MADISON, Wis. -- The new year is full of new opportunity, but sometimes it takes a little extra help to tackle the challenges and reach the goals people set for themselves each year. For help in accomplishing their goals, some people work with a life coach.

"If they're ready to make a change, then I ask them to build from their strengths, (and) also to have a compelling vision or sense of direction in life," said Don Mendenhall, with DeForest-based Emergence Life Coaching. "It's about finding the professional support on the specific issue that's really bothering you, staying active and involved, and live by your best principles."

The struggling economy is causing stress for many, and some plan to use the year to get financially fit, in addition to the most traditional attempt to shape up physically. The pressure can be heavy, but Mendenhall said he believes there's a sure-fire solution to easing stress.

"Stay connected, with your significant other, or family and friends, love them in the best way, (and) stay close to them," he said.

If dropping a few pounds or putting on some muscle is the goal, experts said people should work on setting attainable goals and finding exercises they'll enjoy.

"Whether it's group exercise, or racquetball, it's tough to kill yourself on a Stairmaster every time you work out, but if you find something that's also fun for you, it's easier to stick with long-term," said Howie Grigg, an owner at Supreme Health & Fitness on Madison's West Side.

"Everybody is going to get healthier, which is the bottom line from an exercise program," he said. "Your body is going to change to the degree that your body can change to, and it's not going to be the same for everybody, nor should you have the expectation of looking like the fittest person in the gym."

For more about working with a life coach, watch a Web-exclusive interview with Don Mendenhall on reporter David Douglas's blog.