Spice up Your Dating Life in the New Year

It's easy to start your resolutions for the New Year on January 1st, but by the time mid-January hits, you may find your motivation waning in favor of convenience. Work and daily life rituals take priority once the post-holiday determination has worn off. It might be hard to drag yourself to the gym after a hard day at work, or to fix a healthy meal when you'd rather just heat a frozen pizza.

Despite our good intentions, life can interrupt our plans for self-improvement. So instead of beating yourself up for not sticking to your diet or exercise regime, try to hold yourself accountable in a new way. Vow instead to try something new once a day or once a week, depending on how adventurous you are. You'll notice how small changes in yourself can translate to improvement in dating, too. Changing your life starts with taking a few risks - doing things that are outside your comfort zone. What better time to start than the New Year?

Following are some examples to get you inspired and thinking outside of your comfort zone:

Approach new people. Whether you're in line for coffee or at a friend's party, introduce yourself to the person next to you. Even if you aren't attracted to him or her. When you become more comfortable with putting yourself out there and talking to new people, you'll find it gets easier to flirt and network, and you create more dating opportunities.

Ask him out. If you're a woman who prefers that a man ask you out on a date, turn the tables. Ask that cute guy in the cubicle next to you out for a drink. Say hello to the man you see walking his dogs every day when you're jogging, and strike up a conversation. Don't always think of what you "should" be doing, but what potential opportunities are around you that you could be missing. Take a chance.

Go someplace new. If you frequent your neighborhood bar or favorite restaurant searching for dates or interesting people, branch out. Go someplace you've never been. Go alone so that you'll talk to the person at the bar next to you. Don't just settle for the same old places and neighborhoods. Expand your circle.

Try a new hobby. The first time I tried paragliding, I was terrified. But I did it, and it was the most amazing experience - one I would do again in a heartbeat. This may not be for everyone, but there are many other new things you could try - including a cooking class, surfing lessons, or even joining a bowling league. Think of something that's always interested you and try it out. Maybe you won't like it, but maybe you'll find a new passion. There's nothing sexier to a date than having some passion.

Happy New Year!