Whether you greet the New Year with a roar or with a meow, odds are that you've given more than passing thought to where your life stands now, and where you want it to lead.

But if you haven't taken a complete inventory of all aspects of your life and made a to-do list for the next year, no need to worry. We've asked an expert to suggest ways in which you can start or continue to put your house in order. After all, why let another year pass by before making changes that can improve your life right now?

A word of caution, though. As with any list of good intentions, some are easier than others. Set yourself up for success by choosing "resolutions" that are do-able for you right now and tackle them. Then pick some that you can visualize as long-term goals and work on them a bit at a time. Jot them down, tape them to your bathroom mirror, and keep them in your everyday consciousness. A year from now, take time to congratulate yourself on how much closer you are to living the life you want to live.

By Liz Dillon

• Don't miss a single opportunity to look good. Even if your dashing out to do an errand, a dash of blush and a baseball cap can do wonders. You never know whom you'll meet in the supermarket!
• Try a new color. All of us get into color ruts, playing it safe with the tried and true. Shake up your fashion palette with a color like red (in small doses), camel, white, orange or fuschia. You'll be amazed how these colors will add spice to all the black and navy in your wardrobe.
• If you've had the same eyeglass frames for more than a year or two, treat yourself to a spanking new style that plays up your beautiful face.
• Give your skin, hair and nails the attention they deserve. They're the foundation upon which you build your own personal style. Develop a regular beauty routine, and your beauty will glow for all to see.
• Look at your jeans in a new way. Wear them with heels; cut off the bottoms and sew on a fabulous decorative hem of colorful fabric, beads and mirrors; wear them with a leather jacket or a new accessory like a pony pouch bag or a necklace on a cord with beads. Retro can be fun!
• Casual office dress codes don't mean sloppy. Update your careerwear with key alternatives like twin sets, ultrasuede, knits and trousers with a handsome belt, loafers and leather tote. Give a polished in-charge look to comfortable yet more casual outfits.