New Year is a time to look forward and to look back and many people make their New Year Resolutions.  Personally, I prefer the beginning of the Autumn as it's a less stressful time to change long-ingrained habits.

According to someone in the US, many people make New Year Resolutions,and here are the most un-followed resolutions:

1. Spend more time with family and friends.
2. Fit in regular fitness.
3. Tame the bulge.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Enjoy life more.
6. Cut down on alcohol.
7. Get out of debt.
8. Learn something new.
9. Help others.
10. Get organised - perhaps one of the most difficult resolutions to keep.

The first step in breaking a bad habit is to look at why you find this action so compelling. In other words, what's the payoff for doing this seemingly negative thing? 

Since you've already classified this as a "bad" habit you may be tempted to say there isn't one. But look closer. There is always a payoff. Let's say your bad habit is yelling at your kids. What's in it for you? You let off some steam and feel a little better for the moment. Or you have a bad habit of leaving the dishes unwashed? The payoff could be that you get to spend more time on the Internet!

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The beginning of a New Year brings with it expectations that the coming year will be a bit different than the present year. And at many times we’re not happy with what has happened therefore, wish for the coming year to be better and plan to make it better by setting goals. 
Therefore, it can be said that resolutions help us to reflect on our past experiences to make our new plans and goals so the same mistakes won’t happen again. Also, it isn’t necessary that one repels oneself from making the same mistakes again but rather feels they should do something more than what they are already doing for example, many people plan on volunteering or helping the poor by giving more charity. Some of the most popular resolutions are as the following:

• Spend More Time With Family And Friends

Apparently about 50% of the population promises themselves to spend more time with family and loved ones. The world nowadays is moving so fast that not many people have the time to spend with their loved ones and therefore, by promising themselves that they will take some time out assures them that family is still important no matter what comes and goes in life.

• Fit In Fitness

People who exercise regularly stay healthy and live longer than those who don’t. Therefore, those people who like to enjoy every bit of life should definitely exercise to stay in shape. Many people in the world are gaining weight due to the amount of fast food eaten. And in order for one to be good to others it is a must to be good to yourself and to your health the most.

• Tame The Bulge

About two-thirds of people promise themselves to lose those extra pounds they gained over the year. Obesity is increasing daily, which can only be controlled when people start taking care of themselves. Not only does losing weight keep you healthy but it also makes you look good!

• Quit Smoking

Smoking is a big issue that seriously needs to be resolved and many people are fighting to stop it. Therefore, when one makes a resolution to end smoking they make a promise to themselves that, no matter what, I will let go.

• Enjoy Life More

Life can get very stressful at times and so we forget to enjoy it. But one should not forget that no matter what life has to offer if it weren’t for these ups and downs how would one ever learn to appreciate what they have. Therefore, one should promise that, no matter what the circumstance be, I need to enjoy my life in every situation.

• Cut down on Alcohol

Many people find it hard to stop drinking because they are heavy drinkers but if one decides to stop drinking then an ample amount of support is available.

• Get Out Of Debt

Getting into debt can be very easy but getting out of it can be very difficult. Therefore, plan it out and promise yourself that no matter how much time it takes you will get out of it and will not fall into more debt.

• Learn Something New

Learning something new is important for all of us. When we learn something new we feel worthwhile, whereas when we sit around and never learn anything new we feel like we’re wasting ourselves. As humans we are social animals whose aim is to learn every step of the way to improve us.

• Help Others

How many of us help others without any reason? Not many. But as humans it is our moral right to help others in need of it. Helping others does not just benefit the one gaining your help but satisfies you deep down. A real human being is one who accomplishes their goals when they stand up to their rights as a good human being.

• Get Organized

Organization is an important resolution which everyone makes every year but finds it hard to maintain. However, an important step in maintaining your organization is to either gain help from professional organizers or keep reminders that will help you in remembering what needs to be done when. Organization is a technique that comes with practice the more you practice the better it gets.

Overall, New Year resolutions are like promises made to the self which one tries to accomplish with the beginning of the New Year. New Year is like a ray of hope and resolutions are techniques in promoting the enthusiasm.

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And now my resolutions for 2012:

*  See more of family and friends, even if it's only a telephone call or email.

*  Fit in fitness, stairs, walking up the hill, toning tablets, Wii, swimming - how exhausting!

*  Tame the bulge, see above, and less eating between meals.

*  Enjoy life more, now that we're both 'on the mend' this will be easier to manage.

*  Make time for hobbies.

*  Get more organised, don't leave stuff for others to sort out.