Understanding resolutions: Setting your language goals for success

Charlotte Guest
Students sitting outside a building chatting and smiling together
Reading time: 3 minutes

Millions of people make resolutions every New Year (or any significant milestone). Many learners set inspiring goals to acquire new skills, explore new academic fields, or develop better study habits. But how often do these resolutions stick? And how can you turn your learning-related goals into lasting habits? This post dives into the science of resolutions and practical strategies to make your learning commitments stick.

Why do learning resolutions fail?

Studies suggest that the majority of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. When it comes to learning, the reasons often include overly ambitious goals, lack of clear plans and failure to sustain motivation over time.

One main reason resolutions fail is that they are not specific enough. Goals like "get fit" or "learn a language" are too vague and don’t include steps to take. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel lost and lose motivation.

For example, it’s one thing to decide, “I’m going to learn French this year,” but without a structured plan, consistent practice and measurable benchmarks, the resolve often fizzles out.

Another factor is having unrealistic expectations. While it's good to be ambitious, setting too high goals can cause frustration and burnout. For example, trying to master a skill in just a few weeks ignores the time and effort needed to improve.

Distractions and other priorities can slow down progress. Life demands, like work or family, can easily push resolutions aside if they aren't included in everyday routines.

How long does it take to form a habit?

One key to sticking to a learning resolution is habit formation. Popular belief often quotes the “21-day rule,” but research says differently. A 2009 study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit.

However, this number varies based on personal factors, the difficulty of the habit and the surroundings. For instance, if your goal is to study for 20 minutes each day, it may feel more comfortable after a few weeks of practice. In contrast, picking up a harder learning habit, like spending two hours a day studying Mandarin grammar, could take much longer to become a regular part of your routine.

Strategies for making resolutions stick

1. Start small and specific

Instead of setting a big goal like “become fluent in Spanish," set smaller, easy-to-reach goals. For example, try "learn 10 new Spanish words each day" or “listen to one Spanish podcast each week.” This makes your goal seem less overwhelming and helps you feel accomplished over time.

Some studies suggest that mixing big-picture goals with small, specific ones can be a useful way to stay on track when working toward long-term objectives.

2. Use the power of routine

Connect your new learning habit with one you already do. This is called “habit stacking.” For example, if you have coffee every morning, decide to study for 15 minutes as you finish your drink. Linking the new habit to a routine you already have makes it more likely to stick.

3. Track your progress

Keeping track of your learning helps motivate you and shows where you can improve. Whether you check off lessons in a language learning app like Mondly by Pearson or write notes in a journal, seeing what you’ve accomplished keeps you interested.

4. Build accountability

Tell your friends, family, or study groups about your learning goals. When someone else knows your goal, it can help you stay on track. It’s even better to join a community of others who want to learn, like on social media or in online classes.

People who do well often set clear, achievable goals and share them with friends for support.

5. Reward yourself

Small rewards can go a long way toward maintaining motivation. Celebrate milestones with meaningful perks, such as a favorite treat, an afternoon off, or buying yourself a book on the subject you're learning.

6. Anticipate and plan for setbacks

Life happens—sometimes work is stressful or things go wrong. Remember that missing a day or getting behind doesn’t mean you've failed. Keep going by recognizing challenges and getting back to your study plan with fresh motivation.

7. Don’t fear failure

Mistakes are part of progress. Every mispronounced word or awkward conversation is a step closer to fluency.

8. Reassess and adjust goals

If your language learning plan isn’t working, change it. If weekly goals seem too much, try monthly goals instead. The key is flexibility.

The reward of resolutions

Keeping resolutions can be tough, but the benefits are great. Picture yourself reading a book in your target language, traveling more easily, or making stronger friendships with people from different cultures. With determination and these tips, you can achieve your language learning goals.

Start today - Whether it's January or June, it's never too late to set new goals. Draft a language learning plan, break it into small steps, and watch as each day brings you closer to your destination.

Learn a new language with Mondly by Pearson

More blogs from Pearson

  • A group of teenage students having a classroom discussion
    5 Strategies for teaching mixed-ability secondary students
    By Anna Roslaniec
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    No two teenagers are exactly alike. In every secondary classroom, you'll find a wide range of English proficiency levels, learning styles, motivation and personalities. This diversity brings both challenges and opportunities, especially when teaching mixed-ability classes. By adapting your teaching strategies, you can ensure that all students experience success and remain engaged in their language learning journey.

    Here are five practical strategies for teaching mixed-ability secondary students.

  • An older couple, one giving the other a bouquet of roses.
    Valentine's-themed English words and their origins
    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Valentine’s Day is a time to share kind words, sweet messages and warm feelings. If you are learning English, this is also a great time to learn new love-related words. Many of these words have interesting histories. Some come from Old English, others arrived from Latin or French. When you know where a word comes from, it can be easier to remember and use it.

