It’s not rocket science, but resolutions sure are hard to keep sometimes. And maybe that’s because the language is all wrong. She wants to lose weight while he wants to make more money. More of this and less of that—everything or nothing, absolutely, no exceptions.

But resolutions shouldn’t be about losing weight or gaining income, though those are common goals. Instead, consider improvement, bettering yourself with challenges that encourage positive change rather than punishing bad behavior. Here are some tips to help keep your resolutions on track in 2014.

Live and Let Love

While online dating has become increasingly popular for convenience and, to some degree of truth, satisfaction, not everyone fares well in cyberspace. If meeting true love or becoming a better partner for a future spouse is something important to you, consider a professional matchmaker (theidealmatch.net). Personal makeovers and image consultations are only a few of the ways clients can take advantage of one-on-one matchmaking, the old-fashioned way.

Don’t Diet

First of all, diets don’t work. Creating a lifestyle change is about changing bad habits for good, not temporarily substituting them. Good nutrition is always recommended, but shedding those last few stubborn pounds can leave one lost for resolution. CoolSculping, a targeted fat reduction available at Laser Clinique (laser-clinique.com) is non-invasive and the latest technology developed to kill fat cells under the skin so you don’t have to go under the knife.

Money Matters

Committing to make more money in 2014 is a great idea. But what’s better than working harder and making more money? Putting in the same amount of effort and making more money. Getting to know a financial adviser at every age is a good idea, and one that can make a real impact on your life. Russ Hall, of San Diego’s Morgan Stanley (morganstanleyfa.com/russell.hall1), is a wealth advisor dedicated to understanding financial needs, evaluating near-term concerns and long-term goals. With a little bit of planning now, you can make your money work for you in 2014.