Why New Year’s resolutions don’t work
Professor Scot Lear reveals that approximately 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. He believes that the rate is so high because people set vague goals, such as exercising more or eating better. To improve the chances of success, he introduces the SMART acronym.
The goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.
For example, a SMART goal could be exercising three times a week for 30 minutes over three months.
Lear says that setbacks are normal and he emphasizes that it is important to stay focused on progress.
We need to be kind to ourselves and understand that progress is not always straightforward.
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In short
Professor Scot Lear explains why most New Year's resolutions fail: people often set goals that are too vague, like "exercise more." He suggests using the SMART method to make goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. For instance, instead of "learn English," a SMART goal could be "study English for 30 minutes, five times a week, for the next three months."
This advice is very useful for English learners! Applying SMART goals to your language learning can help you stay motivated and see real progress. For example, setting a goal to "learn 10 new vocabulary words every day for a month" is much more effective than just saying "I want to improve my English vocabulary."
Remember, setbacks are normal. Professor Lear emphasizes being kind to yourself and focusing on progress, even if it's not always a straight line. This mindset is key for consistent English learning.
Frequently asked questions
What does SMART mean for setting goals?
SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely, a framework used to make goals clearer and more attainable.
Why do New Year's resolutions often fail?
Professor Scot Lear suggests that resolutions often fail because they are too vague, like 'exercising more,' making them difficult to track and achieve.
How can English learners use SMART goals?
English learners can use SMART goals by setting clear targets, such as 'practice speaking English for 15 minutes daily for the next two months,' to track progress and stay motivated.
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