Any Plans to Turn Over a New Leaf?

Have you promised to turn over a new leaf , and break some bad habits, or develop some good habits in 2012? You are not alone. Every year millions of people around the world make New Years resolutions to lose weight, start exercising, quit smoking, spend more time with their family, or even study harder.

A New Year's resolution is a promise to yourself to improve your life in some way. You can improve your life by starting something new, by trying harder at something, by cutting down on something, or even quitting something OR  you can just keep doing what you are doing now. 

When did it start?  

The idea of making New Year's resolutions is not a new one. Although historians don't agree on exactly when the concept first began, one theory is that the tradition began in 2,000 BC ( before the Christian era) in Babylon. Apparently the ancient Babylonians celebrated New Year's on March 23, and marked the day by returning something borrowed from neighbours the previous year.

In 154 BCE the Romans decided to be different and declared January 1 the first day of the new year instead of March as before. At this time the Romans began the custom of making new year's resolutions by promising to be good to others.

So.....how about you?

What are YOUR goals or resolutions for this year? 

Since this is a blog aimed at helping you to learn, or improve your English, have you thought of making New Year's resolutions aimed at improving specific English skills?  How about using some of your newly learned vocabulary immediately as soon as you leave class?  Why not try speaking to more English speakers at the park, the community centre, or in the cashier's line-up.

In my next blog, I will discuss some ways to make your New Year's resolutions realistic and achievable. In  the meantime, try out this resolution generator Resolution Generator from Monin Verlarde.

Just for fun, have a look at  Top 10 Resolutions for 2012