If you’re looking for love in the new year, look now...

The New Year is a natural time to dream of new beginnings – and if you’re hoping for new love you’ve got to believe...

Joe Amoia, founder of SmarterDatingForWomen.com, says really believing you will find that someone is the first step. Attitude plays a huge role in how we come across to others and if you’re feeling skeptical, discouraged or pessimistic, you’re significantly reducing your odds . Here are a few more steps to take towards love:

• Learn from your past. The more you can identify what went wrong and what felt right – the better you’ll be at avoiding Mr. or Ms. Wrong and finding Mr. or Ms. Right.

• Don’t settle. Even if you’re tired of looking – don’t lower the bar now. Compromising on your standards is a surefire way to wind up in an unfulfilling relationship.

Now is a really good time to be looking. The first few weeks of the New Year sees a 15 to 20% spike in members of online dating sites. Match.com says the busiest dating time of the year is now through Valentine’s Day.