A little over two weeks separates us from a brand new year and a new beginning if we so choose.

Resolutions come hand in hand with the change of date. As the countdown starts, it’s time to think resolutions.

Resolutions can be tough because we tend to make them grand: quit smoking, drinking, eating chocolate, ice cream; lose weight; save money; exercise more, join a gym; but too often, resolutions go by the wayside when we get a little busy.

So how do we fulfill these promises to ourselves? How does one avoid failure? Easily.

Outside of not making resolutions at all — after all, if we don’t make them, we can’t possibly disappoint — maybe we should consider not making such grandiose ones. Keeping expectations reasonable just may be the key to resolution success.

So, instead of making a resolution to lose 30 pounds, try five. Then five pounds later, go for another five with a March resolution. Instead of cutting out all dessert or adult beverages, allow yourself those things on special occasions, or maybe once a week. Rather than killing yourself running on the treadmill on day one at the gym, then nursing aching muscles for the next week, start slow, start with a run/walk program that will ease you into an exercise regimen.

This is not to say you shouldn’t set lofty goals. But make sure those goals are reasonable and achievable. Taking small steps toward a larger goal allows us to focus on the current achievement. It allows us to focus on the positive.

We can all use an injection of a little positivity in 2014, can’t we? Start by being good to yourself.