Stopping smoking and being more organised are two of the biggest aims for Bradfordians making New Year’s resolutions this year.

Despite new nationwide research from a private gym chain that new technology and life’s modern pressures mean more than 60 per cent of us no longer make traditional New Year’s resolutions, the Telegraph & Argus did its own on-street survey in Bradford city centre and found that the age-old stopping smoking and cutting back on alcohol were still top priorities.

According to LA Fitness, reducing the amount of time spent on social networking sites and simply leaving work on time more often is now more popular than ever before with those making resolutions.

The dwindling number of smokers and the fact that a large percentage of people are on year-round diets has sounded the death knell for some predictable resolutions people once vowed to stick to – 75 per cent no longer make a traditional resolution.

Other modern resolutions include upgrading the family car, topping up the wardrobe regularly and making more time for friends and family.

Many of the resolutions in the survey revolve around making quality of life better and reducing stress levels with 23 per cent of people saying they were planning to go travelling, nearly half want to save money and nearly half again intend to read more books.

Tony Orme, marketing director at LA fitness, which has a club in Yeadon, said: ‘’The traditional resolutions we’re used to hearing or even making ourselves are less prominent this year. It’s clear that the majority of people are really feeling the pressures of a hectic lifestyle so are now trying to focus on making more time for themselves, their friends and family.

“But it’s important to remember that taking time to exercise and eating a balanced, healthy diet not only give you more energy, but they also help to manage stress levels.”

Brits are also hoping 2013 will give them courage according to the national survey with people listing some brave ambitions from finally waving goodbye to a toxic relationship to saving a relationship or having a face-to-face with the boss.

However, research also says the average person will break their New Year’s resolution in just under five weeks – bite-size, manageable goals work much better.