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New Year's Resolutions

Date: Dec 27 2008

Author: nad1a

Lesson

At the end of each year, we look back to the past year and set our goals for the coming one. And this is when we start making our New Year’s Resolutions. We start analyzing our lifestyle and habits and eventually make a commitment about the changes and improvements we need to make.

You may have experienced some financial challenges during the last year and then you realize that you have been spending too much money on unnecessary or inessential things. On New Year’s Eve, you make yourself a promise to be more economically responsible this year.

The extra few pounds that you have added in addition to your increased blood pressure may call for a decision to become more health conscious and join a gym. And there’s no better time for giving up smoking than on New Year’s Day.

You missed out on a promotion because you didn’t find the courage to speak up and negotiate it, or you make too many sacrifices for others and fail to fulfill your own needs because you find it hard to say ‘no’. Then you may resolve to become more assertive from now on.

Other, more socially oriented resolutions may include getting involved in charity work and fund-raising programs or start recycling.

Why they’re called “New Year’s Resolution” is because they go into effect on New Years Day. However, making the decision is the easiest part. What proves to be more challenging is sticking to those promises we make and carrying out those changes we decide upon.

***

Resolution:
a noun from the verb ‘to resolve’; to come to a clear decision or make a commitment about something; decide to make a change or improvement;

Most Popular Goals

• Lose Weight
• Pay Off Debt/s
• Save Money
• Get a Better Job
• Get Fit
• Eat Right
• Get a Better Education
• Drink less Alcohol
• Quit Smoking
• Reduce Stress Overall
• Reduce Stress at Work
• Take a Trip
• Volunteer to Help Others

***

Think about and share with us:

1. Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?
2. Did you keep your last year’s resolution?
3. What's your New Years Resolution for the New Year 09'?

More Culture Lessons and Video Activities

Listening practice:
Five New Year's Resolutions for Learners to Improve Their English

Further Reading:
Top Ten New Year's Resolutions

Comments

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^__^

Algeria

the futur will show everything

yaser055

Saudi Arabia

i like this lesson…

thank you.

badrdin

Morocco

I HOPE that i can stady english very well . and can speak easy with people

雨森

China

I hope that i can read well.I like english

aulia aldila

Indonesia

I like reading. From reading we can know everything.

毅yi

China

Get a Better Education

hamzehdamia

Jordan

Life is short and a permanent stage will finish someday, I remember a good saying for Mahatma Gandhi: “live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever”, so do your best to be the best.

turning dark

Syrian Arab Republic

I think what was said is the most THING in life person.Everyone is interesting in changing his life and take the best decisions,but ARE we sure and ready?besides we need sth to remember us about this.
Because im muslim ,i should always be ready if i die,there i would be asked about what i did in my life.

ismael salah

United Arab Emirates

it is very nice lesson

FromVietNam

Viet Nam

In my country, New year begin at the night that be called "Giao Thua" night. It's often 30 December, according to the Moon calendar. And the first day of New year, everybody especially the old mans will take a pen and a nice paper to write the first nice word. It's called " Khai But " and according to English is " Open Pen".

At that time, people writes all good things they want in New year.It can just a short sentence, a word, or a list wish.

With me, it's the time I think about my plans, something I want, something I need, something I wish. And It's always so many the best thing I hope for my family, my friends and my love. Then I take it careful in my diary and sometimes I read it again and again to remind myself about my plans.

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rukic

China

i think,

first,i will study hard, i want to past the customs examination.

second,i will work hard_~

Happy work,happy life~~

rukic

China

i think,

first,i will study hard, i want to past the customs examination.

second,i will work hard_~

Happy work,happy life~~

吹雪とっおい之戀☻

Taiwan

i will read some English book which good for teenager , it is useful for learning English . i desides to change my bad grade !

memeee

Lebanon

i`m gona drink less soda

and studying better than last year :D

king zhang

China

I will try my best to study and catch up with my classmates.

glassy heart

Saudi Arabia

I Think ill do nothing i like the way iam now

shekharkc

Nepal

well this is just the middle of the year. i want Get a Better Job after completed this year in 2009.

kingdave

Somalia

thanks really it help me very wel

happy 4 ever

Oman

this year i made my year resolution is to change my character to a better person. i usually get angry fast when i see people act bad, sometimes i think i lose control of myself. but for this resolution i made a commitment to reduce overcome this problem. now i am much better than before. so thanks a million to new year resolution

Elle shing

China

well,this is just the middle of a year,so the NEW YEAR resolution is coming up 6 months later,lol anyway, I like this lesson,which I think is really something close to our lives.Looking back the past years, I was always engaged in setting goals which I commit myself.These are really useful and it was fun actually,so thanks for the resolutions.^^