Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.
Welcome to 2018!
Okay, so we all know I’m not one for resolutions (I’ve already broken the ones I didn’t make) and my track record for, well, staying on track, is questionable. However, I am a huge believer in learning from mistakes, resetting my course and striving for progress over perfection.
My advice? Forget the word “resolution”. Instead, set goals. Make a promise to do better, to be better. Tell yourself that you deserve to live your best life, and believe it.
Raise the bar.
How will you go farther in 2018? Here are five simple ways to help make this year your best yet.
1. Make Lists. Lists are the easiest way to hold yourself accountable and can improve your organization, productivity and feelings of accomplishment. On a weekly basis, I have two lists: things I need to do and things I want to do. If I am striking too many things off my “need to do” list, it usually means I’m out of sync and need to slow down. Conversely, if I find myself tacking my “want to do” list too easily, I generally need to stop procrastinating and get back on track!
The goal is to be in balance; taking care of the responsibilities that come with being a business owner, mother and wife, but also remembering to set aside some time for fun and relaxation.
This week on my “want to do” list? Watch a comedian’s special on Netflix, check out the end of season online sales and research flights in April to get away for my big 4-0!
2. Let Go. Let go of negativity, self-doubt and pessimism. Let go of everything that prevents you from achieving your goals and seeing the finish line. You know that phrase, “Good Vibes Only?” Make sure it isn’t just inscribed on your favourite makeup bag – make it your motto. Because it’s hard to raise the bar when you’ve got things dragging you down. Just let go.
3. Let Leaders Inspire You. As Canadians get ready to cheer on Team Canada this February at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018,Tide joined forces with two-time Gold Medalist, Women’s Ice Hockey Captain of the Canadian Olympic Team, Marie-Philip Poulin, to motivate Canadians to #RaiseTheBar.
Marie-Philip Poulin is a phenomenal example of true inspiration: At the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014, she was Canada’s leading scorer with three goals and two assists. But here’s where she attains hero status – two of those goals came in the final against the United States, when she tied the game with just 55 seconds to play in the third period and added the overtime winner to give Canada its fourth straight Olympic gold medal in women’s ice hockey!
Did I mention that she did all that while recovering from a high ankle sprain? Incredible! And now in the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, she’s going for her third straight Gold! Just when you think she’s achieved it all, she proves she’s ready for more. Dear Marie-Philip, consider me inspired.
4. Don’t Settle for Anything but the Best. Just as Marie-Philip Poulin continues to raise the bar on the ice, Tide continues to raise the bar in the laundry room. For years Tide has been leading the industry in innovation and revolutionizing how we do laundry. In fact, almost to the date, The Winter Olympics marks 70 years since Tide’s launch in Canada! And over that time, our laundry needs and challenges have evolved, and as Canada’s #1 selling detergent, Tide has proven it’s up to the challenge every single time. And the work is not done yet!
Starting in 2018, Tide is launching its biggest innovation to date: a re-engineered formula to prove yet again that the best can always get better.
Oooh, now that gives me chills. The best can always get better. Let that be our mantra this year!
Hitting shelves nationwide this month, all Original liquid and PODS™ formulas will have TEN TIMES the cleaning power than the competition to handle your laundry’s latest challenges. You’ll find the brand new formulated products at retailers across Canada. For more information, visit tide.ca.
5. Make it Happen. This isn’t theoretical, folks. Goals are meant to be planned, pursued and achieved. So write your lists, let go of everything holding you back, find inspiration in leaders and make it a priority to not settle for anything but the very best. This is our year, friends!
How will you raise the bar in 2018? One lucky reader will win a ONE YEAR SUPPLY of Tide! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!
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This post is sponsored by Tide. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Matt McQueen
I will raise the bar by letting go of the negatives and focusing on making more positives!!
christina rogers
my daughter and i just started the gym, we have also cut our portion sizes down and no eating after 6 pm at night. My daughter has a lot of weight on and i blame myself but now she wants to be healthier and so its a lifestyle change.
Natalie Van Apeldoor
I will raise the bar by being more mindful with my body and it’s limitations and strengths!
