting it as your beauty resolution too.

  Now for some tips:

1. Distinguish between your resolutions and your goals.  I want to make it clear that no fast food is my resolution, not my goal; while my goal is to be under 125 lbs by New Year's.  Notice the difference?  In my opinion resolutions are things you do or don't do, whereas a goal is where that resolution, and possibly others, gets you.
2. Be specific.  When making your resolutions, you don't have to give up everything or do everything.  Choose what's applicable to your situation.  You don't have to give up all sweets; if chocolate is your kryptonite, just give up that.
3. Choose a measurable/manageable task.  This is important!  "Be healthier" is not a resolution, it's a goal (and a vague one at that).  But if this is what you're after, then create a resolution that will help you get there.  You may resolve to workout more, but every day is not realistic for everyone.  A good resolution may be to workout out at least 3 times a week.  This is measurable, manageable, and will help you be healthier!
4. Be accountable!  This one really makes a difference.  Don't keep these resolutions to yourself; let your friends, family, and fellow bloggers know what you've resolved to do.  When everyone knows you've given up fast food, it's harder to slip up unnoticed and most people will help you steer clear of temptation.

I hope these tips helped!  Let me know if you guys have any resolutions or tips to share.

x Ren