The Readers’ Corner – Advanced Modules

In this Readers’ Corner, we´ll find out a little bit more about some research done based on the popular tradition of New Year’s resolutions around the globe. Are you the type of person who makes resolutions? Read and discover how common it is for people to give up on their resolutions!

The Odds of Fulfilling Your Resolutions

The start of every New Year is when we all make plans to change our life for the better over the forthcoming twelve months. Psychiatrist Jayashri Kulkarni says: “January 1st is a ‘magical’ date and a vow made on this day is much more powerful than one made on, let’s say, another random day like August 26th.” So, we all make a list of things to quit, start or change. Unfortunately, most of those promises are, more often than not, broken by January 31st. They are usually the identical resolutions that were not fulfilled from the previous year, and the years prior to that. It is believed that people tend to make the same resolutions year after year, even though they have a hard time sticking to them.

Various research shows 45% of us making New Year’s resolutions. The most common vows include losing weight, volunteering to help others, quitting smoking, saving money, and getting fit. Others include eating healthier food, drinking less alcohol, going on a trip, and even learning a new language. However, research also shows that most of us are not so good at fulfilling these. A study from the University of Scranton (USA) reveals that 71% of us stick to our annual promises for the first two weeks; six months later, less than 50% are still on track to keep their resolutions. Most people who give up on their resolutions do so because of a lack of willpower and the use of the “escape clause” that they will “try again next year.”

Answer the questions according to the reading.

1.- According to Psychiatrist Kulkrani, how is January 1st defined?

2.- When are these resolutions broken?

3.- What percentage of people make New Year’s resolutions according to the reading?

4.- What does the study from the University of Scranton reveal?

5.- What excuse do people use according to the last part of the reading?

Vocabulary.

-forthcoming: planned for or about to happen in the near future.

-vow: a solemn promise.

-fulfilled: happy because of fully developing one’s abilities.

-sticking: to remain effective.

-give up: cease making an effort.

-lack: the state of being without or not having enough of something.

-willpower: control applied to do something.

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