Speaking Activities (A2–B2): Why Not Setting Goals for 2026 Is Also a Choice

photo from Adithya Ghose

Speaking Activity – A2 

Why I don’t make New Year’s goals

Warm-up questions

• Do you make New Year’s goals?

• Yes / No / Sometimes

Useful language

• I don’t make New Year’s goals because…

• They make me feel stressed.

• January is a difficult month for me.

• I prefer small changes.

• Big goals feel hard.

Speaking prompts

• I don’t make New Year’s goals because ______.

• Goals make me feel ______.

• In January, I prefer to ______.

• One small change I like is ______.

Interaction

• Share your answers with a partner.

• Respond with:

  • Me too.

  • I understand.

  • That makes sense.

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Speaking Activity – A2 

Small changes instead of goals

• Are big goals easy or difficult for you?

Useful language

• I prefer small changes.

• Small changes feel easier.

• I don’t like pressure.

• I change little by little.

Speaking prompts

• Instead of goals, I prefer ______.

• One small change I enjoy is ______.

• Big goals are difficult because ______.

• I feel better when I ______.

Interaction

• Speak in pairs.

• Ask follow-up questions:

  • Why?

  • When?

  • How often?

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Speaking Activity – B2 

Choosing not to set New Year’s goals

Discussion questions

• Why do many people feel pressured to set New Year’s goals?

• What emotions are usually connected to New Year’s resolutions?

• Can goals sometimes be more harmful than helpful?

Useful language

• I’ve decided not to set New Year’s goals because…

• They often create unnecessary pressure.

• I don’t believe change needs a fixed date.

• I prefer a more flexible approach.

Speaking prompts

• One reason I stopped setting New Year’s goals is…

• In my experience, goals can sometimes…

• I feel more motivated when change feels…

• A flexible mindset helps me because…

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Speaking Activity – B2 

Intentions, rhythms and personal timing

• Do you think progress needs deadlines? Why or why not?

Useful language

• I focus on intentions rather than goals.

• Progress is not always linear.

• Everyone has their own rhythm.

• Growth happens over time.

Speaking prompts

• Instead of goals, I focus on intentions such as…

• Deadlines can be useful, but they can also…

• My personal rhythm works best when…

• A healthier relationship with progress means…

Follow-up discussion

• Do you agree or disagree with your partner?

• Did any idea change your perspective?