Common New Year resolutions, such as quitting smoking, are old hat and are being replaced by modern life changes like reading more and saving money, a study has revealed.

New technology and healthier lifestyles mean three quarters of us have binned "old-fashioned" vows relating to smoking, alcohol and exercise.

Current top resolutions are reading more books and saving money, the poll of 2000 people found.

The third biggest aim is losing weight while redecorating the house came fourth. In fifth place was taking better photographs on iPhones or iPads.

Quitting smoking and drinking less were only ranked as the 22nd and 26th most popular resolutions for 2013.

Other modern resolutions included reducing the amount of time spent on social networking sites and simply leaving work on time more often.

The research, which was commissioned by private UK gym chain LA fitness, found other modern resolutions include upgrading the car, topping up our wardrobe regularly and making more time for friends and family.

Now technology plays a huge part in the vows we make to ourselves on January 1st, with people pledging to cut the amount of times they text people, and even slashing the number of friends they have on Facebook.

"The traditional resolutions we’re used to hearing or even making ourselves are less prominent this year," Tony Orme, Marketing Director at LA fitness said.

"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."

The results also unearthed a desire to spend more time face-to-face with people and reduce social networking time, while others vowed to spend less money on big coffee chains.

Watching reality TV and reading gossip are activities we are trying to cut down on, while many say this is the year they'll finally do something for charity.

Most respondents said they are hoping 2013 will give them courage, often listing some brave ambitions for 2013 — from finally waving goodbye to a toxic relationship to saving a relationship or having a face-to-face with the boss featured highly.

The trend in long-term targets for the New Year, rather than typical resolutions comes after seven in 10 people say they feel the old resolutions are a waste of time and are never stuck to.

Indeed, the average person will break their New Year's resolution in just under five weeks.

Instead, two thirds said their approach to 2013 is to make gradual improvements without "putting a name on it" or setting unrealistic targets.

The biggest aims shared were to feel physically fitter, followed by less stress, and feeling happier and more secure overall.

Two thirds aim to improve their fitness in the coming year and improve their body confidence.

The biggest celebrity inspiration for women comes in the figure of Cheryl Cole, followed by Holly Willoughby and Kelly Brook.

While men seek to emulate Daniel Craig, who beat David Beckham and David Haye to the top spot of the most inspiring physiques for guys.

"The responses we've had show people are more serious about making changes to their lifestyle, but realise it's about setting yourself realistic goals," Orme continued.

"It's no use setting your sights on a flat stomach if you've only just started exercising. Set bite-size, manageable goals and reward yourself when you achieve them.

"Looking good on the outside and feeling good on the inside are always going to be on the wish list so it's good to take that drive we have at the start of the year and focus it on long-term changes that really last.

"When it comes to health and physical well-being, quick fixes will at best disappoint – the best improvements are most likely to be seen through long-term commitment and gradual change."