While most people don’t always manage to stick to their New Year’s resolutions, I am all for making goals and trying to reach them.

What’s wrong with striving to improve your imperfections or change some bad habits? With that said, here are some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions I’ve come across and some advice on how to actually achieve them:

1. Get in Shape
No doubt this has been on nearly everyone’s New Year’s resolution list at some point. Many people are motivated by those few extra pounds they’ve gained throughout the holiday season. Some advice for sticking to a workout regimen? Make it routine, get a workout buddy, join a yoga/pilates/bellydancing/etc. class.

2. Eat Healthier
Again, the holiday binging on eggnog and pumpkin pies are a huge motivation to finally cleanse your system and start fresh. Don’t try to eliminate all the unhealthy stuff, because it’ll lead to more binging. Instead, try portion control and treating yourself ONCE IN A WHILE. Make it a lifestyle choice.

3. Spend More Time with Family
With everyone’s busy schedules, it’s getting harder and harder to spend quality time with the fam. Schedule in mandatory family time (movie night, game night, park picnic, etc) because before you know it, your babies are all grown up.

4. Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking is definitely a tough goal, but it’s probably one of the most important things you can do for your (and your loved ones’) overall health. This is something that should be at the top of anyone’s list!

5. Get Organized
A cluttered home definitely contributes to a cluttered life. Take a weekend and organize your home, file cabinet, and anything else that may be adding undue stress to your life. Enlist the family if you are feeling overwhelmed by the task. Everyone can benefit.

6. Volunteer or Give to Charity
The most selfless resolution of them all. People get so wrapped up in their lives that they tend to forget this resolution the most. If you want to volunteer, why don’t you organize your family or a group of friends to do it together? If you’d like to give a bigger-than-usual check to a charity, how about forgoing that Starbucks once a week and putting that money towards your charity? The rush you get from helping out those less fortunate may be enough to replace your caffeine fix!

7. Find a Better Job or Start a Business
People put this off for such a long time that they get complacent. If you’ve always dreamed of owning your own business, you must take the initial first steps. Make a lunch date with an entrepreneur you know and respect to gain tips and motivation. If you’re feeling stuck or unchallenged by your work life, do something about it. Don’t let another year go by.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Are they on the list?