Set Your 2025 Goals with the SMART Method

As 2025 begins, many people are setting resolutions for the new year. But let’s be honest—how often do those resolutions stick? Personally, I’ve found resolutions to be too broad, leading to frustration and abandonment before February even begins. Instead, I prefer to set goals using the SMART method, which helps me stay focused and motivated throughout the year. Let me share how you can use the SMART method to improve your English skills and how I can help you along the way.

What is the SMART Method?

The SMART method breaks goals down into five key attributes: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely (or Time-Bound). Let’s look at how this works with language learning and some examples of lessons you can use to achieve your goals.

1. Specific: Make the Goal Clear

When setting a goal, make it as specific as possible. A vague resolution like “I want to get better at English” is hard to follow through on because it lacks focus. Instead, try something like:

• Specific Goal Example: “I want to improve my listening and speaking skills to feel more confident in conversations.”

For this goal, you could book Mini Let's Have Fun with a Video lessons. In this session, we’ll watch a video, work on vocabulary, and have discussions to practice your listening and speaking skills.

2. Measurable: Track Your Progress

To stay motivated, it’s important to measure your progress. Think about how you can quantify your improvement.

• Measurable Goal Example: “I want to learn 10 new vocabulary words every week and use them in a conversation.”

We could use the Mini Variety Picture This lesson to help you practice these new words. By describing pictures, you’ll not only learn new vocabulary but also immediately apply it in context, making it easier to track your progress.

3. Achievable: Be Realistic

While it’s great to aim high, setting a goal that’s too big can lead to discouragement. Break it down into smaller steps that feel manageable.

• Achievable Goal Example: “I will read one short English article every week and discuss it with my tutor.”

In our Learn English with ENGOO NEWS lesson, you can choose an article that interests you. Together, we’ll work on your reading, vocabulary, and discussion skills. A single article per week is a realistic and steady step toward improvement.

4. Relevant: Focus on What Matters

Think about why you’re setting the goal. Will it help you in your daily life, career, or personal interests? Connecting your goal to something meaningful makes it more motivating.

• Relevant Goal Example: “I want to improve my speaking skills to feel confident during work presentations.”

For this goal, Quick Questions is a fantastic lesson. The quick question format encourages you to think and speak spontaneously, preparing you for real-life situations like answering questions in a meeting.

5. Timely: Set a Schedule

Goals need deadlines to create urgency and structure. Without a timeline, it’s easy to lose track of progress. Give your goal a deadline!

• Timely Goal Example: “By the end of June, I will have completed 10 lessons focused on listening and speaking.”

We can create a schedule together, incorporating a mix of lessons like Mini Let's Have Fun with a Video and Quick Questions to keep your sessions diverse and engaging. Having a timeline keeps the goal manageable and allows us to celebrate milestones along the way.

Final Thoughts

Setting SMART goals transforms vague resolutions into actionable steps. As your tutor, I’m here to help you choose the right lessons, stay on track, and celebrate your progress. Let’s work together to make 2025 the year you achieve your English learning goals!

What’s your first SMART goal for the year? Let me know, and we’ll plan the perfect lessons to help you reach it.