Like our editor Cal Bryant, I’ve never been one to set a New Year’s resolution. In years past I’ve tried to, but they’ve always fallen by the wayside like most resolutions set by hopeful people on New Year’s.

With a new year comes refreshment. We often look toward the year ahead with optimistic visions for ourselves and our families. It’s a time to turn over a new leaf, to start anew with no reservations.

With these feelings running amuck we can’t help, but want to set those high goals.

Over half of adults in North America will make a New Year’s resolution, however, a marginal amount of those will adhere to their resolutions.

According to USA.gov, popular New Year’s resolutions include: drinking less alcohol, eat more healthy food, get a better education, get a better job, get fit, lose weight, manage debt, manage stress, quit smoking, reduce, reuse and recycle, save money, take a trip and volunteer.

When it comes to setting those resolutions, less always seems more.

In 2011, I set a personal goal for myself that maybe someday I will reveal. My setting the goal didn’t come at New Year’s (rather a few months later in March) and I have worked on it all year and slowly, but surely I’ve edged toward that goal.

In the past, my problem with resolutions is setting unattainable goals. I typically would set a goal to be done in a short period of time, a goal that should have been labeled as long-term.

What was different this year is I had smaller goals in mind as well as a long-term one.

Coaching yourself from each small goal to the other, like steps on a stairway, seems the easiest way to attain that resolution. It’s always key to keep in mind that your resolution is a process. After all you make your resolution for the new year, therefore it should probably, at least, carry you through a year.

Setting your long-term and short-term goals are just half of the battle. Having the mindset is the other 50 percent.

Whatever your resolution is make sure it’s something you really want. And if it’s a life changing one make sure you’re ready for that change.

Amanda VanDerBroek is a Staff Writer for the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. For comments and column suggestions email: amanda.vanderbroek@r-cnews.com or call (252) 332-7209.