As spring starts to show its colors in the UK, we’re already deep into the new year. Some of us might be making progress on our goals set at the beginning of the year. While the start of the year is typically seen as a time for fresh starts and resolutions, any time is a good time to make changes and set new goals.
You might be already working on the goals you set for yourself earlier, or you might be reviewing and adjusting your plans as the seasons change. Whether you’re starting new habits, chasing after long-held dreams, or simply aiming to grow and improve, spring is a great time for making changes and renewing yourself.
As we go through this year, let’s learn some common phrases that express starting anew, setting goals, and embracing positive changes in our lives.
How to talk about an end to something negative or challenging
Come through a difficult period
- When you’ve faced tough times and have come out of it stronger, you can say you’ve come through those challenges. For example, I’ve come through a difficult year, and I’m ready for a fresh start.
Leave something behind
- To leave something behind means to stop doing or thinking about something that has been troubling you. For instance, It’s time to leave behind the stress of the past year and focus on the future.
How to talk about setting new objectives
Break down goals
Breaking down goals means dividing big objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks, e.g. I’m going to break down my career goals into smaller steps to make them achievable.
Set out plans/steps
This phrase implies that you’re laying out a clear plan or strategy, e.g. In the new year, I’ll set out the steps needed to achieve my fitness goals.
How to talk about restarting something
Get back into something
If you’re returning to an activity or a hobby you used to enjoy, you can say you’re getting back into it. For example, this year, I want to get back into dancing again.
Catch up on things
To catch up means to do something you haven’t had the chance to do for a while, e.g. I need to catch up on my reading over the weekend.
Catch up with someone
Catch up can also mean reconnecting with friends or people you haven’t seen in a long time, e.g. Let’s catch up with each other soon – it’s been ages.
How to talk about starting something new
Get into something, or take up something
When you start a new hobby or activity, you can say you’re getting into it, or taking it up. For example, this year, I’m planning to take up photography as a new hobby. You could also say, this year, I’m going to try to get into photography.
Take on challenges
To take something on means to accept or embrace new challenges or responsibilities. For example, I’m ready to take on new challenges in my career in 2024.
Set aside (time/money) for
If you set aside money or time for something, you are putting or saving it somewhere so you can use it for a specific purpose. For example, I’m setting aside time tonight so I can apply for some new jobs; I’m setting aside money so I can finally fix my phone screen.
As we enter into a new season, think of it as a great time to grow as a person and make positive changes in your life. By using these everyday phrases in your conversations, you can talk about your hopes and plans for the months ahead more clearly. Feel confident about this fresh start and let it bring you renewed energy and success!
Find out how learning with SMART goals can help you in 2024.
What New Year’s resolutions did you set at the beginning of the year? How are you doing with these? Share your ideas below using the language above.
Activity
Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence.
1. As we step into the new year, it’s important to _____ any negative thoughts or habits that hold us back.
A) leave behind
B) get back into
C) take on
2. She decided to _____ a plan for her fitness journey, including a daily workout schedule and a nutrition plan.
A) give up
B) set out
C) catch up on
3. They decided to _____ gardening as a relaxing and rewarding hobby.
A) take up
B) save up for
C) catch up with
4. To achieve their financial goals, they regularly _____ a portion of their income for savings and investments.
A) get into
B) draw up
C) set aside
5. After years of smoking, Ali decided to _____ cigarettes to improve his health and wellbeing.
A) catch up on
B) give up
C) break down
6. Before starting a new project, it’s essential to _____ a detailed plan outlining the tasks and deadlines.
A) get into
B) save up for
C) draw up
Answers
1 A
2 B
3 A
4 C
5 B
6 C
Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known assessment titles, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development training platform and podcast. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.
Wonderful topic and activity. Thanks for this useful material.
Best, Teacher Mercedes.