New Year's Eve is a time to reflect on the past and welcome in the future. It is a time to say goodbye to the memories, fears and lost commitments of yesterday and welcome in the endless possibilities of tomorrow. We allow ourselves those final 10 seconds of reflection before turning to the next chapter, the clean slate that awaits us in the New Year.

According to a General Nutrition Centres poll, three of the top 10 most common New Year's resolutions include spending more time with family and friends, getting fit and quitting smoking. Of those who chose to get fit and healthy in the New Year, the poll found that 55 per cent of individuals promised to eat healthier, 50 per cent resolved to exercise more and 38 per cent wanted to lose weight in the New Year.

Unfortunately, many of us do not realize that we are setting ourselves up for failure when we decide to achieve these unattainable goals. Fulfilling New Year's resolutions can be difficult. This is especially true when focusing a fitness- related New Year's resolution on your health, not your physical appearance. Here are the top 10 tips to help ensure that your health and fitness resolutions will still be around in March (and beyond).

1. Choose an attainable goal.
Promise yourself to do one small thing every day, and just like that, you will be on your way to achieving your entire resolution.

2. Create a game plan. What is your mission and how will you achieve it? Set out one task you will complete each month to help you accomplish your goal. Perhaps in January, you will go to the gym once a week, and then every month, add another day until you have reached your goal of four days a week.

3. Ask your support system for encouragement. When you don't have the motivation to push yourself to hit the gym, ask your friends and family members to remind you of your goals and encourage you along the way.

4. Recruit a workout buddy. Ask your significant other or a friend to work out with you. Another great workout buddy? Your parents. Chances are they would like to get fit and keep their health up, too, and nothing beats time with your kids as they grow up.

5. #Besocial. Track and discuss your resolutions on the social networking sites you belong to. You might be surprised to find out that someone you follow has a similar goal, and just like that, you have found another workout buddy!

6. Make a resolution to balance your body type and self-image.
Magazines and television shows create too much pressure around what the perfect body to achieve is. Set a goal for YOU and no one else; your goal should be based on your body type and improving your confidence and self-esteem.

7. Take a holistic approach to your health and wellness. Develop a plan that includes activity, good nutrition and a mental/spiritual component such as doing yoga once a week to help alleviate stress.

8. Limit your promises. Don't spread yourself thin by making too many promises. On average, only 20 per cent of us keep our New Year's resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in fitness resolutions. Pick three things you will do in the New Year and make those your focus.

9. Find your word. Now is the time to use your favourite quote, song or word to motivate you. Choose yourself a Word of the Year and vow to keep that word as your primary motivation as you move forward in the New Year.

10. Have fun! Getting fit and eating healthy are supposed to be fun! Dance, play a sport with friends, try a new class at the gym. Take what you like to do and use that to achieve your goal! No one said 2012 was a year to stick to running on the treadmill. Try something new. Words of Encouragement for 2012: "Never be intimidated by your challenges. No matter how tough they are, they will bow to your destiny." — E. B. Doka