How to Talk About New Year's Resolutions

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A new year is a chance to make big changes and fresh starts. Some people want to try new things, while others want to stop bad or unhealthy habits.

These goals for the new year are called resolutions, and they're a popular conversation topic in late December and early January.

If you have resolutions of your own — or if you just want to chat with others about theirs — this article will introduce common examples and phrases you can use to discuss them.

Discussing Common New Year’s Resolutions

There are many ways to talk about goals for the new year, including phrases like:

"My resolution is to ~"
"I'm resolving to ~"
"I'm planning/aiming to ~"
"I want to ~"
"I'm going to ~"

Let's look at how to use these in some example sentences with popular resolutions.

Save more money

A man sitting at a table with a computer, calculator and various financial documents

The start of the year is often when people look closely at their finances and think of how to improve them.

This is especially true if major events have happened that affect their income or employment status. For example, inflation has become a big problem in countries around the world, as prices for many items continue to rise.

My resolution is to save more of my salary every month.

I'm planning to save money by canceling some of my subscription services.

My resolution is to spend less money on eating out. I'm going to learn how to cook!

Related article: Topic Focus: English for Money

Exercise more

Many people don't feel that they get enough exercise, so having a healthier lifestyle is often at the top of popular resolution lists.

My new year's resolution is to exercise more and get in shape.

I'm resolving to hit the gym three times a week this year.

I plan to wake up an hour early to go for a jog every morning.

Related Daily News lesson: 'Exercise Snacks': Fitness Breaks for Busy Lives

Lose weight

Losing weight is much harder than gaining it! So it's no surprise that "slimming down" is a popular goal at the start of the year.

This resolution may include more specific targets. For example, some people may want to lose a certain number of pounds/kilograms or be able to fit a particular size of clothing.

I want to lose 30 pounds this year.

My goal is to reach a size 8 by the summer.

Jack can't fit his jeans anymore, so he's resolving to go on a diet and slim down.

Change or improve one’s career

A man studying while seated at a wooden table

In addition to personal improvement, people also aim for professional development as a new year begins. That could mean applying for a new job or doing a training course that can lead to a higher salary.

I want to get over 800 on the TOEIC test this year.

My goal for this year is to get certified as a yoga instructor.

This year, I'm going to leave my current job and start my own business.

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Spend more time with family and friends

While some people want to focus on work, others may feel like their job is already taking too much of their time away from loved ones. For them, the new year is a chance to change their priorities.

My resolution is to spend more quality time with my kids.

I'm resolving to have a better work-life balance in the new year.

I almost never see my friends these days. I want to hang out with them more often this year.

Related Daily News lesson: Everyday Activities Are Better With Friends

Spend less time on social media

While apps like Instagram and TikTok can be fun, some people think they're unhealthy, especially for younger people. Therefore, resolutions to reduce time spent using them are common.

My resolution is to stop using Instagram after 4 pm.

My aunt is planning to delete Facebook on December 31st.

I want to reduce the time I spend scrolling on TikTok. It's a waste of time!

Related Daily News lesson: Social Media Is 'Stealing Childhood,' Says Danish PM

Start a new hobby or learn a new skill

Are you interested in skydiving, painting or learning a foreign language? What's stopped you from trying it? The new year is when many people decide to finally get started.

This year, I'm going to take an art class at my local community center.

My resolution is to complete a marathon.

My goal for this year is to finish writing my next novel.

Decorate or remodel a home

The beginning of the year is often when people decide to start a home improvement project. That could mean repairing a damaged part of their home or adding something new to it, such as a patio.

After talking about it forever, my wife and I are finally going to redo the basement this year.

My goal is to replace my kitchen cabinets, so I bought some power tools on Black Friday.

I'm planning to clean out my garage and turn it into a game room.

Related Daily News lesson: Add Joy to Your Home with 'Dopamine Decor'

Do volunteer or charity work

Even though most resolutions are focused on improving one's own life or health, some people decide to use their time and energy to help others in the new year.

I'm very lucky to have a comfortable life, so my resolution is to do more charity work in the new year.

I'm going to volunteer at the homeless shelter twice a month.

Related Daily News lesson: Man Skateboards from UK to Africa for Charity

Wrap-up

Have you made any resolutions for the new year? If so, we hope these examples will help you to talk about them with your friends or colleagues.

If improving your English is one of your goals, Engoo has friendly, experienced tutors who can help you.

It doesn't matter if you want to score better on a test or watch your favorite English movies without subtitles, there's a tutor ready to help you — so get started today!

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