2025年12月27日「モバイル英語学習」第900号(英語のエッセイ): Plan Smarter to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Notes
resolutions 新年の目標・決意;
achieve 達成する;
specific 具体的な;
motivated やる気を起こした;
repetition 繰り返し;


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2026 is coming soon, and many people make New Year’s resolutions. However, many people find that setting goals and achieving them is not easy. People often make resolutions to improve their health or happiness, but keeping them can be difficult. According to psychologist E.J. Masicampo, the key is not trying harder, but planning smarter. Goals are easier to achieve when they are clear and specific. For example, saying “I will go to the gym every Tuesday and Thursday after work” is more effective than saying “I will exercise more.” A good plan clearly shows when, how, and where you will take action. People feel motivated by new beginnings, such as a new year, but having too many goals can cause problems. It is better to focus on a few goals, accept small progress, and avoid comparing yourself with others on social media. To turn goals into habits, repetition is important. Doing the same action in the same situation makes it easier over time.

新年の目標を実現するための上手な計画の立て方
2026年がもうすぐやってきます。多くの人が新年の目標を立てます。しかし、目標を立てて、それを達成することは簡単ではないと感じる人も多いです。人々はよく、健康や幸せをよくするために目標を立てますが、それを続けるのは難しいことがあります。
心理学者のE.J.マシカンポによると、大切なのは「もっと頑張ること」ではなく、「よりよく計画すること」です。目標は、はっきりしていて具体的なほうが達成しやすくなります。たとえば、「もっと運動する」と言うよりも、「毎週火曜日と木曜日の仕事帰りにジムに行く」と言うほうが、より効果的です。よい計画は、いつ、どのように、どこで行動するのかをはっきり示します。
新しい年の始まりのような「新しいスタート」は、人のやる気を高めます。しかし、目標が多すぎると問題になることもあります。少ない目標に集中し、小さな進歩を大切にし、SNSで他の人と比べすぎないことが大切です。目標を習慣にするためには、繰り返しが重要です。同じ行動を同じ状況で続けることで、時間がたつにつれて、だんだん楽にできるようになります。
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Read the original article by Cheryl Walker at https://news.wfu.edu/2025/12/11/thinking-of-making-new-years-resolutions-the-trick-isnt-trying-harder-its-planning-smarter/.

2025年10月25日「モバイル英語学習」第891号(英語のエッセイ): Five Secrets Every College Student Should Keep

Notes:
discretion 慎重さ;
gossip うわさ話;
maturity 成熟;
definite 確定的
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In college life, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent is a key part of maturity. Some matters are best kept private to avoid misunderstanding and conflict.

Secret 1: Family Finances
Your family’s financial situation should stay confidential. Talking about it too freely can lead to unnecessary comparison or discomfort among friends.

Secret 2: Love Life
Your romantic relationships and emotions need discretion. Sharing too much may invite gossip or strain friendships.

Secret 3: Opinions of Others
Be careful when expressing opinions about teachers or classmates. Honest words can unintentionally damage relationships.

Secret 4: Mental Stress
If you feel mentally tired, speak to a counselor instead of peers. Not everyone can handle emotional discussions responsibly.

Secret 5: Future Plans
Keep future goals—like studying abroad or starting a business—quiet until they are definite.

In short, true growth means protecting your privacy and speaking wisely.
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