ALBANY, GA -- With each New Year comes a fresh start; and the chance to make a New Year’s resolution. But making it is just the first step. Picking a New Year’s resolution isn’t hard; sticking with it is a different story.

Each year on January 1st, people start making positive changes in their lives; for some that may mean putting down the pack of smokes, for others, making more trips to the gym. YMCA Fitness Instructor Donnette Lewis says the first of the year is always a busy time in the gym. “Everybody likes to start a new program; they’ve got a lot of hopeful thinking. The problem is making a lifestyle change, not just a January commitment,” says Lewis.

Lewis says keeping a New Year’s resolution takes motivation and commitment.

And while some people can’t keep their resolutions, they are keeping up with traditions. Everyone has unique New Year’s Eve traditions that they carry out over the years. We hit the streets to find out some of the things you will be doing, to ring in the New Year. Some popular traditions include cooking black eyed peas, watching fireworks, and spending time with family.