Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- attainable /uh-TEY-nuh-buhl/
- in line with /in lahyn with/
- milestone /MAHYL-stohn/
- manageable /MAN-i-juh-buhl/
- move forward /moov FAWR-werd/
[adjective] – possible to achieve
We have some challenging but attainable financial goals.
[idiom] – similar to, or at the same level as something
The outcomes were all in line with the targets.
[noun] – an important event in the development or history of something or in someone’s life
This victory was a milestone in the history of our nation.
[adjective] – easy or possible to deal with
Try to scale down your tasks to something more manageable.
[idiom] – to advance in position or progress
We must move forward according to our original schedule.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
It’s that time of year once more when it seems like every advertisement, social media post, and well-meaning relative wants to remind you that it’s time for a rebrand, refresh, or reset. How can we make New Year’s resolutions attainable?
Make value-driven resolutions
When a resolution is in line with your priorities, keeping it is much simpler. Ask yourself these questions: What matters the most to you in life? In what ways might your efforts to better yourself further those ideals?
Be specific with your goals
Resolutions have the drawback of being very abstract. So be more concrete with your goals. For example, if you intend to volunteer more, consider the date, time, location, duration, and mode of transportation.
Break down your resolution into smaller goals
Most people can’t sustain a big life shift right away, and major milestones might seem overwhelming and challenging. Therefore, breaking down your resolutions into manageable tasks will help you keep them.
Reward yourself
Making unpleasant feelings or experiences more rewarding encourages persistence. Treat yourself to a latte when you’re going to pick up a book if you’re making a resolution to read more. Or reward yourself with sushi after a yoga session.
Be prepared
Everyone makes mistakes, but those who view them as chances for improvement rather than failure are better prepared to advance. Accept the days off, the treats, and the temptations, but remember that consistency, not perfection, is the key to achieving your goals.
Be clear about your goals, create a roadmap with smaller checkpoints along the way, and don’t let failures stop you from moving forward!
Make value-driven resolutions
When a resolution is in line with your priorities, keeping it is much simpler. Ask yourself these questions: What matters the most to you in life? In what ways might your efforts to better yourself further those ideals?
Be specific with your goals
Resolutions have the drawback of being very abstract. So be more concrete with your goals. For example, if you intend to volunteer more, consider the date, time, location, duration, and mode of transportation.
Break down your resolution into smaller goals
Most people can’t sustain a big life shift right away, and major milestones might seem overwhelming and challenging. Therefore, breaking down your resolutions into manageable tasks will help you keep them.
Reward yourself
Making unpleasant feelings or experiences more rewarding encourages persistence. Treat yourself to a latte when you’re going to pick up a book if you’re making a resolution to read more. Or reward yourself with sushi after a yoga session.
Be prepared
Everyone makes mistakes, but those who view them as chances for improvement rather than failure are better prepared to advance. Accept the days off, the treats, and the temptations, but remember that consistency, not perfection, is the key to achieving your goals.
Be clear about your goals, create a roadmap with smaller checkpoints along the way, and don’t let failures stop you from moving forward!
Discussion Questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What were your New Year’s resolutions last year?
- What do you do to stay motivated to stick to your resolutions?
- If you were to help a friend make resolutions, which of the five pieces of advice would you give him/her? Why?
- Should New Year’s resolutions always be followed?
- In which of the five ways do you believe you need it the most? Please provide a detailed explanation for your response.
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- restart
- drawback
- consider
- overwhelming
- consistency