New Year's resolutions

Happy New Year!

Do you ever make New Year’s resolutions? (This means a decision or a promise to yourself to do something good this year, or stop doing something bad, such as “I’m going to do more exercise” or “I’m going to stop going to bed late.”)

New Year’s resolutions are difficult to keep. How many people decide to start going to the gym in January? And how many stop going before January is even over?!

In this post, we’re going to look at some ways you can make New Year’s resolutions for your English AND how you can increase your chances of keeping them.

I’m really bad at keeping my resolutions! Last year, I was going to start learning German again. I think I managed about three weeks of Duolingo and then stopped! Do you have the same problem? 

Perhaps you can learn something from my mistakes!

By the way, this advice is not just for the start of the year. My tips are also true for any goals you make at any time of year!

1. Consistency is really important
I know that if do something every day, it’s easier to keep doing it. But if I stop for a couple of days, it’s harder to get back into the habit. So I recommend you try to do something in English every day, even if it’s something small, like reading for just a few minutes.

2. Set realistic goals
If I say I’m going to study German for two hours every day, I know I’m going to fail. It sounds like hard work so I’m going to keep putting it off until tomorrow, then it will never happen! But ten minutes a day is much more achievable. Some days, you might end up enjoying it so much that you do more. But when you start, be realistic about what you can achieve or find time for.

3. Plan the first steps
After you’ve decided on your (realistic) goals, the next thing to do is to think about what practical steps you’re going to take. For example, if you want to improve your listening skills, how are you going to actually do that? Perhaps you’ll find a YouTube channel to follow. Or if you want to improve your vocabulary, how cna you make that happen? You could read more and write down the new words you want to remember. 

4. Time of day
I tried to learn German in the evening, straight after finishing work. This didn’t work. Partly, I was too tired. And also, I can always find more work to do so I wasn’t leaving enough time for German. I haven’t actually figured this one out yet! The morning might be a better time for me but there are other things I want to do in the morning. Learning German isn’t a priorit for me. It’s just a hobby. But if learning English is important to you, you have to find the best time of day and create a routine. 

5. Make it enjoyable
Another reason I stopped with my German last year is because I found Duolingo boring and repetitive. (There are other reasons why you shouldn’t rely 100% on Duolingo but perhaps that’s a topic for another day!) This year, I’m going to try reading a book instead because I love reading. I might also see if I can find a Facebook group where I can practise.

6. Accountability
I know that if I had a teacher, joined a class or found a study buddy, I would be better at keeping going with my German. If you’re in the same situation as me and you’re learning alone, try telling somebody about your plans. Or write it your down. This makes it more likely that you’ll actually do it. Other tips include ticking a box each day after you’ve achieved your daily target, or rewarding yourself with a cup of tea or piece of chocolate, for example.

7. Be kind to yourself
When I fail at keeping my resolutions, even before January is over, I get upset with myself and I even feel like giving up because it’s too hard. This isn’t a very healthy way to think! So if you make a plan and then don’t do what you set out to do, it’s OK. We’re all human. If you miss a day, it’s not the end of the world. Just try again tomorrow.

8. Not just January
Another mistake I’ve made is I’ve let another year go by without having another go at German. (To be fair, I’ve been pretty busy with other things. 2024 was a big year for me in my business. I did quite well with my business goals if not with my learning goals!) Remember that setting yourself a goal doesn’t have to be something which only happens in January. Don’t be like me waiting a whole year before trying again! Time just goes too fast!

So if learning English is one of your goals, don’t make the mistakes I made last year! Follow my tips and I’m sure you’ll succeed!

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