At the start of a new year, we all have a tendency to want to create resolutions, to find ways to have a fresh start or make a needed change.

Somehow, it’s become human nature to see the arbitrary change in calendar as an excuse for making all sorts of grandiose life decisions — and yours truly isn’t immune to doing it.

I fall victim to the standard “Eat healthier” and “Exercise more often” that almost everyone has this time of year (and I fully intend to fulfill those resolutions, lest my girlfriend murder me for non-compliance).

However, in 2016, I would like to see a longtime dream of mine finally come to fruition, despite how impossible it might seem.

I, Cliff McCollum, hereby resolve to find some way to become a Pip.

(Yes, as in Gladys Knight and the Pips.)

For years, I have been a fan of their impeccable footwork, their amazing backup vocals and the Technicolored marvel that is their wardrobes.

They have the honor and privilege of getting to sing with one of the greatest living vocalists of this or any time period, and I’m willing to bet they also have the perk of being able to enjoy fried chicken and waffles from Ms. Knight’s Atlanta-based restaurant chain whenever they please.

(Which, admittedly, would not help in my “Be healthier” resolutions.)

Is it so much to ask that an almost 30-year-old pasty white guy with limited vocal skills and even worse dancing skills be able to live his dream of being a member of the greatest backup group of all time?

Is it wrong to continue to nurse the fantasy of being at a Gladys Knight concert and have her see me and pull me up on stage (ala a young Courtney Cox in the Bruce Springsteen “Dancing in the Dark” video) and ask me to become a part of her entourage?

I know all of the major songs.

I’ve memorized the proper call and response techniques she and the Pips have employed for years.

This is America, the land of dreams — so is it so farfetched to think I could maybe make this happen?

In all honesty, it probably is.

But, maybe — just maybe — Gladys or one of her people might see this column, and take pity on a soul music loving guy from rural central Alabama to make one of his biggest dreams finally come true.

I’m ready to ride that Midnight Train to Georgia, Ms. Knight.

I’m just waiting for my ticket.

Cliff McCollum is managing editor of Gulf Coast Media. He can be reached at cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com.