As we begin the final holiday season of 2006 and the year winds to a close, our minds start to look toward the New Year and of course, the dreaded New Year's resolution.

According to surveys, the most popular resolutions include losing weight, quitting smoking, and making more money. Others include spending more time with family, learning a new language and helping others. Unfortunately, statistics show that an alarming 25% of us will give up on our resolution by January 3rd and over 50% will drop out within the first 6 months. After that, only 30% of us will have stuck to our resolution through the end of the year... just in time to make a new one!

Most resolutions fail because of unrealistic expectations or setting out of reach goals. In the case of losing weight, it's easy to get discouraged if we don't see results right away or if we exercise too much too soon, which leads to soreness and fatigue, both of which can result in frustration.

Many of us don't seek the help we need to accomplish our goals. In the case of quitting smoking, many try the "cold turkey" approach which can be the most difficult. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and in addition to the physical addiction, the physiological addiction or "habit" part of the addiction can be just as difficult to overcome. The success rate of quitting increases exponentially with the help of a health care professional. In addition, many health benefit plans now offer coverage for smoking cessation programs.

Are you ready to beat the odds? Here are some tips to help you stick to your resolutions:

Get support. Buddy up and find someone else who set the same or similar goals for themselves. Make the time to work together to reach your goals and lean on each other when you need supportSet realistic goals. Do your homework and find out what it takes to accomplish your goal. Then break it down into steps and work on one step at a time. Success breeds success.Make change an adventure. Try new approaches, step out of your comfort zone and look at each day as a new opportunity.Limit negativity. Use positive statements whenever possible and keep company with positive people. Focus clearly on what you are accomplishing instead of what you can't accomplish. Fail is a four letter word. Its okay is you fall off the wagon, just make sure you dust yourself off and get back on it again. Don't dwell on your failures and don't be afraid to fail. Take time to put yourself first. Understand that you and your time are just as important as everyone else. Make sure you allow yourself the time you need to focus on your goals.Keep records. Write a diary or make a chart showing your accomplishments, keep a record of what works and the challenges you faced along the way. Set dates with yourselfMake a list of the positives. Post them in places as reminders (refrigerator, car dash board and mirror). Keep in mind why you're doing it.Read about it. Check out books at your local library or research the internet about your resolution and goals. Learn as much as you can and don't be afraid to try new things. Think long term. Don't expect immediate or drastic changes and work to make your resolution a life-long goal. For more help in choosing and sticking with your New Year's resolution for 2007 and beyond visit BestLife2007, the health, happiness and prosperity website for 2007 and beyond.

Good Luck and have a Happy New Year!