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 says that most New Year's resolutions don't succeed because people make goals that are not clear. He explains that goals like 'exercise more' are too general.
To help you reach your goals, Professor Lear suggests using the SMART method. This means your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. For example, instead of 'exercise more,' a SMART goal is 'exercise three times a week for 30 minutes for three months.' This method can help you improve your English learning goals too.
It's important to know that sometimes things don't go as planned, and that's okay. Professor Lear reminds us to be kind to ourselves and keep trying, focusing on progress even if it's slow.
Frequently asked questions
What does SMART stand for in goal setting?
SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely, a framework designed to make goals clearer and easier to reach.
Why do many New Year's resolutions fail?
Professor Scot Lear suggests that most resolutions fail because they are often too vague, like 'exercise more,' making them hard to track and achieve.
How can I apply SMART goals to my English learning?
You can make your English learning goals SMART by setting specific targets, such as 'learn 10 new vocabulary words every week' or 'practice speaking English for 15 minutes daily'.
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