IMAGE iStock

If you're like me, one of the ways you end up following through on a personal promise is if you've already spent some money on it. When I wanted to push myself to run and exercise regularly, I invested in good shoes and cute athletic wear early on. When I wanted to dress better at work, I immediately bought a new pair of heels online, with a purse to match. It's a psychological effort on my part because I know I'll feel guilty if I don't use them. It's also better for me to spend my money on these little investments versus indulging another unhealthy habit like binge eating or...binge eating.

So if you're looking forward to teating yourself once you get your 13th month pay, I suggest you use your shopping addiction to be proactive with your resolutions. Buy something that will help you stay productive, and accomplish your 2018 goals. Here are some of our recos based on new releases, holiday deals, and the most common New Year's resolutions:

Fashion and Beauty

To be more environmentally conscious: Package-free products

Help reduce waste by purchasing self-preserving items that don't need packaging.

TRY: Lush Naked Soaps and Body Conditioner, at Lush stores nationwide

To upgrade your accessories: Customizable jewelry 

The same way that capsule wardrobes are all the rage nowadays, learn to mix and match your jewelry to suit various outfits and occassions. 

IMAGE PANDORA

TRY: PANDORA Rose Collection, available in Pandora stores

To keep yourself looking neat and polished: A classic hairbrush

Make sure to have the basics down pat for work: Keep your outfit crisp and your hair, neat. Keep a hairbrush in your purse at all times for emergencies, and don't brush your hair in public.

TRY: Denman D3 Styling Brush, available via Zalora

Health and Fitness

To complete your 10,000 steps a day: Comfy footwear

According to studies, walking 10,000 steps a day can help lower blood pressure, lessen your risk of heart disease, and help you lose weight. 

TRY: FitFlop iQuishon Ergonomic Flip Flops, P1890, available at Grind and FitFlop stores 

To push you to travel and explore the outdoors: Waterproof clothing

Try going hiking or camping to truly get away from this sometimes-toxic city. Picking up a new hobby will also broaden your social circles and help you discover new things about yourself.

A post shared by AIGLE PH (@aigleph) on Nov 23, 2017 at 4:16am PST

TRY: Aigle Women's Brokfielder Parka, available in Uptown Mall

To give you a competitive edge: Sturdy sunglasses

For outdoor activities like running and biking, the sun can really affect your performance. Invest in a pair of eyeglasses that'll last a lifetime, so you can workout comfortable for longer periods.

A post shared by Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan (@mommymaricel) on Oct 7, 2017 at 6:25pm PDT

TRY: The Rudy Project performance eyewear, available in their experiential store at the Uptown Mall 

Work and Productivity

To help you tune out distractions: Quality headphones

Music can greatly affect our productivity, but in many different ways. It can sometimes help tune out a noisy work environment, or it can help get your creative juices flowing.

A post shared by JBL Phils (@jblph) on Nov 18, 2017 at 6:00pm PST

TRY: JBL E55BT Quincy Edition wireless over-ear headphones, P8999

To keep you on track: A journal

Because writing things down using pen and paper can be pretty therapeutic in the digital age. 

TRY: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Giving Journal 10th Anniversary Edition

Collect 12 stamps to claim your journal