It’s hard to believe that 2014 is already here. The year is ahead of us like a blank canvas, just waiting for us to paint the masterpiece that will define the next 12 months.

Like many of you, I will likely be making some New Year’s resolutions. I have not quite decided what they will be, but I do hope that they last longer than the ones I made in 2013. I have already been thinking about some of the things that I would most like to improve.

While I have good health now, I know that it’s not something that’s guaranteed to me in the future, and that’s why I want to try and get back into a healthy exercise routine in 2014. When I was younger, I ran the long distance events on my high school track team, and I would really like to get back into the shape to do those long runs again. I have several colleagues and friends who are runners, and I’m hoping they’ll give me the encouragement to reach those goals.

I’d also like to do a better job of being organized and getting things done in a timely fashion. While I feel I have pretty good results in those categories, I know I can definitely make some improvements as well. My smartphone’s calendar and notepad apps will likely prove invaluable in this pursuit. I’m amazed that people were even able to stay organized without these convenient handheld devices!

Finally, I hope I can do a better job of eating healthier in 2014. This would be a lot easier if there wasn’t such a direct inverse relationship between the taste of food and its health value.

I’m sure that many of you will also be working on your own resolutions in the coming weeks. I wish you good luck!

• As a sports fan, I always look forward to this time of year. There are so many entertaining bowl games that are still to be played, including the BCS title game on Jan. 6. While I don’t really have a direct rooting interest like last year (when my alma mater Notre Dame was in the game), I would like to see my state continue to dominate the college football landscape. I think it will happen. I have picked against the SEC in the national title game before, and I learned my lesson. Until somebody can beat this powerful conference in a head-to-head matchup, I just don’t see them falling, and I expect for Auburn to lift the crystal ball for the second time in four years.

• I truly enjoyed getting the chance to see my family last week during Christmas. While Skype and similar technology does a great job of making the world smaller, it’s no substitute for actually spending time with loved ones. I hope that all of you were able to make as many happy memories as I was.

Thank you for reading The Atmore Advance, and best wishes for a safe and successful new year in 2014.