Tina L.
I will raise the bar by focusing on what my body needs and be mindful of what I eat.
Tainan Lu
I will raise the bar by being more positive.
Soozle
I am raising the bar by jumping outside of my comfort zone socially
Tammy Harrison
I am starting a new job that will be challenging, have lots of learning and will push me to be my best.
Jackie M
I have to be more positive and be a go getter if I want to be my own #GirlBoss :) I’m usually too negative. For 2018, it will be the year of YES.
Paul
I have to start a healthier routine – with exercising and eating right. Want to see my son grow up.
Florence Cochrane
I am focusing on getting more exercise. I am really raising the bar this year on travelling to Ireland and France with daughter.
Judy Cowan
Going to raise the bar this year by making some major changes…..we are moving, going to be a few changes in jobs and I am definitely trying to stay more positive. And lists are definitely my best friend right now!
ivy pluchinsky
I will raise the bar by focusing more on myself and what I need. I also want to go on a fabulous vacation this yea.r
Jonnie
I will raise the bar by letting go. I am trying very hard this year to let go of negative thoughts and things that hold me back. It’s a work in progress but I am making small strides every day.
Julie F
I am going to try to eat healthier
Carole D.
I will raise the bar by being more positive!
Fan R.
I will you raise the bar in 2018 by living healthier life & spending more time outdoor!
Heather Ritz
Eating healthier and getting fit
Lynda Cook
I will raise the bar by not being so hard on myself and getting out more without my anxiety holding me back!!
Gina
I will raise the bar by not letting negative thoughts and negative people bring me down.
Cathy Brown
I am going to get out and walk further each day this year.
LisaM
I will raise the bar by taking time for me – I signed up for skating lessons, I will do things on my own I will enjoy life :)
Tasha May
I will raise the bar in 2018 by being more goal oriented and just make smarter choices in my daily activities and meals ????
Christine w
I am raising the bar by trying to stick to my goals throughout the year, rather than forgetting about them by spring!
409cope
I will raise the bar by relaxing more and allowing myself more me time.
joy
I will cook more healthy meals for my family !
Janet Meisner
I will raise the bar by taking more risks and having fun.
Eileen
I will raise the bar in 2018 by letting go of negative people in my life.
Lisa Hansen
I will raise the bar in 2018 by putting myself first and making sure to take time for me each day.
Dana Miller
I will raise the bar in 2018 by scheduling in time for myself to practice self-care.
Debbie WhiteBeattie
I’ll raise the bar by eating healthier and taking better care of myself.
Lushka Smith
I’ll raise the bar by tacklingy procrastination.
Carol Denny
I will raise the bar by focusing by getting fit and healthy.
Suzanne
By focusing on myself and leaving negativity behind as well as those who arent supportive.
Lynnie m
I will do everything I can to be less stressed in 2018
Agnes Marshall
I will raise the bar by making more meals at home rather than going to restaurants.
michelle
eat better
Lucy
I will raise the bar by avoiding negative self talk!
Sunshine G
I’m raising the bar by trying to be more patient!
Lori M
I will raise the bar by being more patient and drink more water.
Shauna
In 2018, I have been raising the bar by making healthy choices for myself and my family. I have written down my goals, have them posted, and refer to them often. One month in, and I’m still making progress!
wendy hutton
I wil raise the bar by being ore positive, not letting negative things or people get me down, eating healthier and being more active
Linda
I will raise the bar in 2018 by getting back in shape.
Brenda Penton
I’m going to raise the bar by putting more focus on my mental health and taking time to address issues.
Rosanne Robinson
I will raise the bar in 2018 by snacking on fruits and vegetables, instead of junk food.
Jen v.
I will raise the bar by cooking healthier meals and buying more natural and local products. I have recently purchased products from k’pure Naturals and am loving them.
Sarah alexis
I am going to start taking better care of myself. I decided to dedicate (at least part of) 2018 to loving myself more :) <3
Pam
I will be raising the bar by not letting anyone talk me out of what I want to do.
Anita D.
I’m raising the bar by taking care of myself this year.