    This post gives you a simple list of common Valentine words and their origins, plus a few with unusual stories. Read the short explanations, say the words out loud and try a few example sentences.

    Core Valentine and love words

    Valentine

    From Latin "Valentinus", based on "valens", meaning “strong” or “healthy.” The day is named after Saint Valentine. A “valentine” can be the card you send or the person you love.

    Love

    One of the oldest English words. In Old English, it was "lufu". It is related to German "Liebe" and Dutch "liefde". It has always meant strong feeling and care.

    Heart

    From Old English "heorte". The heart is a symbol of emotion. The heart shape in art comes from medieval ideas about feeling, not the real organ’s shape.

    Romance

    From Old French "romans". It first meant stories in Romance languages (from Latin). Later, it became linked with love stories and strong feelings.

    Cupid

    From Latin Cupido, meaning “desire.” In Roman myth, Cupid is the god who makes people fall in love with his arrows. Today, he is a friendly symbol on cards.

    Terms of affection and relationships

    Sweetheart

    Made from two old words: "sweet" + "heart". It appeared in Middle English from Old English roots. English often creates new ideas by joining simple words.

    Darling

    From Old English "deorling", meaning “dear little one” or “beloved.” Today, it is a soft, caring way to speak to someone you love.

    Beau

    From French "beau", meaning “handsome.” In English, a beau is a boyfriend or a male admirer, often in an older or formal style. It is pronounced “boh”. Plural: beaux or beaus.

    Fiancé/fiancée

    From French. Traditionally, "fiancé" is male and "fiancée" is female, but many people now use fiancé for anyone engaged to marry. The accent marks show the French origin.

    Paramour

    From Old French "par amour", “through love.” In English, a paramour is a lover, often secret. It shows how words can carry both romance and mystery.

    Dating and romantic behavior

    Date

    In the 19th century, American English started using "date" for a social meeting. The idea comes from marking a day on a calendar. To date means to spend romantic time together.

    Adore

    From Latin "adorare", through French. To adore means to love deeply and to respect. You can adore a person or a song.

    Smitten

    From the verb "smite", Old English smitan, “to strike.” If you are smitten, love has “struck” you. This is a strong, playful way to say you fell in love.

    Flirt

    Probably from a word meaning “to flick” or “to move quickly.” Over time, it came to mean playful romantic behavior. The exact origin is not certain, which makes it an interesting mystery word.

    Tryst

    A Scots word for a fixed meeting or appointment. Today, a tryst is a secret or private romantic meeting. It keeps the feeling of “an agreed time to meet.”

    Serenade

    From Italian "serenata", “an evening song,” from a word meaning “calm, clear.” To serenade is to sing or play music to someone you love, often at night.

    Gifts, beauty and attraction

    Bouquet

    Another French word, meaning “a bunch of flowers.” A bouquet of roses is a classic Valentine’s gift. You can also use a bouquet for birthdays and celebrations.

    Glamour

    From a Scottish form of "grammar". Long ago, grammar also meant learning and sometimes “magic.” Glamour became the word for a special, almost magical beauty or charm.

    Chivalry

    From Old French "chevalerie", related to cheval, “horse.” It first meant the way of knights on horseback. Later, it became the idea of polite, noble behavior, especially toward others in romance.

    Marriage and commitment

    Wedding, bride, and (bride)groom

    Wedding comes from Old English "weddian", “to pledge.” Bride is from Old English bryd. Groom, in bridegroom, was once "guma", an old word for “man.” Over time, it changed to the familiar groom.

    Troth and betrothed

    Troth comes from Old English "treowth", meaning “truth,” “faith,” or “loyal promise.” To “plight one’s troth” means “to promise to marry.” Betrothed means “engaged to marry,” from be- + troth.

    Honeymoon

    "Sweet" + "moon". "Honey" suggests the sweet time after the wedding, and "moon" suggests a month. Long ago, some couples drank honey wine (mead) in the first month of marriage. Today, a honeymoon is the trip after the wedding.

    Now you know some new Valentine’s words and where they come from. Use them to share feelings, write messages, and enjoy the season. Make sure to practice: put each word into a simple sentence and practice saying it aloud. You can also make small flashcards and review them for a few minutes each day.

  • Two business people standing together drawing on a notepad
    From first chat to offer letter: how PTE English simplifies admissions for international students
    By Alice Bazzi
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Every step in the admissions process matters. For students, the journey from initial counselling to receiving an offer letter can feel overwhelming. For agents, delays and complications can often lead to missed deadlines and opportunities lost. The good news? PTE Express has recently been introduced and is designed to remove friction at every stage, making the process faster, simpler and more reliable for everyone involved.

    What slows down admissions success?

    Traditional English testing often introduces unnecessary friction. Students may have to travel to test centers, wait weeks for results or navigate complex booking systems. These delays create stress and a level of uncertainty, especially with international studies as there will be strict timelines. Agents know that every day counts; when scores do not arrive on time, applications stall, and the risk of students losing their place increases.