The beginning of a new year is the time to make some New Year’s resolutions. A new year is the opportunity for a new beginning in our lives. We say that we are going to “make a fresh start.” The new year is an opportunity to make changes in our lives. We are turning over a new leaf.
New Year’s resolutions
The word “resolution” is a noun that means “promise.”
New Year’s resolutions are promises that we make to ourselves at the start of a new year. We promise ourselves to make some important changes during the new year. The objective of New Year’s resolutions is to improve our lives.
People are of course free to choose their own resolutions. Let’s look at some common choices.
New Year’s resolutions related to health
Common examples:
This year, I’m going to lose weight.
I want to get in shape.
I want to get fit.
I’m going to work out once a week.
I’m going to lift weights every day.
New Year’s resolutions to stop bad habits
Form:
stop + ING form of the verb
Common examples:
This year, I’m going to stop smoking.
I’m going to stop being lazy.
I’m going to stop procrastinating.
to procrastinate = to delay doing important things. If I say “I’ll do it tomorrow”, but then never do it, I am procrastinating. Procrastinating is a very bad habit because the consequence is that we never do what is important. Stopping procrastination is therefore a very popular New Year’s resolution.
More examples:
I want to give up alcohol.
I’d like to quit eating junk food.
New Year’s resolutions to start good habits
Form:
start + ING form of the verb
Common examples:
I want to start dressing well.
This year, I’m going to start getting up early.
I want to start saving money.
I’d like to start eating healthy foods.
I want to start going to the gym.
New Year’s resolutions to start new activities and hobbies
In English, there is a very good structure to describe starting a new activity or hobby.
Form:
“take up” + ING form of verb (gerund)
Common examples:
This year, I’m going to take up jogging.
I’m going to take up cycling.
I’d like to take up fishing.
New Year’s resolutions related to social life
Your “social life” is everything related to going out, having fun and making friends.
Common examples:
This year, I’m going to meet new people.
I’d like to make some new friends.
I’m going to be more sociable.
(“sociable” is an adjective to describe a person. A sociable person goes out a lot. He/she enjoys the company of other people and enjoys talking to other people and doing fun things with them.)
More examples:
I want to be less shy.
I want to be more outgoing.
(“outgoing” is also an adjective to describe a person. An outgoing person is a very confident person who likes to talk with lots of people. “outgoing” is the opposite of “shy.”)
New Year’s resolutions related to love
The new year is a good opportunity to make efforts to find love.
Common examples:
I’d like to find a girlfriend (or boyfriend).
I want to get married.
I’d like to spend more time with my wife (or husband.)
I’m going to get over my ex girlfriend (or ex boyfriend).
“Get over someone”
= stop feeling sad about someone from the past.
New Year’s resolutions related to work and money
Common examples:
I want to find a new job.
I’d like to earn more money this year.
I want to quit my job and start my own business.
I want to pay off my debt.
I want to make some investments.
I’m going to donate money to a charity.
Other common resolutions
I want to be more punctual.
I’d like to run a marathon.
I want to be happy.
I’d like to learn a new language.
I’d like to travel the world.
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
What are you going to start doing ?
What are you going to stop doing ?
What activities or hobbies are you going to take up?
What are your goals?
Write your answers in the comments at the bottom of this page.
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