Lisa Penney
Gonna raise the bar this year by getting my body moving more!
Amanda Masters
I will take the bar by making myself a priority. I want to spend one in one time with my husband, drink plenty of water and get a good nights sleep
Amanda Masters
Raise the bar * auto correct at its finest*
Angie W
I am meal planning and cooking healthier!
Heather Ross
I will raise the bar by taking the time to be better informed on issues that are important to me.
Allie Futterer
II eat whole foods and stay hydrated!
Natasha
I will raise the bar, by walking 12,000 daily
Susanne McCarthy
Raise the bar and eat healthier and throw in some exercise!this year! We are trying hard :)
Debbie
I will rais the bar by more involved in relationships. Making the effort
Jenny Major
I will raise the bar by taking more time for me!
iris N
I will raise the bar by living in the moment and making connections with those around me.
Michelle W
I will eat healthier and exercise more!
Heidi c.
I will raise the bar by being more active in engaging directly with my kids and reducing the screen time for all of us.
Jenness M
I raise the bar in 2018 by going back to school to get my masters!
Dave S
I will raise the bar by getting back on track on my career and focusing on my health.
Silvia D
I will raise the bar by being more spontaneous and do things i have always wanted to try!
jennifercapin
I will raise the bar by being more positive and looking forward instead of always being in the past.
Jeannie Lam
I’m going to raise the bar this year by being more positive and challenging myself!
Jaimeem
I’m raising the bar by maintaining a healthy and positive outlook on life
Leeanne C
I’m gonna raise the bar in 2018 by getting out there and explorong more by travelling.
Jenny Ragan
For me its about finally getting my license. Ive avoided driving my entire life but to be a better mom I need to do it. That and learning to stress less.
Tanya Jung
I will raise the bar by dedicating more time to doing things that bring me joy
rose g
I will raise the bar by listening more and talking less.
Lindsay T
I will raise the bar by taking more me time. Exercise & massages for the win!
laurel jones
learn to smile again, working through my grief
Roberta MacLaren
I’m raising the bar by practicing mindfulness. And by being kinder to myself.
Tara
I am all for making lists but i need to start crossing off more things. I procrastinate, so this year i will be gritting my teeth and getting things done. First of all by purging out my office of all clutter. Start fresh.
Amy Heffernan
I will raise the bar by looking after myself better! Thanks!
kristen visser
I will raise the bar in 2018 by spending more time with my daughters and doing more as a family. Getting out and trying new things and building new memories while enjoying fun experiences
Rachel
I’m going to focus on healing my body and mind in 2018
Maryanne
Being positive! We have struggled for the last two years to get our business up and running. We are almost there.
Krista M
I am raising the bar in 2018 by focusing on food substitutions for my family’s health, being more active, & finally getting up the courage to taking driving lessons!
Matty
I will raise the bar by really showing my full potential
Laura
I will RAISE THE BAR by training for and completing a 5k with my teenaged daughter!!
Laurie Paranica
I will raise the bar by not becoming negative when I have a bad day. Tomorrow is another day of successes.
sarah
I am raising the bar by trying to connect more with family and friends this year! :) thanks
Lori Leal
I will raise the bar in 2018 by continually setting new goals for myself throughout the year.
ophelia c
I will raise the bar by eating healthier and being inspired by new recipes and cooking techniques!
Lillian OMalley
I will raise the bar by making sure I get my daily allowance of Vitamin C and Vitamin D which I seem to be low on and paying more attention to my own health.
Kim K
I will raise the bar by making more personal connections this year!
Tammy Dalley
I am eating healthier!
Joni
I will raise the bar by not caring what others think of me and not let that hold me back, and also borrowing yours
Caroline Lozinski
I’m already a list maker but need to learn to let go !
I’m going to raise the bar higher for my dogs this year , promising them lots of walks which will be just as good for me as for them !
Shan H
I will raise the bar this year by not sweating the small stuff and by being truly present in daily life.
Travelbuds
I will raise the bar this year by working on removing the stress in my life.
Amy D
I will raise the bar by spending more time with my family and less with electronics/social media.
