About a week ago, I told a friend that I was going to jot down a New Year’s plan (I say “plan” because I’m not really into the whole “resolutions” thing). And she asked in surprise, “Isn’t it a little late to be making New Year’s resolutions?”

The answer is NO.

First of all, I still get to call my plan a New Year’s plan because it’s only January. I mean, give me a break! But even if I wanted to write such a plan in, say, March that would be perfectly fine, too. Fact is, every day you wake up is a new opportunity to be a “new you” or to aspire to a new goal. Heck, you can make a fresh start right in the middle of the day if you want.

It’s all about setting a goal, making steps to execute it and sticking to it (and not beating yourself up if you happen to fall off track).

Last week, I attended JCPenney’s New Year, New You Fitness Event at their showroom in SoHo. The event showcased products and apparel from JCPenney, along with ideas to help you make a fresh start for 2014. Just my luck, this fit in perfectly with my New Year’s plan.

Goal #1 in my New Year’s plan: Get to the gym more consistently
I’m a (semi) regular at the gym and I want to become more consistent about not breaking gym days.

We got to pick a workout outfit from JCPenney’s Xersion and CityStreets Activewear lines. My current workout wardrobe consists of random leggings and tank tops, so just putting this on got me pumped. It’s not just that it looks great; it’s also specially designed for sweating and moving your body. Can’t say the same for my all-purpose leggings.

We put our workout gear to the test during a dance class led by the event host, Dancing with the Star’s Karina Smirnoff. Fortunately, she kept the moves easy-to-follow for us. It was a blast and Karina looked fab in JCPenney’s Xersion and CityStreets Activewear lines.

Goal #2 in my New Year’s plan: Eat healthy
I like to eat healthy, wholesome foods, lots of fruits, veggies, fiber and protein. I love making smoothies, which makes it easy for me to down all the good stuff in one cup. For the New Year, I want to do more of this and less of falling into a takeout rut.

After the class, Karina juiced healthy treats with JCPenney’s Bella High Power Juice Extractor and Magic Bullet Blender. Celebrity nutritionist and chef Melissa Petitto was also onsite creating delicious and healthy juices and smoothies with JCPenney’s national brand juicers to quick our thirst.

We took home the Bella Rocket Blender for ourselves. I already used it and I’m hooked. It’s so much easier and convenient that the standard blender I’d been using.

Whatever your plans (or resolutions) are for the New Year, you can’t go wrong with staying active and eating healthy. Just try to spend a little time on your goals each day and you’ll be where you want to be in no time!