Is this the year you resolve to improve your English? To achieve the TOEIC or TOEFL score that you want, or need?
In western countries many people begin the year by making New Years resolutions (NYR). A resolution is a decision and a declaration to do or achieve something during the year. The most common NYRs are to quit smoking, lose weight, get into (physical) shape, get a new job or the like. [The US government has compiled a list of the most popular NYRs] So often people make these resolutions but they quickly fade into memories - sometimes in the first week!
The beginning of a new year is a common time to set new goals - new year = new life and a fresh start. Though, for many, this is a forced start. I believe you can and should make resolutions and set goals when the time is right for you, and not to match a date on the calendar. It is important to be honest with yourself and know what is needed to achieve these goals before setting out. As well, if you are truly serious and achieving goals it is really helpful to tell people - friends and family - this way you have peer pressure and are more likely to be held to your stated goals.
Well, that's one of the things we do in the west.... in many east Asian cultures, the new year ushers in a new animal in the Chinese zodiac...
The Year of the Rat
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Read more about the rat and the Chinese zodiac on Wikipedia.
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