In the hours leading up to 2013, hundreds of north Alabama residents paused to reflect on their triumphs and failures from the previous 365 days.

They tirelessly formed resolutions for the new year, meditated on short-term goals and in some cases made plans to follow dreams they have had since childhood.

Although 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, new research from the University of Scranton (Pa.) shows only 8 percent achieve their goals.

But 12:01 a.m. Tuesday marked a new beginning and a fresh start for those who set a clear agenda for what they hope to accomplish this year. The following Tennessee Valley residents were asked to complete the sentence: “In 2013, I plan to ... ” Here are their answers:

Stephanie Crisantos, 15, Decatur, student at Austin High School:

“Change myself. I want to get baptized and leave behind the bad stuff to get closer to God.”

Alejandra Rizo, 36, Decatur, sales at Belk department store:

“Finally face my past and deal with my problems. I want to confront my past and deal with it — to basically move on and become a better, stronger person and a more independent woman.”

Daysha Williams, 27, Decatur, unemployed:

“Start going to college and learn to save a little more money.”

Jeannie Fillenwarth, 49, Decatur, customer service at Decatur Utilities:

“Go back to school at Calhoun to study business administration. I work in customer service at Decatur Utilities. Where I am, I can’t move up at all without a degree.”

Hannah Wells, 19, Decatur, cheerleading coach and cashier at Uptown Girl Boutique in Decatur:

“Hit the gym and survive my first semester as a junior at Calhoun Community College. It’s going to be my first tough semester in college as classes are getting into the upper level.”

Joshua Williams, 23, Decatur, unemployed:

“Be a better Christian and find a new, a better job. That’s a good resolution for everybody.”

Margaret Maloney, 28, New York City, student at Brooklyn College:

“Try to make it back home to Decatur more because I actually live in New York City now.”

Jackie Letson, 43, Moulton, farmer at Scott’s Orchard in Hazel Green:

“Praise the Lord more and give him credit more for what he’s done in my life. If I didn’t have him, I wouldn’t have anything or be anything.”

Diane Scanland, 62, Decatur, owner of Cottage House in Decatur:

“Build the business at Cottage House and make a real effort to get more Alabama-made goods and gifts here to sell. Overall, I plan to be a little nicer to everybody and help people if I can.”

Jason Crow, 42, Decatur, manager of Emiron Music:

“Get out of debt. My wife and I have a 16-month-old, so we’re trying everything we can do to get out of debt by shopping smarter, shopping around and being more efficient with money.”