English stuff ESL: NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS (intermediate)

Monday, 30 December 2013

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS (intermediate)

"Everything needs to change so everything can stay the same"

Who doesn't expect the best when a new year starts?

A new year is a fresh beginning, and many of us are often carried away by the spirit of the season and our desires of change, of taking up new habits and doing away with negative customs. That's why we make New Year's resolutions, promises to ourselves that we'll do our best to change for the better. We are aware of the fact that we are far from perfect, but know it is up to us to make change possible: we have the key!

It's not so easy to carry your goals out, mind you. Change is difficult and we have learned to live with certain habits that have become part of us and are tough to give up: indulging ourselves, certain addictions, attitudes and (what's worse!) all those tasks we've been putting off till tomorrow.

These are some popular resolutions for a new year:

Do they sound familiar?

Let me tell you that New Year's resolutions are not new. The Romans and even the ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year. Of course, resolutions have changed with times: medieval knights made vows to renew their commitment to chivalry; one of the most frequent promises nowadays involves fitness and well-being (eating less, going to the gym, giving up cigarettes, etc.).

So much for all those resolutions made in times past!

(Source of information: Wikipedia)

Oh, well...
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Let's hear an expert's opinion:

I meant YOUR opinion! What can you say about New Year's Resolutions?
What is your experience and your thoughts?

Take a look at the list of the ten most commonly broken New Year's Resolutions. Click below.

Well, it's New Year's Eve again.

Oh, no! Tomorrow is here! It has come to remind us that it is high time we did something positive for ourselves and for those around us.

Here is the best part:

If you failed to accomplish your goals LAST year, remember that you have a new opportunity THIS year. And, what's even better, you can always make new, firmer resolutions NEXT year!