American traditions have fallen off course over the past 10 to 20 years. Why would New Year's be any different? Traditions generally differ from family to family and generation to generation. As "families" fall apart so do "American traditions." That statement may come as a relief to most considering the average American doesn't keep their resolution for anything over a month.

Resolution ~ the stated or quality of being resolute or determined, such as resolving to do something. According to statistics about 97% of all New Year's resolutions are not kept. They also state that 40 to 45% of adult Americans make one or more resolutions. Percentages show that as time goes by 75% of resolutions are kept past the first week, 71% past two weeks, 64% after a month and 46% after six months. And you can guess that the numbers just continue to drop.

Are these resolutions just way out of reach. New Year's ~ I resolve to stop smoking! One week later ~ Well, I've cut down to a pack a day, that's better than what it was! A month later ~ Yeah, I tried it but it didn't work. What does that say about our determination? Or what does that say about out ability to set attainable goals? Do we set these goals and just add stress to our already hectic lives by trying to achieve these goals through frustrating means?

A lot of people who make resolutions break them, that much has been proven. But, research proves that it is good and often healthy to make these resolutions. Studies say that people who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than those that rarely set them. Well, that makes sense. It's kind-of like complaining about not winning the lottery when you don't even buy tickets. You have to make goals to reach them.

Which brings me to another point, how to make attainable goals. Each of us is unsatisfied with something in our lives. For most people it is weight, others is time, then there’s the issue of quitting or not quitting. How can you make a goal that’s reachable?

I have a few suggestions, just suggestions. Pick that one issue in your life that you would like to change. First ask yourself if you are really ready for that issue to be resolved. Then plan in your mind how wonderful it would be to be without that issue. Resolve to do the best you can to alleviate the situation. Take steps in your day to day routine that will help you reach that goal. If you feel as though this goal is slipping out of your reach, contact a friend. Ask for their help and offer to help them.

Goals are reachable. No matter the goal. If your determination is set against that issue there is nothing that can stop you. That is why it is imperative to be sure of your willingness to give up the particular pleasure you get from you issue, such as smoking, drinking, eating, excessive spending or being unorganized. Make sure you can live without what you’re giving up.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t reach that goal. Afterall we are only human, and bound to make mistakes. And never do something because someone else has. “John Smith quit smoking. I can to.” Someone else’s reasons have no bearing in your situation. You cannot fully adopt someone else’s resolutions it will not work. They are reaching for a specific star that you may not even see.

Most average Americans will fall prey to the following resolutions. These are the top ten New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Spend more time with family and friends.

2. Exercise more often and stay in better shape.

3. Diet. Diet. Diet.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Enjoy life more. Notice the small things. Stop and smell the roses.

6. Quit drinking.

7. Get out of debt. Become more financially stable.

8. Learn something new. A new language or hobby.

9. Help others. Be more community active.

10. Get organized.

Out of all of the listed above, #10 is the one that will be followed through more easily.

Which number are you and how do you plan to keep it?