Marie Constantineau
I will raise the bar by taking care of myself so I can take care of others.
DebH
I’m trying to be more positive and looking for the positive even when things are going wrong!
CL Chin
i will aim to eat healthier and drink more water!
jan
I will raise the bar by volunteering at a new organization
Donnas
I’ve already started. I don’t let little things bother me anymore. I’m way too old for that nonsense.
Vivian Dionne
I am really raising the bar this year by focusing on my health and setting a regular exercise regimen.
Sarah Smart
I will raise the bar by saying yes to more things and pushing myself out of my comfort zone
Kathy Fowler
I plan to raise the bar by trying new things, classes and exploring
September Dee
I am committed to eating less junk food and I’m also starting to declutter the house and do a few upgrades. It should be a liberating year!!
Ryan B
I will give more of my time and talent to those who need it.
Heather Sibley
I will raise the bar by setting realistic goals for myself
Jen L
I want to strengthen the bonds with my Father’s birth family and take him on a trip out to see them this summer.
Casey Miller
Teaching with Love to help teens raise their bar!
Sandra F
I will raise the bar by helping people and making time to do so.
Melinda
I walk daily and eat healthy food.
Claire Martel
I will you raise the bar by taking care of my health.
Erika
Eating healthier and exercising more often! I’ve also started a gratitude journal!
Glogirl
I will raise the bar in 2018 by trying to making healthier diet choices such as eating more fruits and veggies and increasing the fiber in my diet.
Harvinderks
I will raise the bar by clean eating and exercising more regularly.
Tracy D
More positive thinking, less negativity!
Nicole Hutcheson
I will raise the bar by being more positive
darci paice
Bringing my lunches to work and eating healthier
Dianne G.
I am a real procrastinator so I am raising the bar by not putting things off. I put off things I don’t like to do which holds me back from doing what I really want to do. I will enjoy life more once I quit procrastinating.
Nicole J
I will raise the bar by taking some time to look after myself – get more sleep, don’t skip breakfast & exercise!
Marilyn M
I will raise the bar this year by eating and cooking healthier
Sherry moffitt
I will raise the bar by taking better care of myself . Eating healthier and being more active . Thank you for the chance.
Donna Maroulis
I will raise the bar by succeeding in my goal to de-clutter my household !
Donna Maroulis
I really found your article on the value of getting enough protein in your diet informing !
Linda Svarovsky
Raising the bar in 2018 by eating healthy.
Alex Conde
I’ll raise the bar by exercising regularly to get my energy back.
Clair Palmer
I will raise the bar by being more active, moving more, drinking more water to feel good and healthy again
Lorraine Hibbs
exercising and getting in shape
Louise Smith
I am going to take better care of my body this year.
kathy downey
I will you raise the bar in 2018 by being more caring to my health and what I eat.
Laurie Cockburn
I will raise the bar in 2018 for better body, mind and soul.
Carolle H
I did start to eat better and start to walk more often
Michelle Cavanagh
Always trying to let go of all things negative!! My challenge is to change the way I think, into a more positive direction!
Stephanie
I want to set small goals for myself every week!
Louise Lormestoir
I will set weight lost goals every month
Anu Chopra
I will raise the bar by drinking water only (no more soda for me!) and eating healthier!
Laval Brassard
I will raise the bar by walking each day.
Elizabeth Gosse
How will you raise the bar in 2018?
Our rainbow baby, Jack, was born Christmas Day 9 weeks early. We just came home from the NICU a week ago and this year we will raise the bar by being amazing parents and ensure he gets everything he needs to grow and learn. We will raise the bar by spending more time with our family and friends, and celebrating the small things.
I want to return to the gym and attain the same fitness goals I had set out last year before I found out I was pregnant. I love gaining muscles and enjoyed going to Aquafit with my mom. This is how I am going to raise the bar!
Diane T
By focusing on my goals and removing negativity!
Lester C
reach my goals and be more positive
Robyn Bellefleur
I will raise the bar by being more optimistic.
Erika R.
I will raise the bar in 2018 by making realistic & attainable goals in all aspects of my life!!
