Happy New Year!!

It's a new year & Get Digi With It! is under new management!! That's right, Maria the Duchess has taken the head spot! I can't wait to see all the exciting things Maria has in store for us over there! If you haven't done so, check it out! There a fun new challenges posted, brand new designers in the store, a weekly Speed Scrap and other great changes coming soon!

Speaking of something new...I bring to you the first challenge of the new year! We all know the new year is about reflecting on the past year & starting fresh. It's the perfect time for making resolutions, setting goals, and working on personal improvement. So, your challenge is to create a layout (or other type of project) that documents your resolutions or goals for the year. Getting them in writing is the first step to making them a reality!

Because it's the new year, I'm feeling generous! Everyone who participates will receive a prize! Plus, one winner will be chosen to receive an additional surprise! Be sure to post your layout in the Duchess Designs gallery at GDWI, then post the link to your layout in the comments to this post by midnight Jan 15 to be eligible for the prizes.

So, here are my goals/resolutions:
1. Get more sleep!
2. Drink more water, less diet soda.
3. Spend more time playing with DS. He's only little once, and not for much longer *eyes tearing up*
4. Cut back on my binging and snacking! I've been eating horribly lately and need to reign it in! I hope to lose 10 lbs in the process and get some breathing room back in my work pants!
5. Keep a cleaner/tidier house.

We'll see how well I stick with it! Wish me luck and will power!

And for those of you making resolutions, here are some tips and links to help you keep them!
1. Be realistic: The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. Strive for a goal that is attainable, such as cutting back on bad foods instead of cutting them out all together.
2. Plan ahead: Think about what you want to attain and make a strategy to do it. Change doesn't happen overnight, nor can you make a hasty resolution.
3. Outline your plan: Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your bad habit affects you.
4. Make a "pro" and "con" list: It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.
5. Talk about it: Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's resolution and motivate each other.
6. Reward yourself: This doesn't mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy that does not contradict your resolution. If you've been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, perhaps your reward could be going to a movie with a friend.
7. Track your progress: Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, say, focus on losing that first 5. Keeping a food diary or a symptom journal may help you stay on track.
8. Don't beat yourself up: Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take each day one at a time.
9. Stick to it: Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Your new healthful habits will become second-nature in no time.
10. Keep trying: If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's resolution" any time of year.

Here's a link for more detailed info:
Stages of Change - How to Keep a Resolution

I plan to make my layout of my resolutions Saturday night at the GDWI Speed Scrap! Hope to see you there! Good luck!

~Carey