Monique L.S.
This is the year where I make myself a priority; instead of always the kids, the husband, work and the house. I would like to find ‘me’ again.
Loretta
drink more water!
Amber Y
I’d like to raise the bar this year by doubling my income. It’s kind of a vague one until I nail down a plan, but I like that there are so many roads I can take to get there. It will be hard, but I hope that it can be fun too!
KellyPC
I’m trying to eat better & go out more in 2018!
Shondra
Slow things down and take more time for myself.
Sab Edwards
I will raise the bar by being better and not gossip about whats going on with prodcution
Kristy
I am raising the bar this year by Making it Happen. We have been dreaming and talking about a big life change for over 2 years. This year, we are going for it. The wheels are in motion and we’ve taken the first few steps towards our end goal. The next few weeks are going to be very busy, exciting and a little stressful.
Melinda
Making lists helps me to accomplish small and big tasks.
Erin N
This year I am raising the bar for myself, taking control of my health both physically and mentally. My main goal for 2018 is to stress and worry less, and taking the steps necessary to achieve this! All the best.
l p
take time to listen rather than just hear. thanks
Angela Sept Smith
so far I’ve been on a mission to better mental health. Lots of reading and implementing what I’m learning. It’s not easy but it sure is worth it!
kathleen cripps
I will exercise at least 5 times a day to raise the bar.
Renee
I will raise the bar in 2018 by practicing better self care. You can’t pour from an empty cup!
Tara Betterley
I am raising the bar by paying off my credit cards and living on cash. I am also going to travel more without anxiety and I am going to try to successful start a small etsy business. Lots of goals this year..
Nicole Jubleew
I’m raising the bar by setting weekly and monthly goals.
CHeryl MacPhail
I plan on getting up earlier and not wasting so much time lying in bed!
Jennifer Kuznicki
Im making better food choices. If i wont let my daughter eat it, why am I?
Melinda Jana
I plan on getting fit in time for our wedding this year
Jess
I’ll raise the bar by eating more healthy!
Tava
Raising the bar by striving for unexpected results… instead of underestimating I’m going for metaphorical gold!
Wanda Tracey
I will raise the bar by stepping up to the plate and facing my difficult challenges head on!#RaisetheBar :)
Elena
I will try not to be so lazy in the evenings after the kids go to bed. Must get motivated to work out!
kcf
going to take it one day at a time; worrying about what will or will not happen isn’t helping; will deal with what I can at that moment. thx
Margo B
Don’t stress the little things save it for what matters, life is to short
Gillian Morgan
I will be raising the bar by eating healthier and getting more exercise.
klp
We’re all going to think of at least three different things for which we’re thankful each and share with eachother. Thank you.
Athena
Positive eating habits, less junk in the house and trying to pre-plan as much as possible.
tracy k
i will workout 3x/week.
Miriam Wilton
raising the bar by putting me first this year to achieve my heath and fitness goals!
Katherine
I’m finishing school to have a better career for my boys
Laura
Putting me first! Tracking my health and fitness!
Mary
I’ll be taking my health more to heart this year. It’s important to set the example for the kids.
Calvin
Will raise bar by consistently improving overall wellness, and be active.
Emily S
My lists used to be turning into technology based but I lm back to paper in a daily planner
Allen
I raised the bar when my family and myself came to Canada 4 mos ago for the future of our son. I will continue to raise the bar by working hard and providing for my family the life that they deserve ????
Brad K
I’m going to raise the bar by worrying about myself a little more.
Sherry K
I am going to raise the bar my being more optimistic.
Allison Matz
I want to work out more, as soon as my sprained foot heals.
Danielle
I am planning to do weight training to gain some strength. I will track my progress on paper or electronically to keep myself accountable.
Andrea
I will raise the bar by exercising daily!
Roman Pejko
I will raise the bar by becoming more physically active and eating healthy. It is the right thing to do at any age!
Nancy Giese
I intend to walk more this summer. I need to get heart-healthy
Elizabeth Matthiesen
Whoever won this prize must be over the moon, congratulations. :-)